From the time that George Bush put his war on "terrorism" into motion, its potential success or failure was to be determined largely by his support from the international community. Since the infamous "You are either with us or you're with the terrorists" statement from Bush in the smolder of 9.11, nations around the world have been required to weigh in, some willing and some not so willing, to make public which side of the line they're on. President Bush received substantial support in the immediate days following the attacks, forming an impressive group of "Coalition Partners" that endorsed and supported the invasion of Afghanistan.

George Bush's popularity regardless of its approval ratings or international support, of course, depends on who you talk to. Most Americans currently see him as a God-fearing patriot whose tough talk equates to tough action that will result in justice and the preservation of freedom, democracy, capitalism and the American Dream.

Although this view is shared by a core group of European allies, others internationally see him as a puppet leader for large American corporations, in particular for the oil industry. They claim that this is evidenced by the "oilmen" that weigh up his cabinet and, further, by his involvement with the Carlyle Group, which has known connections to the Bin Laden family, and most recently with his still unclear ties to the Enron fiasco. Coupling the race for Caspian Sea oil with the invasion of Afghanistan, Bush's war on terrorism is viewed by this group as a means to achieve a larger objective - and that is, control of the world's oil reserves.

There is yet another group that views George W. Bush as the great Satan, a Kufr, who aspires to impose his "New World Order" on all nations throughout the world, who is intent on conquering Muslim nations and eliminating Islam from the face of the earth. This group sees Bush as an arrogant bully who plunders poor nations, who continues to support a foreign policy that they attribute to a massive Muslim death toll. America is seen as a country that pressures its allies into cooperation through intimidation and abuse of its military might.

Now that the war is moving to the Philippines, Yemen and mostly likely also throughout the "axis of evil" which President Bush has labeled Iran, Iraq and North Korea, the strength of the coalition itself has come into question.

Allies have become increasingly critical of the Bush administration's tough tone, fearing that it may signal a dangerous expansion in the war. In Europe, for example, Chris Patten, the European Union's external affairs chief, argued that the success of the United States military campaign in Afghanistan might embolden the administration to act recklessly.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien of Canada have also urged Washington not to act unilaterally against Iraq or Iran. South Korean officials have quietly fretted that Mr. Bush's comments have undercut their efforts to engage North Korea. "If we try to do it unilaterally it will go nowhere," Mr. Chrétien said. Even Tony Blair has been shy on Britain's commitment and continued support for the expanded war zone. And tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets to shout "death to America" for being singled out as "promoters" of terror.

George Bush continues to say that "with or without" international support his war will continue. "The message to every country is there will be a campaign against terrorist activity, a worldwide campaign". I believe the US is sure to move this forward. Vice President Dick Cheney has said "America has friends and allies in this cause, but only we can lead it. Only we can rally the world in a task of this complexity against an enemy so elusive and so resourceful. The United States and only the United States can see this effort through to victory."

Regardless of what your perception of George Bush or his war on terror, no matter which side of the line you stand on, one thing is for sure. War at best produces short-term results and comes with an enormous price tag - paid with human life.