As we approach the anniversary of September 11 a disturbing poll in the Globe and Mail reveals that 8 in 10 Canadians believe that the U.S. shares some measure of blame for the attacks on Sept. 11. I lament these findings, but would question if these opinions are clouded by U.S. actions in the past year. Post 9/11 practically the entire world (even Libya and Iran) expressed revulsion at the attacks and all of the Western democracies promised support in the war against terrorism. President Bush had a choice, use this support and build upon it or proceed essentially alone. He chose the later. Of course other countries assisted. In the opening salvo of operation Infinite Justice (mercifully renamed Enduring Freedom), British submarines launched cruise missles, ground troops from many nations took part in Afganistan and intelligence agencies from around the world shared information. The U.S. can wage war in Iraq on its own, it can't collect intelligence on its own. It will probably win the war in Iraq, but lose the battle for world opinion. Nelson Mandela warned that no country must act on it own; "We are really appalled by any country, whether it be a superpower or a small country, that goes outside the United Nations and attacks independent countries," . To act on its own without support of the United Nations will harden resentment around the world and discourage co-operation from the allies the U.S. most needs to foster.