John, obviously the Iraq war will eliminate some source of terrorism. The question is by how much? Let's face it. The 911 act was done by a few zealous Arab kids (privileged kids too... one of them had a Mercedes bought by his family on his return from taking a course in America), funded by some rich Saudis. No matter how many wars are waged against any country which have terrorist cells (Syria, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, etc. etc.), it will not prevent terrorism in America.
The real problem as I see it is the hatred of fundamental muslims against Americans. It is the same problem as the hatred between Arabs and Jews. Solve this, and you'd solve terrorism.
The CBC documentary yesterday evening was bone-chilling. Even the title was bone-chilling "Countdown to the Apocalypse." The old Russia has thousands of nuclear arsenal stored, which can be easily stolen and sold. The weapons are sold by the underpaid custodians (military people) assigned to watch over them. It is very easy to make a radio-active bomb. The most frightening weapon is the suitcase nuclear bomb, many of which were built by Russia during the cold war.
Of course, we should never be blackmailed into fear by potential acts of terrorists. However, in my layperson's view, I think the solution to the terrorist problem is not a doctrine of going to war, but rather a doctrine of how to reduce hate. |
