Posted on: Tuesday, December 17, 2002

EDITORIAL
Powell's reform program offers hope to Mideast

It has long been clear that the final solution to the threat of terrorism is not to wage "war" against it, but to eliminate the root causes that make terrorism possible.

Now, there is no chance that poverty and hopelessness will be eliminated overnight in those regions where terrorism breeds.

But long range, we have to attack the root causes of terrorism.

That's why it is so encouraging to hear Secretary of State Colin Powell announce a program that will aid Arab nations develop and reform their economic, political and educational systems.

The initial money proposed, around $29 million, is more than modest. But the thought goes in the right direction.

Powell may have been responding in part to a report from a group of Arab intellectuals this summer that concluded their nations were falling behind because of a lack of schooling, opportunities for women and young people and a lack of political freedom.

The Bush administration promises that this effort to support reforms will not be imposed by the United States, but rather will be based on what the Middle Eastern nations feel they need.

Handled with good will, this program could be the start of an important element in our "war" on terrorism that will have more impact than any number of bombs and bullets.