How to Beat the Terrorists

Six years after our rude awakening on September 11, 2001, the United States is still looking for that decisive victory against terrorism. We’ve invested thousands of precious lives, billions of dollars we couldn’t afford and too much time. Without doubt, there is a war going on but not only are we fighting it blind, we’re also doing so with one arm tied behind our back. We can win this war that’s been brewing for decades but we—-every single American—-must be willing to disengage from the present stalemate and attack in a different direction. Doing so won’t be simple, but it’s imperative. As Marine General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller said during the Korean War, “We're surrounded. That simplifies the problem!”

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Know that according to experts, terrorism is as much about the “haves” and the “have-nots” as it is religion. With American values unshakably defined and respected among its citizens, it should be obvious to all that no single religion can undermine our country. Given that premise, let’s concentrate on the fact that terrorists are criminals and should be treated accordingly. These criminals covet our country and its values, and rather than availing themselves of our democracy, terrorists hope to scare us into ceding some of our most precious freedoms and capabilities.

2. Keep in mind the spirit of President Teddy Roosevelt, the United States should re-adopt the notion, “Speak softly and carry and big stick; you will go far.” Vitriol amounts to almost nothing on the world stage and is relied upon only by those who are confused by a situation. When taunted, the United States should remain reassured and measured. When attacked, it should respond in a decidedly greater magnitude to the criminals that perpetrated the act. Although it is easy to be lulled into believing that an entire country could be responsible for a single terrorist attack—-no matter the severity-—our forces, be they military, paramilitary or covert, should remain focused either on bringing the guilty parties to justice or swiftly eliminating them.

3. Because terrorists and terror organizations are motivated more by economics than by religious dogma, the onus is on us to outwit the situation. As evidence of the US ability to wield its economy as a weapon of the state, consider the ignominious end to the Cold War, a circumstance fomented not by military conflict but by the persistent and effective application of superior economic resources. That lesson should be applied immediately to the War on Terror. Because oil-producing nations tend to centralize their profits, large percentages of their populations become disenfranchised and view oil-importing nations as culprits. Therefore, our proclivity for driving, flying and general economic expansion marks the United States as a target. To neutralize “garden variety” terror, the US should commit to an all-out development of alternatives to fossil fuels, including dramatic paradigm shifts in transportation and infrastructure. No nation in the world is more capable than ours of accomplishing that goal. Afterward, when oil-producing nations no longer swim in the exorbitant wealth they have historically withheld from their citizens, those populations will look inward rather than outward for solutions.

4. Know that ss indefatigable and capable as they are, the US military is not necessarily the best tool with which our nation can identify, corner and eliminate terrorists. In fact, conventional forces are generally ill-equipped to fight irregular battles, especially when shackled by rules of engagement that seem to espouse the Hippocratic edict, “above all, do no harm” rather than a more appropriate, “move fast, hit hard and get home soon” application of power. The US should redouble its efforts to cultivate sources of human intelligence in problematic regions. It should recognize the need and utility for covert operations conducted as recommended and at the behest of the government. Moreover, the nation must understand the difference between fighting “fair” and fighting to win.

5. Thanks to democracy, the United States has the opportunity to elect a president and congressional representatives that stand ready to reflect, advocate and implement the will of the people. Therefore, it is left to the electorate to mobilize itself to select one candidate over another based on philosophy, capability and declared intent as opposed to typically ludicrous qualities such as photogenic presence, religious preference or wealth. In the final analysis, if American citizens are concerned with the course the nation has taken, it is up to them to replace ineffectual politicians with statesmen that have been anointed by the mandate of the people.

Tips & Warnings

• Vote.
• Get informed and stay informed.
• Steer clear of activists and enemies you’re unprepared to face.
• Rely on cold, hard logic mixed with an appreciation for history in determining future political directions.
• Always maintain a firm, fixed “end state” that defines the cessation of hostilities focused on aggressors, specifically terrorists. Failure to do so can lead to costly, protracted and possibly wasteful actions.

[Biscuit4u]

on 2/23/2009 Well thought article. Thanks

[bevsue]

on 2/23/2009 Follow the money.

[sbfisher]

on 2/12/2008 This is a good article. I like the balanced approach and attacking the problem from many angles, not just a military one (involving economics, energy needs, etc).

I also liked the advice to evaluate our leaders since too many people vote for someone simply because they seem photogenic, charismatic or "a regular guy" rather than for what they'll actually do to lead or make a difference to the country. People need to look at candidates' past actions, philosophies and any concrete and useful plans they have to make things better instead of voting simply because they like a personality or pretty face.