William S. Cohen, who was the American Defense Minister during Bill Clinton government between the years of 1997-2001 and who has played an important role in Iraq’s reconstruction with the Cohen Group which he is still the head of, along with being a politician and a businessman, although being under the shadow his other identities, is also a writer. With his last book ‘Abluka’ (Die Verschwörer) that was published by the Timaş Publications in Turkey, joining his political background with his abilities as a writer, has put his signature under a political fiction that needs to be underlined. Cohen, although saying ‘I reflected my imagination, this is just a fiction’, ‘like America’ siege of China and Russia’, is taking up a matter that is hard to isolate from its own identity. Cohen answered our questions about his novel which interprets the world politics stage and contains parallelism with what’s going on at the present time and also answered our questions about the current world issues.
Mossad and Mossad agent Elena are the first to help to the book's main character Micheal Santini against the conspiracies. There is a strong alliance between America and Israel then. In this case how will the Palestine matter be resolved? Is it Palestine only to be blamed?
The Palestinians have no role in the novel and are not the subject of blame for any action contained in the story. Mossad does not help the novel's main character. Elena is one of its agents, but she acts on her own and without authorization in helping Michael Santini.
There is a conspiracy against America that is formed in China's and Russia's alliance in the book. How objective were you in this regard? When we look at the world politics; the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, the revolutions in the leadership of Soros, the anti-revolutions in Uzbekistan make it seem like as if there are some schemes, conspiracies being prepared by America against Russia and China.
As I have indicated previously, neither China nor Russia are engaged in a conspiracy against the U.S. The rogue general and the oligarch are not supported by their governments and do not reflect anything but their own personal agendas. The U.S. has declared openly that it believes that in a world threatened by transnational terrorism, the flourishing of democracies will help the modern world prevail in the war that must be waged against terrorists.
Can we associate some of the characters in the book with the ones in real life? For example like Wladamir Berzin and Putin?
The characters in the novel are fictional and are not intended to represent any individuals, past or present.
For someone who has been a defense minister what is the reason for you to use the secret service elements this often?
I think that it's fair to say that virtually all defense ministers look to the intelligence community for information and to some form of professional service to protect them.
One can't help but think and question whether America is in the rush of preventing China's raising power. How much of a threat is China for America? Is it or is it not?
China will continue to emerge as an economic and military power. Our goal should be used to engage China in a constructive diplomatic process that maintains peace and stability. Treating China as an enemy would only bring about a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The Chinese Defense Minister is a good character but the Chinese generals and the Russian oligarchy are all bad. Are the one who look at America from a positive perspective good and the ones who don't are bad?
There is not attempt in the novel to suggest that the characters must be judged as good or bad according to their views about America. There are bad people in this world who admire America and there are good people who don't.
How should we read this book according to you? Should we just say it's a novel or are there real issues, elements in it?
It should be read as a work of fiction. As with most novels, there are some facts woven into the tissue of the author's imagination.
Why isn't Turkey never mentioned in the book?
For the same reason that no mention is made of Jordan, Egypt, Poland or a hundred other countries. The story was not intended to serve as an encyclopedia.
Why did someone like you who has power and money, felt the need to write a novel like that?
Writing has been a hobby, one that I started during my college days.
If you were the president of The US, what would your Palestinian policy be like? And how would you handle your policy with the Israelis considering the strength of the lobby in Washington? How do you feel about the current ‘roadmap for peace’?
I am a strong supporter of President Bush's "road map." I have been working to promote support for the creation of a separate state for Palestine that will live in peace with its neighbor, Israel. In fact, just last week while in New York City, I appeared on a panel with Osman Faruk Logoglu, Turkey's Ambassador to the U.S. and urged that we continue to support a two state solution.
What are your feelings of Mr. Bush's unilateral decision to democratize the Middle East? A winning or losing proposal? Do you believe that the greater Middle East Initiative Project would actually create democracy in the region? Considering the latest events, how do you see the future of Iraq and Middle East?
The question of whether the U.S. was right in seeking to transform the Middle East from dictatorships or authoritarian governments to democracies remains controversial. At this point since we have approximately one hundred and fifty thousand troops in Iraq helping to stabilize the country while the new government writes its constitution, our goal must be to complete the transformation process. Allowing the insurgents to prevail would result in an all-out civil war, one which has the potential to destabilize the entire Gulf region.
While the US has been calling for democratic reforms in Middle East, in the aftermath of the recent bloody crackdown in Uzbekistan, the US kept its criticism of Kerimov’s repressive regime to a low level. What do you think the reason was behind this?
I am not in a position to judge the Administration's position on this issue.
It is widely and often discussed that Turkey would provide a perfect model for the rest of the Muslim world that Islam and democracy are compatible. US Politicians are the ones who emphasize this point more often. Do you think that Turkey has this potential? If she has, do you think that the US is doing what needs to be done on its part to protect this model? It is claimed that Turkey has not been receiving enough support from the US on the issues such as PKK and Cyprus, what would your opinion be on this?
