Ray Close, CIA veteran and former Saudi Arabia station chief.

The United States has been pursuing a strategy of aggressive confrontation, even preemptive intervention, to protect American interests around the globe. As a consequence, many people at home and abroad interpret our actions to be those of an old-fashioned imperialist power. Is this an unfair and inaccurate characterization of America's motives? Ray Close, 26- year CIA veteran and former Saudi Arabia station chief, examines recent actions and considers how our government might deal more effectively with the many choices that still lie ahead.