Hawk: I was listening to npr this morning on the way back from the airport. I heard one of the most profound statements about the intentions of al quaeda and the jihadis. They had a professor from Georgetown point out that Al Quaeda made several attempts to overthrow Muslim governments prior to 9/11. Following the string of humiliating defeats, he pointed out that Bin Laden decided it was time to attack a new target, the United States. This reinforces my position much further that the jihadis are radicals are only seeking to disrupt the mainstream way of life in the ME.
The radical Muslims are a liberal subset of the Muslim population. Their hatred and resistance known as Islamo Fascism is a repugnant response to a moderate government system that openly deals with Western governments with whom they must naturally do business to transact OPEC oil business. First and foremost, Al Quaeda is a direct threat to the Muslim governments of the ME, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, or Afghanistan. As a secondary threat, Al Quaeda threatetens to destroy anyone that comes into contact or influence with the people who they would like to control.
Ironically, they use a more conservative set of Islamic fundamentals to express their religious totalitarianism. It is shocking that the moderate Muslims cannot interpret the evil intentions of the radicals. However, we have to keep in mind that information is brutally repressed not only by the radicals but the governments as well. The people being attacked begin to appreciate how they are being manipulated. After all, it takes 4 witnesses to a rape for a woman to prove her case against the attacker. Otherwise, the victim is guilty of adultery and ultimately subject to death herself. These people are living in the Darkest Ages of mankind.
Well, I think the Democratic travesty of undermining the US wot is going to continue, especially if Bin Laden cannot be brought to justice from his Paki sanctuary. I think Muslims abroad will confuse the racism as a rally signal in areas like England. I think that the jihadis will enter whatever conflicts they can find in areas like Somalia to expand their intolerance.
However, I keep hearing more about US troops restoring more order to Sunni and Shiite towns in Iraq. Obviously, the biggest challenge is proving that the US is neutral to both sides with respect to violence. Hopefully, the trust will be regenerated by both sides as a resignation that they must return to a normal way of life. I sense that things are getting much better, but it is very difficult for anyone to declare victory or progress. However, I certainly agree with your point of view that we should not add any more troops to this limited conflict between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq. We can't go in there and kill all the bad guys anymore.
Disengagement is going to be difficult. However, the ME is going to have a chance for reconstruction once the violence stops and people can get back to work. The US is going to be better now that we are getting serious about finding non OPEC sources of oil to add to long term reserves. I just wonder how the Laws Of Shari'a are going to find revision to protect the lives of innocent people. Ultimately, the Muslim culture is going to have to atone and recognize thee rights of other nations and cultures to live away from Muslim tradition. Jews, Christians, rape victims, forced converts - these things bother me a lot.
I believe we have every right to be involved with the ME, despite what the liberals say. We can't turn our backs, nor should we. Who the hell gave the jihadis the right to intimidate the poor people of the ME? They sure won't get any nicer if people roll over and let them have their way. |
