Post by dustdevil28 on May 28, 2006 7:02:21 GMT -8
This Memorial day we find ourselves still facing struggles with Iraq and Afganistan, and and uncertain future regarding Iran.
In these tough times it's only to easy to view the past through rosy glasses. We think of a time when this country was not at war, when radical islam was not much of a concern and the biggest worries were what a President and a intern were doing in the oval office. People longing for these times will become frustrated and seek to blame others for the state of the world. They will blame our leaders for a lack of understanding say that we could've avoided all this.
This is wrong to do this though. It was our inaction during this past that has led to the steady rise of islamofacism. Things like the bombings of US marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, The first trade center bombings in the 90's, and the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. The response to these attacks was lacking and has been cited as encouraging people like Osama Bin Laden to view the US as a paper tiger. Because we allowed this to continue we than found ourselves with the worst attack ever on 9/11. After that attack it seemed America woke up and now recognised the threat for what it was. It was a angry America that invaded Afganistan after it became obvious the Taliban would be unwilling to hand over Osama Bin Laden. In about three months we took over Afganistan and America dreamed of a day when Osama's face would be shown in shackles on his way to Gitmo. Sadly Osama took refuge on the border with Pakistan, who has been a useful ally, and it is beleived he still remains in hiding there today.
The dangers of inaction we're obvious on 9/11 and the Bush admin started overlooking which nations may pose a further threat to the U.S. The most obvious choice at the time was Iraq. Through intelligence from the UN, many other countries, as well as ourselves, it looked as though Iraq possesed a active weapons program. Take with that the fact that 8,000 terrorists had received training in Iraq between 2000-2003. This was yet another situation which if allowed to continue may result in another 9/11 type attack. So the Bush admin sought to have UN inspectors re-inserted and sought UN approval for action which would force Iraq into a more peaceful nation. Any hope at cooperation with the UN was dashed by the threat of a veto from France. With little other options the US choose action over inaction. Iraq had proven to be a great task, but one in which we should remain commited. A terrorist victory in Iraq will provide one of the greatest propoganda pieces for Al Queda. It will embolden them to continue to attack our assets overseas and get them to attack US soil again.
This Memorial day while your grilling your hot dogs, watching the NBA playoffs, or resting on the beach, please take time to remember the sacrifices being made by our men and women in uniform. Their sacrifice has been great and sadly will have to continue while we seek a world where freedom is available to all.
In these tough times it's only to easy to view the past through rosy glasses. We think of a time when this country was not at war, when radical islam was not much of a concern and the biggest worries were what a President and a intern were doing in the oval office. People longing for these times will become frustrated and seek to blame others for the state of the world. They will blame our leaders for a lack of understanding say that we could've avoided all this.
This is wrong to do this though. It was our inaction during this past that has led to the steady rise of islamofacism. Things like the bombings of US marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, The first trade center bombings in the 90's, and the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. The response to these attacks was lacking and has been cited as encouraging people like Osama Bin Laden to view the US as a paper tiger. Because we allowed this to continue we than found ourselves with the worst attack ever on 9/11. After that attack it seemed America woke up and now recognised the threat for what it was. It was a angry America that invaded Afganistan after it became obvious the Taliban would be unwilling to hand over Osama Bin Laden. In about three months we took over Afganistan and America dreamed of a day when Osama's face would be shown in shackles on his way to Gitmo. Sadly Osama took refuge on the border with Pakistan, who has been a useful ally, and it is beleived he still remains in hiding there today.
The dangers of inaction we're obvious on 9/11 and the Bush admin started overlooking which nations may pose a further threat to the U.S. The most obvious choice at the time was Iraq. Through intelligence from the UN, many other countries, as well as ourselves, it looked as though Iraq possesed a active weapons program. Take with that the fact that 8,000 terrorists had received training in Iraq between 2000-2003. This was yet another situation which if allowed to continue may result in another 9/11 type attack. So the Bush admin sought to have UN inspectors re-inserted and sought UN approval for action which would force Iraq into a more peaceful nation. Any hope at cooperation with the UN was dashed by the threat of a veto from France. With little other options the US choose action over inaction. Iraq had proven to be a great task, but one in which we should remain commited. A terrorist victory in Iraq will provide one of the greatest propoganda pieces for Al Queda. It will embolden them to continue to attack our assets overseas and get them to attack US soil again.
This Memorial day while your grilling your hot dogs, watching the NBA playoffs, or resting on the beach, please take time to remember the sacrifices being made by our men and women in uniform. Their sacrifice has been great and sadly will have to continue while we seek a world where freedom is available to all.