The War on Terrorism Misnamed

The war on terrorism isn't that general, rather it is a war against fundamentalist Muslim savagery. It is characterized by organized, non-governmental violence directed at the rest of the world. The groups involved have been facilitated or encouraged by some governments, however.

Islamic Conference Endorses Suicide Attacks

The 57 nations of the Organization of the Islamic Conference have unanimously endorsed suicide attacks on civilians in Israel. This came after consideration and rejection of a definition of terrorism that would have included all such actions.

These assaults against Israelis are acceptable, they claimed, because of Palestinian frustration. "We reject any attempt to associate Islamic states or Palestinian and Lebanese resistance with terrorism," the document maintains, while blaming it on the victims by insisting that its cause was "… foreign occupation, injustice and exclusion."

Although not stated, by extension of the argument, such attacks on civilians in the US or any other non Muslim country can also be justified.

So It’s to Be War

It is much better to have a war with violent fundamentalist Muslims now than later. Let any government that wants to ally themselves with them have a piece of the action.

However, it is unwise to underestimate the enemy. Maybe it feels good to call them cowards, but for 19 men to freely give their lives is not cowardice. Surely, they are different from us. Americans tend to give their lives to save others, but try to avoid it in attack. We are not a suicide culture, as it certainly seems that our enemies are.

Neither are they stupid, though they may be more clever than smart, tricky than wise. What they are is relatively weak. That is why they use terror in the first place. The coalition being mounted against them must be willing to use its strength.

They may hit us anyway they can. They may play dead, or fake contrition. Nothing short of unconditional surrender is acceptable any more.

Why They Hate America

People keep asking why al Queda, and others like them, hate America (and not just the US). But their motivation has been given. For their part, it is a holy war, jihard; against the infidel, that is, non Muslims like Christians, Jews and others; but also against those Muslims who lack their fundamentalist purity. It is foolishness not to accept their stated reasons.

That does not mean it is a religious war for us. Far from it, we have nothing against Islam. Al Queda has decided it is either they or we who perish. In simple self defense, we must see to it that it is they who die.

The Motivations of Others

There are those in the Middle East, who would not themselves participate in terrorism, but who support it in various ways. For some it is just a matter of keeping quiet about what they know of the activities of others. Some give money or vocal support in the form of demonstrations against US.

These folks may be motivated by envy of US and hate for Israel. But we do not support the State of Israel only. We also support the Palestinians with money and influence to ensure that they are not pushed out of the West Bank and Gaza, as some in Israel would like to see happen.

The Powerful US Military Machine

Let’s not forget that the powerful US military machine, that was so successful in Afghanistan, is the one created during the eight years of the Clinton administration.

Lock the Cockpit

Lock the cockpit before the plane leaves the gate. Don’t unlock it until the aircraft reaches its destination, no matter what some terrorist does to the passengers and cabin crew.

Train the pilot to fly the plane into the ground if the cockpit door is forced. Co-pilots should carry side arms to give the pilot the necessary time.

Cockpits in existing aircraft can be modified to provide essential food and toilet facilities. New planes can be designed with these issues in mind and with reinforced doors.

Make sure the world knows that this is the policy, so that the terrorist will have to come up with some other plan. Unfortunately, they probably will.

American Muslims

The vast majority of American Muslims and Americans of Arab dissent are trustworthy and loyal citizens. It is important that they not be subjected to hateful or unfair treatment.

They can help by turning over to the investigators whatever information they possess that could help to root out the terrorists and their supporters.

Sometimes We Are All Soldiers

The war against fundamentalist Muslim violence is fought right here at home as well as around the world. The enemy lives among us as neighbors; plans and executes its attacks in, as well as on, the community.

We need to keep our eyes and ears open, and to report activity suspect of being related to terrorism. We may even be called upon, like those on flight 93, to fight. Those who can should prepare themselves.

The War in Iraq

Our war on fundamentalist Muslim savagery is justified because of their attacks on the US. The war in Iraq has little to do with this.

Iraq did not harbor al Queda or any other terrorist group in a way remotely comparable to the former government of Afghanistan. They had no weapons of mass destruction for their own use or to provide to terrorists. Our actions in Iraq may bring about the very conditions that we claimed that we went there to stop.

It is possible that the Second Iraq War will turn out to have been a good thing, or it may have been an outrageous folly. We may not know for decades to come. Do you remember how the republicans said that the Iraqis would welcome us with open arms?

US Military Opposed Bush Push for Harsh Interrogations

We don’t usually think of the military as a humanitarian organization full of bleeding heart liberals. But they opposed the vile interrogation techniques ordered by the White House according to a New York Times report. One of their concerns was that such a move could put captured US soldiers at risk for similar treatment.

Peter Steinfels in a New York Times article suggested that all interrogations be taped and within three years released to the media with the following addendum: there would be "... a closing shot of the president on screen. 'This interrogation was paid for by the American people,' the president would have to say, 'and I approve of its methods.'"

The republican government also utilized rendition, sending folks to countries where torture is routine, along with secret prisons in foreign countries. How twisted their sense of morality is.

President Obama has issued an executive order ending these violations of human rights. "As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals."

Where are the Peace Memorials?

Look around. There are lots of war memorials. Memorials to specific wars; the Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Viet Nam War and others. There are war memorial stadiums and war memorial convention centers and other types of memorials to all the wars. But where are the peace memorials?

War is a tragedy, always. This is so, particularly, for those who are killed or maimed. War, even when necessary and unavoidable, is a failure of humanity and civilization. Although it is understandable that we want to remember those who sacrificed themselves in battle, we should avoid glorifying war itself.

What we should glorify is peace. That we do so little in this regard is a great mistake. It sets the wrong tone for all of society. We should be building peace pavilions, peace parks, and peace memorial schools. Sometimes we will have to fight a war, but we should always be working for peace.

The Miscalculation

If the intent of Al Queda was to drive the US out of Muslim lands, it has had the opposite effect. The attacks have brought US forces and western influence more fully into the region.

The radical fundamentalists may think they will succeed in the long run, that local resentment will increase and that western influence will be forced out. But western culture gains ground because it has value that the people want. The greater exposure they have the more of it they adopt.

Further attacks, particularly on the US mainland, will only bring more US forces and hasten the process. More serious and deadly assaults have the potential to bring catastrophic devastation to Muslim lands and their populations. The terrorists' notion that the US will not fight back is a foolish one. The US will go to full national mobilization and all out war if that should become necessary.

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