The U.S. president must seek harmony, not discord.

George W. Bush was sworn in for a second term at the U.S. presidential inauguration ceremony Thursday. In his speech, he repeatedly spoke about American ideals of spreading freedom and democracy throughout the world.

``The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands,'' Bush said. ``It is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. ... We will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary.''

Although he avoided naming names, Bush hinted that the United States will readily stand up to overthrow dictatorships.

Some tyrants may have been concerned, and some people suffering under oppression may have welcomed his words. Most listeners around the world, however, were probably thinking about the reality of Iraq and praying that the same mistakes would not be repeated.

The British Broadcasting Corp. conducted an opinion poll in 21 countries from last November through this month. The results show that a majority of people in 16 countries including major U.S. allies such as Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada, believe that the world has become more dangerous since Bush was re-elected.

A Los Angeles Times survey shows that only 39 percent of Americans think that the war in Iraq is worth the effort, a record-low support rate.

There is a large credibility gap between the president's proud talk of ``ideals'' and the ground upon which he stands. Over the last four years the Bush administration has created divisions around the world and rifts even in American society, throwing a pessimistic cloud over the next four years.

Few people disagree with the importance of freedom and democracy, and we do not deny the role that the United States is playing to achieve these goals. However, if military muscle is used without the support of the United Nations and cooperation with allied nations, the action tends to be self-serving.

In his inaugural address 44 years ago, President John F. Kennedy said, ``We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.'' He continued, ``United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do.''

Though the world today is different than it was during the Cold War, such humbleness is still required to win global empathy.

If Bush continues the attitude of his first term through his second, rifts will grow with European nations, where rising integration is creating a push for greater independence from U.S. policy.

As for help in attaining democracy in other nations, Bush said, ``America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling.'' That must mean that he will place importance on the unique situation in every country, and we shall remember this pledge.

Just before Bush took the oath, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that Bush has learned that military power is not the only way to fight terrorism. We certainly hope so too.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, another sworn friend of Bush, must realize that a true ally should be able to offer bitter-pill advice to the United States when it resorts to the use of force.

Iraq is not the only challenge that the United States faces. The government must reduce huge fiscal and trade deficits, and reform its social security system to prepare for the massive retirements of baby boomers. If Bush fails to deal these issues appropriately, an anxious public may lean toward protectionism, driving the nation onto an even more solitary path in foreign policy and the use of arms.

Harmony, not discord. We hope that will be a slogan for Bush's second term.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 22(IHT/Asahi: January 24,2005)