Here is why I disagree with that statement.
Basically, Al-Qaeda is nothing new. They are merely an extension of previous terrorist groups (take your pick, Red Brigades, IRA, Hamas, Al-Jihad, etc.).
At some point or another, all terrorist groups lose their leader. While the specific group may wither, the followers (or potential leaders) either form new groups, or reinvigorate the previous group (perhaps in new name).
The difference between a terrorist group and freedom fighters (alot of people point to the Revolutionary fighters as "terrorists") is that freedom fighters have an end in mind, and a means to that end.
Terrorists never have a clear goal, and it frequently shifts to support the terror campaigns they love so much. Basically, they love to kill. Frequently, they will choose an "easy" target. In this case, the US. Our power makes us easy targets for lots of people and groups.
The problem is, should we give in and do everything Al-Qaeda wants, then they will want more. This is precisely what makes them terrorists and is precisely why we should not give in.
Hussein is much the same, though he has "legitimized" his power base in the form of a sovereign state.
The easiest way to tell a terrorist is how their goals change. Note that Al-Qaeda originally was formed to oust the Soviets. Once gone, they choose to fight Arab oppression and offered to remove Hussein from Kuwait. Rebuffed, they realized they were second rate compared to the US. This angered them. Now the US was the target, ostensibly because we were on Saudi soil. After 9/11, a few extra other things were added to the "list" of grievances. Freedom of Muslim advancement, free Palestine (which Al-Qaeda never mentioned before), etc.
Basically, they are a moving target. And if we ever remove them, whatever follows them will be a moving target.
The great fear I have is that someone, eventually, may actually figure out how to defeat US might and technology.
It may not be that hard. Considering how much we rely on technology now, should it ever be knocked out to an appreciable extent, the US armed forces could find themselves facing much more even odds...rather frightening. |
