"The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics, a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teaching of Islam," the president told Congress.
I have heard this a lot recently, and for years here in Washington and elsewhere. If this is true, then why are we now faced with eradicating the evil done in the name of Islam, and why has as of yet not one single Islamic nation agreed to join in military operations against those who murder in the name of their beloved peaceful, religion? NOT ONE.
Regretfully, I think the West needs to really think twice about who its friends are right now, and if they don't learn now, next time it will be far worse.
I think Colin Powell has failed in building a coalition in one important way: most countries are unwilling to risk military action. They of course have no problems accepting bribes and payoffs from the United States when they act in a civilized way - and, not least, in doing so secure for a time that the US does not attack them.
Action, not talk. For example, if Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Bahrain, the UAE and others are serious about eliminating terrorism, then I think now is time to ante up. YOU send troops to Afghanistan. YOUR nations have allowed these criminals to flourish so by definition you are a part of this problem. PERIOD. We have learned that most of the terrorists were Saudi nationals. It is a disgrace how little Saudi Arabia has done to fight this evil.
If these nations are not with us then they are against us. In that case, perhaps this nation may reconsider its moderate stance towards those who do not sacrifice for freedom as we do. And therein lies the major problem here: most of the leaders of these wealthy nations do not at all believe in freedom. It is amazing to me that after this attack the country does not take a moral stance now, and say what needs to be said by the leader of the free world. If it is not said now, then one day that leadership position will be forfeit. |
