It seems that the “War on Terror” has been forgotten by the American public. In response to the attacks on September 11th, the United States declared a war against terrorism, currently being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan. My question about this policy is how does one wage war against terrorism?
Dictionary.com defines terrorism as “the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes.” Essentially, a broad tactic that comes down to scaring the shit out of people so they do what you want. I don’t deny that a tactic can be fought, but waging war against it? We seem to be trying to very literally fight a war against a tactic.
It seems to me that we’re losing. And that we are going to continue to lose as long as we maintain this attitude towards terrorism. The purpose of terrorism is to scare people into doing what the terrorist wants them to do. Right now, the American people are scared and we are doing what the perpetrators of the attack want us to do. (Getting stuck in an impossible to win and humiliating war that has severely destabilized the region.)
Now for the end. Something that anyone who has read any of my blogs knows that I suck at. My issue, in this blog anyway, is not the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan; it is the language justifying these conflicts. We cannot win the “War on Terror”. It is a war with no enemy, at least no enemy that can be fought militarily. When victory cannot be obtained and the enemy is anything that can fit into a very broad category, the stage is set for perpetual war.
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
this is what happen on the War on Drugs. there is no direct enemy. this type of war creates paranoia and tons of fear. we begin to twitch and watch our backs constantly, and then you pull the trigger and now we are in Iraq.
as you said. this war will led us no where
war on terror has increased terrorism, because people are dying and they are not safe at home. this is not a war on terrorism, but a war with various agendas.
in any case, the terrorists dont want us to do anything. the terrorists do not exist, unless we count ourselves.
Well that is what president Bush does best stupid language.
But back to important matters. I agree because we have been fighting this war for like 5 years or more something like that. Someone correct me please because we have been in the war so long that I can't even remember how long it has been. After all these years who is winning the "war on terrorism"? No one. All we are doing is fighting in circles and not getting anywhere.
http://www.progressiveu.org/043043-mom-i-can-finally-write-you-letter
Sorry to disappoint you, but I am voting for Lewis Black.
DrifterDani~
I'd hardly call the War on Terror stupid language, at least not from the perspective of the President. I'd call it brilliant language. Just like John McCain's comment that he would defeat evil. Stupid in a way, but politically brilliant.
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
people are dying as you speak. the least you can do is curse george bush and condemn him to death.