It took 19 terrorists to accomplish the attack in Sept. 2001. There are tens of thousands of these people in small groups set up in countries throughout the world. Believing that we can get every last one in the same spot to "exterminate" them is unrealistic. Even if we could, these people have sons, brothers, uncles, cousins... when you kill one it has the effect of pushing more over the edge. Maybe someone like a relative living here in the U.S. even. It only takes 1 person to poison a water supply, detonate a dirty nuke, etc.
Reality is a bitch but the alternative for this country is potentially catastrophic. Face it now or face much worse later.
http://www.pipa.org/OnlineReports/Pres_Election_04/html/new_10_21_04.html
On the subject of Afghanistan, true it doesn't have the oil reserves that Iraq has, but for long term stability of the region it is crucial. Had we focused efforts there, we may have been able to foster democracy that could affect neighbors Iran and Pakistan long term. Pakistan is key because it's the source of Iran and Korea's nukes. It's run by a military dictator who we now support. Sort of like we supported Saddam (and for that matter, Bin Laden) in the 80's. Unfortunately, Afghanistan has real problems and without more help there will be fighting for years having nothing to do with terrorists. Factional warlords, the still powerful Taliban, opium producers. Neglecting it again like we did after the war with Russia might turn out to be an incredible misjudgement.
Re: Iraq Mission????
Member #: 4750
Registered: 1996-2001
Posted:
529
Name:
Keith
Occupation:
Retired
Location:
NY
Personal:
late 70s
Experience:
~52 years
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