The U.S. has been in the forefront urging that the EU open its doors to Turkey. In fact, our advocacy has provoked criticism from the Europeans that we have been trampling on their sovereign prerogatives. We remain steadfast in our conviction that Turkey is a modern Muslim country that is democratic and that it would be beneficial for the EU to support its admission.
What is your personal view of Iran? What would you say for the hard-line policy Bush government has been pursuing against Iran and Syria? Are not they any other options for the integration of these countries to western block, rather than talking tough?
For a number of years, Iran has maintained a covert program to develop nuclear weapons. Most nations are convinced that a nuclear-armed Iran would not serve the interests of peace and stability in the region. The EU has been attempting to persuade Iran to forgo any plans for obtaining or developing nuclear weapons. The United States has shown a willingness to support a diplomatic approach to this security challenge, but it wants to be sure that Iran understands that there are 'sticks" (or consequences) that would flow from any breach of an agreement should one be reached. We should reach out to Syria and attempt to encourage it to join the international community as a modern society. That goal cannot be achieved if Syria, through its military or intelligence apparatus, continues to support elements that have proved either dominating or destabilizing to its neighbors.
Who is William Sebastian Cohen?
William S. Cohen (born August 28, 1940) is a Republican politician from Maine who served as a United States Secretary of Defense under President Clinton. Born in Bangor, Maine, Cohen attended public school, receiving his B.A. from Bowdoin College in Brunswick; and his law degree from Boston University. An attorney and law professor before entering politics, Cohen was elected to Bangor City Council (1969-1972). He was also elected to the Bangor School Board (1970-1971) and then Mayor of Bangor in 1971. In 1972 he ran successfully for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Democrat Bill Hathaway. After three terms in the United States House of Representatives, he was elected to the United States Senate in 1978, defeating Bill Hathaway in his first bid for reelection. Cohen went on to be reelected in 1984 and 1990 and served from 1979 to 1997. Both of Maine's current senators, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, worked for him. Snowe worked for him while he was in the House and Collins while he was in the Senate. Cohen retired from the Senate in 1996 and Collins was elected to succeed him. Cohen and President ClintonFrom 1997 to 2001, Cohen served as Secretary of Defense in the cabinet of President Bill Clinton, who was from the rival Democratic Party. As Defense Secretary he played a large role in directing the United States military actions in Iraq and Kosovo, including the dismissal of Wesley Clark from his post as NATO Supreme Allied Commander. Cohen is also the author of several books, including mysteries, poetry, and (with George Mitchell) an analysis of the Iran-contra affair. Michael Moore spent an episode of his television show The Awful Truth chasing after Cohen to ask him whether his poetry-writing made him too much of a "wimp" to run the Pentagon. Cohen is currently head of an international business consulting firm located in Washington D.C. called the Cohen Group. His second wife is former Black Entertainment Television commentator Janet Langhart.
Ali Çimen06 July 2005, İstanbul
Click here to read the interview on TodaysZaman
Click here to return to the main page
Mossad and Mossad agent Elena are the first to help to the book's main character Micheal Santini against the conspiracies. There is a strong alliance between America and Israel then. In this case how will the Palestine matter be resolved? Is it Palestine only to be blamed?
The Palestinians have no role in the novel and are not the subject of blame for any action contained in the story. Mossad does not help the novel's main character. Elena is one of its agents, but she acts on her own and without authorization in helping Michael Santini.
There is a conspiracy against America that is formed in China's and Russia's alliance in the book. How objective were you in this regard? When we look at the world politics; the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, the revolutions in the leadership of Soros, the anti-revolutions in Uzbekistan make it seem like as if there are some schemes, conspiracies being prepared by America against Russia and China.
As I have indicated previously, neither China nor Russia are engaged in a conspiracy against the U.S. The rogue general and the oligarch are not supported by their governments and do not reflect anything but their own personal agendas. The U.S. has declared openly that it believes that in a world threatened by transnational terrorism, the flourishing of democracies will help the modern world prevail in the war that must be waged against terrorists.
Can we associate some of the characters in the book with the ones in real life? For example like Wladamir Berzin and Putin?
The characters in the novel are fictional and are not intended to represent any individuals, past or present.
For someone who has been a defense minister what is the reason for you to use the secret service elements this often?
I think that it's fair to say that virtually all defense ministers look to the intelligence community for information and to some form of professional service to protect them.
One can't help but think and question whether America is in the rush of preventing China's raising power. How much of a threat is China for America? Is it or is it not?
China will continue to emerge as an economic and military power. Our goal should be used to engage China in a constructive diplomatic process that maintains peace and stability. Treating China as an enemy would only bring about a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The Chinese Defense Minister is a good character but the Chinese generals and the Russian oligarchy are all bad. Are the one who look at America from a positive perspective good and the ones who don't are bad?
There is not attempt in the novel to suggest that the characters must be judged as good or bad according to their views about America. There are bad people in this world who admire America and there are good people who don't.
How should we read this book according to you? Should we just say it's a novel or are there real issues, elements in it?
It should be read as a work of fiction. As with most novels, there are some facts woven into the tissue of the author's imagination.
