"Whether through ... the use of selective chemical, biological, or nuclear attack, we must ensure that, for the next few centuries, the power of modern civilization is established, a power that no rag-tag group of discontents can contest."
Well, I draw the line at those things, which seem extreme and barbaric. I don't think we need to re-make "Apocalypse Now" with a Middle Eastern theme. Bin Laden and his ilk have search for and found a downtrodden constituency, some uneducated and unfed, but many well-educated and middle-class but radicalized for their own unknown reasons. Atta, apparently the on-site ringleader, was the son of a successful lawyer and was well educated in architecture and engineering, and could have been successful in whichever culture he chose.
I disagree with you on at least one other point: I think it is largely about freedom and our American values. Yes, our coalition includes members who are opposed to our views on these things, but they tolerate us, and see our good side, just as we tolerate them and see theirs. The whole thing might boil down to one idea: Tolerance, in peace, of those with whom one disagrees. Unfortunately, bin Laden, the Taliban, and their followers do not subscribe to that notion at all. |
