An editorial says that at a time when America needs all the friends it can get, the country is missing out on one of its best opportunities to cultivate good will and an appreciation for a democratic way of life. 9/11 falloff in foreign college students has materialized. The Institute of International Education this month reported that foreign enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities dropped 2.4 percent last school year. Retiring Secretary of State Colin Powell and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge have said they know deflecting students is a problem and they're working to fix it.