Why isn't Turkey never mentioned in the book?
For the same reason that no mention is made of Jordan, Egypt, Poland or a hundred other countries. The story was not intended to serve as an encyclopedia.
Why did someone like you who has power and money, felt the need to write a novel like that?
Writing has been a hobby, one that I started during my college days.
If you were the president of The US, what would your Palestinian policy be like? And how would you handle your policy with the Israelis considering the strength of the lobby in Washington? How do you feel about the current ‘roadmap for peace’?
I am a strong supporter of President Bush's "road map." I have been working to promote support for the creation of a separate state for Palestine that will live in peace with its neighbor, Israel. In fact, just last week while in New York City, I appeared on a panel with Osman Faruk Logoglu, Turkey's Ambassador to the U.S. and urged that we continue to support a two state solution.
What are your feelings of Mr. Bush's unilateral decision to democratize the Middle East? A winning or losing proposal? Do you believe that the greater Middle East Initiative Project would actually create democracy in the region? Considering the latest events, how do you see the future of Iraq and Middle East?
The question of whether the U.S. was right in seeking to transform the Middle East from dictatorships or authoritarian governments to democracies remains controversial. At this point since we have approximately one hundred and fifty thousand troops in Iraq helping to stabilize the country while the new government writes its constitution, our goal must be to complete the transformation process. Allowing the insurgents to prevail would result in an all-out civil war, one which has the potential to destabilize the entire Gulf region.
While the US has been calling for democratic reforms in Middle East, in the aftermath of the recent bloody crackdown in Uzbekistan, the US kept its criticism of Kerimov’s repressive regime to a low level. What do you think the reason was behind this?
I am not in a position to judge the Administration's position on this issue.
It is widely and often discussed that Turkey would provide a perfect model for the rest of the Muslim world that Islam and democracy are compatible. US Politicians are the ones who emphasize this point more often. Do you think that Turkey has this potential? If she has, do you think that the US is doing what needs to be done on its part to protect this model? It is claimed that Turkey has not been receiving enough support from the US on the issues such as PKK and Cyprus, what would your opinion be on this?
The U.S. has been in the forefront urging that the EU open its doors to Turkey. In fact, our advocacy has provoked criticism from the Europeans that we have been trampling on their sovereign prerogatives. We remain steadfast in our conviction that Turkey is a modern Muslim country that is democratic and that it would be beneficial for the EU to support its admission.
What is your personal view of Iran? What would you say for the hard-line policy Bush government has been pursuing against Iran and Syria? Are not they any other options for the integration of these countries to western block, rather than talking tough?
For a number of years, Iran has maintained a covert program to develop nuclear weapons. Most nations are convinced that a nuclear-armed Iran would not serve the interests of peace and stability in the region. The EU has been attempting to persuade Iran to forgo any plans for obtaining or developing nuclear weapons. The United States has shown a willingness to support a diplomatic approach to this security challenge, but it wants to be sure that Iran understands that there are 'sticks" (or consequences) that would flow from any breach of an agreement should one be reached. We should reach out to Syria and attempt to encourage it to join the international community as a modern society. That goal cannot be achieved if Syria, through its military or intelligence apparatus, continues to support elements that have proved either dominating or destabilizing to its neighbors.
Who is William Sebastian Cohen?
William S. Cohen (born August 28, 1940) is a Republican politician from Maine who served as a United States Secretary of Defense under President Clinton. Born in Bangor, Maine, Cohen attended public school, receiving his B.A. from Bowdoin College in Brunswick; and his law degree from Boston University. An attorney and law professor before entering politics, Cohen was elected to Bangor City Council (1969-1972). He was also elected to the Bangor School Board (1970-1971) and then Mayor of Bangor in 1971. In 1972 he ran successfully for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Democrat Bill Hathaway. After three terms in the United States House of Representatives, he was elected to the United States Senate in 1978, defeating Bill Hathaway in his first bid for reelection. Cohen went on to be reelected in 1984 and 1990 and served from 1979 to 1997. Both of Maine's current senators, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, worked for him. Snowe worked for him while he was in the House and Collins while he was in the Senate. Cohen retired from the Senate in 1996 and Collins was elected to succeed him. Cohen and President ClintonFrom 1997 to 2001, Cohen served as Secretary of Defense in the cabinet of President Bill Clinton, who was from the rival Democratic Party. As Defense Secretary he played a large role in directing the United States military actions in Iraq and Kosovo, including the dismissal of Wesley Clark from his post as NATO Supreme Allied Commander. Cohen is also the author of several books, including mysteries, poetry, and (with George Mitchell) an analysis of the Iran-contra affair. Michael Moore spent an episode of his television show The Awful Truth chasing after Cohen to ask him whether his poetry-writing made him too much of a "wimp" to run the Pentagon. Cohen is currently head of an international business consulting firm located in Washington D.C. called the Cohen Group. His second wife is former Black Entertainment Television commentator Janet Langhart.
Ali Çimen06 July 2005, İstanbul
Click here to read the interview on TodaysZaman
Click here to return to the main page
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