Published shortly before the United States went to war with Iraq, this Newsweek article claims that Americans today are as much like Rick Blaine in Casablanca as they were during the time of the films release. Chris Matthews uses Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine as a lens through which to look at American sentiment in the face of a war against terrorism. Like Rick Blaine, Americans are plagued with the decision of either protecting our own interests by keeping to ourselves or taking action in a fight to protect the world at large. Matthews argues that America is both historically and innately been a "reluctant warrior" - a country that will take action if the cause is worth fighting for. Matthews fears that the Bush administration's policy toward Iraq is defying American sentiment as the "reluctant warrior" and threatens us with dangerous consequences.  
    This article shows that while Casablanca is a film that pertains to the time in which it was made, its relevance is universal. Beyond the political messages that it may convey, the film ultimately teaches viewers that often times a fight for the greater good is worth a sacrifice of personal desires. Like the hero of Casablanca, we are a country unimpressed by generals in fancy uniform and unafraid by the plight of our enemies. And when someone or something we value is endangered, in the same way that Rick's ideals were in the film, it is certain that we will retaliate. Matthews worries that in declaring war on Iraq, America would not be fighting for the right reasons.
    This article would be a great way to conclude the paper as it demonstrates the significant weight that Rick's character holds, as he is a character whose outlook on world events surpasses the test of time. In 1942, Casablanca was a film that reflected wartime engagement; it grappled with the issues of love, loss, self-sacrifice, and duty. In 2002 and today, the sentiment and message of the film has yet to lose its relevance.