Yes Bill, we like to characterize our enemies as brainwashed, evil cowards. We did it to the Germans, the Japanese, the Koreans, and the Viet Cong and N. Vietnamese. If we are totally right then they must be totally wrong. If they are totally wrong then they must be either evil or brainwashed.
The truth rarely lies on one end of the spectrum or the other. There are valid rationales that could be used to justify Arab-Muslim hatred of America and American policies. There are more valid counter rationales. That, however, that doesn't mean that we can dismiss those who oppose us as mindless, evil men.
I've learned that you should NEVER underestimate your enemy. You should not allow your anger and hatred of him to interfere with an appreciation for the ideas and resolve that he has. You should RESPECT his abilities and ACKNOWLEDGE his strengths. It takes courage to do that, but if it is not done you will consistently be WRONG in your assessments of his abilities and capabilities.
Using labels like "evil cowards," to demean those who engage in suicide attacks, lends itself to a dangerous propensity to overlook the character and ideas that drive the dangerous people who are devoted to harming America and Americans.
By the way, some of the most courageous acts of American soldiers, some of which have merited the award of the medal of honor, could be characterized as murderously "suicidal." |
