The radical terrorists, their sympathizers and financial supporters have as a goal, the imposition of their beliefs and way of life on the all political entities and that includes many of the Islamic nations. At this juncture, it appears that they (the terrorists) have won the battle of the minds of their people. So it is incumbent on us to attempt to catch up. Our so-called friends, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt, in order to placate the masses, denigrate America while pretending to be our friends, a self-survival technique. Here are a few examples: 15 of the 19 Sept. 11 terrorists were Saudis and, oh yes, Osama bin Laden is also a Saudi. The Egyptian state-sponsored newspaper Al Akhbar two weeks prior to the World Trade Center attack stated, “The Statue of Liberty in New York must be destroyed.” So much for friends.
Strange as it might seem, the terrorists justify their actions by perpetrating their terror in the name of a single deity Allah. Now, Allah, God and Yahweh or Jehovah are all one in the same and all three religions. Islam, Christianity and Judaism can be traced to Abraham and have a similar origin and all three profess peace.
What is ironic is that we are the target of this misguided group in spite of the fact that we provide billions in foreign aid to many Muslim nations. Egypt, for one, receives up to $2 billion annually. We intervened on behalf of Muslims in Bosnia and Kosovo, and in the Gulf War on behalf of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and, to this day, have a military presence there. Many will say it is because of oil, probably so, but then there is no oil in Egypt, Bosnia or Kosovo.
So, now we embark on the difficult task of pursuing the terrorists where they live. Let’s not deceive ourselves, this is a complex task requiring resources, time and support from the homefront. There are those that advocate negotiations, the U.N., love and on and on. I’m sure all of us would really like to see the latter work, but look back at Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and assorted other despots and show me where there was compromise. The fanaticism of this group can best be illustrated by the military barracks in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, the African embassies, the hostage taking, the USS Cole and now the Twin Towers in New York, with the promise of more.
To me there is no question that we must win the battles ahead via arms and for minds. Think about it. Is there a choice? I don’t think so.
Everett
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