In an unclassified memo on September 19, 2001, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld “laid out in considerable detail his philosophy of alliance cooperation in the coming battle [in Afghanistan]. ‘The legitimacy of our actions does not depend on how many countries support us. More nearly the opposite is true: the legitimacy of other countries’ opinions should be judged by their attitude toward this systemic, uncivilized assault on a free way of life. …The coalitions that are being fashioned will not be fixed; rather, they will change and evolve. …We recognize that some countries will have to conceal or downplay their cooperation with us. This needs to be understood and accepted. …We recognize that as we continue to go after terrorism, our activities will have effects in a number of countries. We have to accept that, given the importance of the cause. As a result, relationships and alliances will likely be rearranged over the coming years.’ ”
– Dov S. Zakheim, A Vulcan’s Tale, Page 90