Hi Jewell. Re: It is true that we should not use our power to provoke terrorism and we should be careful to avoid giving that impression. At the same time, unless we surrender our ideals and stop pursuing our political goals, terrorism will continue. We will not do either of the above, so what do we do about terrorist operations?
The answer is that we should simply take an adult view of the fact of terrorism, increase our awareness of the actions we take that will likely increase terrorism incidents and the severity of them and stop threatening and stRiking out against the nations and their populations from which terrorists are coming.
When we bully or intimidate the general populations of Mideast countries, or worse yet, fire missiles or bombs into them, we encourage the problem we say we are trying to control. When we prop up morally bankrupt and corrupt, brutal regimes that we support because they are "manageable" and do our bidding, we create fertile terrorist ground. When we occupy a Muslim nation, tell its people that they "want freedom and democracy" and that they "will not have an Islamically ruled country," and then start killing those among them who will not roll over and show their stomachs, we create the perfect terrorist storm. And that's what is building all across the Muslim world.
Ask the Russians.
So yes, use our political and military power as a "last resort." And when we do, use it wisely, quickly and with the least amount of continuing interference in their own affairs. Let them brutalize each other. Leave them to find their own way to enlightenment and the protection of women and minority rights. When we strike back unilaterally, do so in circumstances that they, and the world, will understand in historical terms as justified. When we strike out for human rights reasons, do so under the mantle, at the direction of, and with the approval of the WORLD. No more pious, misguided and arrogant missionary work. Like those who intercede in family spats usually learn, sometimes it's a good thing to mind your own business. |
