Dear JPR:
I have reread your detailed message to me in post #11521. In general I find it very unresponsive to my points. You seem to be saying that certain governments and faiths should be simply disregarded and ignored, and it almost sounds like you are saying that they should be eradicated.
If so, I don't see this as practical or a workable solution to the problem of terrorism on a long term basis.
IMHO, we have to put into place policies and procedures that will foster economic conditions that will allow the rise of a self sustainable Arab/Mulism middle class which in turn will allow the rise of moderate political leaders and policies.
India, for example, is on the cusp of great economic growth due to the rise of a technical based, skill based, middle class. In fact, if this beginning growth can be nurtured and protected and allowed to prosper it could become a real role model for other countries in the region.
I do believe in the short term we have to target the specific terrorist targets that are identified, and possibly give massive support to the fragile opposition to the Taliban in that country (money, weapons, training, and on the ground advisiors). But we do not want to overreact here and appear to Islamic populations that we are engaged in some kind of "Crusade" against them or their governments.
Bill |
