Jill:
You are right, the market was in trouble before the events of last Tuesday. But, I think you missed the point of my posting. To be a bit more clear: bin Lauden could have chosen a hundred different targets, and done each of those deeds a hundred different ways.
He and his large following have been after the WTC for many years now. Why? Because in their minds, it is their enemy. It is the engine that has fueled, and continues to fuel, the oppression of their people. It is money used in bad ways. To some extent, they are right. Reasonable minds can debate the issue forever.
All that matters is the amplified and corrupted version of the story sells very well in the Islamic world. It sells so well, it will be very difficult to go in and get him, without stirring up a great many other Islamic nations. Already, the instant cries of horror and sympathy that we heard from the Islamic countries, are being answered by the opposition within, with strong messages of "you started it", "you deserved it", "show us the proof, we will decide". About the only Islamic country that would be certain of doing something is Saudi Arabia, where is is already under sentence of death. Notably, they have not been able to get him (either for lack of trying or lack of ability or fear of zealots).
In summary, we can stir up the entire Islamic world by sending troops into (invading) an Islamic country, or two, or three, or we can deny him his victory in a peaceful, and in the end, much more effective way.
I am not suggesting we need a tremendous rally reversing the losses of the last year, merely the reversal of the panic selling, and the development of some self control.
That's a long way from myopic.
-Own
PS: You say self protection is not a bad thing. I agree. But it is one thing to protect yourself, and another to let others hang as a consequence, even if it is indirect. It is also another thing if you are in a position of responsibility for others lives and/or fortunes. Self protection to the exclusion (or perhaps detriment) of others, is cowardice. Self protection including (or leading) others is bravery. |
