I agree, but since bit the desire to do so and the comparative inability to do so have been around as long as I have been alive it's not really a good vindication of any recent policies or arguments.
perception wrote: You kill it here, or the next generation of suicide bombers will be on buses in Rotterdam, Manchester, Lyons, and blowing up the UN building in Manhattan. This is the battlefield.
Mentioning especially Manchester is either quite cynical or shows a rather poor education:
[The bombing of Rotterdam wasn't done by terrorists but by the allied troops, I admit:
]
The International Committee of the Red Cross is cutting back its operations in Iraq after warnings that it could be targeted for attack.
The number of foreign staff in Baghdad is being reduced to about 50 as the level of violence throughout the country has failed to abate and the organisation fears that US-led forces cannot ensure security.
Quote:The level of violence is very high in Iraq and the authorities - the US forces - couldn't ensure security throughout the country
Nada Doumani
Red Cross spokeswoman
Interesting and thoughtful article, perc.
I am also disturbed by the continuing attitude of anti-Americanism, fueled so well by recent actions of Bush et. al, but also fueled over the years past by our inaction and disinterest in things (other than moving pockets of events) beyond our borders. We certainly know how to market and advertise, but have done nothing (just the opposite) to improve the world's perception of us. If one wants to characterize such proactive expenditures of funds and energy as propaganda, then so be it.
I am also dismayed by the extreme NEED to see the US in a poor light, such that it warps and distorts judgment, and negates any ability or willingness to think things through. And to evaluate hard, empirical evidence.
Bremer told "Fox News Sunday" it was "hard for me to see how the U.N. itself can play a further military role because the U.N., in my experience, normally insists on commanding its own troops."
There is evidence that terrorists are pouring into Iraq to fight America from all over the world------I am convinced Iraq is the battleground of terrorism vs the rest of the world.
I further believe Wahhabism----the sect of Islam that spawned bin Laden---must be exposed and exterminated. That may mean the collapse of the house of Saud which has been protecting and nourishing Wahhabism for the past 300 years.
Anyone curious about Wahhabism must read " Hatred's Kingdom"by
Dore Gold(former ambassador to the UN)
The West is extremely vulnerable at this moment because of our dependence on Saudi oil----an all out attack on Saudi oil facilities by terrorists could plunge the world into an economic nightmare. Terrorism is not going away. It must be dismantled and we may as well face it in that part of the world.
Were that truly the case, Perception, you should be decrying the idiot Rummysfeldt from the rooftops, because we sure don't have the military resources on the ground in Iraq to fight on "the battleground of terrorism vs the rest of the world."
Perception -- If you're up for a really good read plus an insight into the origins and personalities of wahhibis, I highly recommend Mafouz's trilogy about several generations of an Egyptian family. The "pathology" becomes quite clear and shows how the West played a part in strengthening this fundamentalist, nationalist movement.
I'm certain that you and many other people are convinced that the West and America in particular are to blame for our current crisis. We certainly have contributed but you will find that Wahhabism was created about the time this country achieved independence----in the late 1700s-----and after that time Wahhabism conducted several wars against other Muslim nations and tribes namely in Iraq and Syria. It's difficult for me to believe that the West can accept blame for those wars against mainstream Islam during that period which is exactly what happened. I will be posting excerpts from "Hatred's Kingdom" if you all are interested.
Dys Wrote:
Were that truly the case, Perception, you should be decrying the idiot Rummysfeldt from the rooftops, because we sure don't have the military resources on the ground in Iraq to fight on "the battleground of terrorism vs the rest of the world."
Why delay the inevitable-----let's face it sooner rather than later.
dys-setanta... works for me although setanta might not agree.
Setanta
Please forgive my blunder-----you suddenly showed up and I thought I was responding to Dys.
I think Bremer is dead wrong saying we have enough troops in Iraq.
And, the Muslims have been aggressively overtaking countries and cultures very well for hundreds of years, without any encouragement from the West.
Just trying to be helpful, Perc. I don't hate America, by the way. Perhaps we live in different Americas.
And why must you always reduce it to everything being somebody's fault? The West is not responsible for Wahhabism. The West contributed to the growth of Wahhabism. Both of those things are true. It's what we do with them, now, in the 21st century, that shows both our intentions and the degree to which we've profited from experience.
To discard examination of our interrelationships with fundamentalism over the years because examination doesn't always show us in a good light is pure foolishness. Like not cleaning your weapon or studying the map before facing battle.
Did anyone stop to analyse how to best corral a high percentage of terrorists in one location----like drawing roaches into a trap. But first we must make them think we are really in trouble and on the ropes.
I believe you all will be surprised how rapidly we can double the size of the force in Iraq to close the trap.
Why not fight them in one location instead of all over the world?
perception wrote:Did anyone stop to analyse how to best corral a high percentage of terrorists in one location----like drawing roaches into a trap. But first we must make them think we are really in trouble and on the ropes.
Well, "we" are certainly doing a bang-up acting job, aren't "we?"
A lot of people here on this forum have allowed their hatred to narrow their already myopic view which discounts the possibility that we have some very bright people working this problem. You may find, much to your amazement, that your conspiracy theories and howls about corruption fall into the same category as UFO coverups and sightings of the Loch Ness monster.
I know that I am pretty amazed.
