Time for some Op-Ed writing on WOT

[Pericles(MBA)]

Its time for some letters to the editor, and letters to politicians, speaking out on the need to expand the War on Terror. Public discussion is becoming bogged down on sillyness like the Intelligence Reform Bill, and rehashing of the arguments over Iraq. Meanwhile events are moving us forward to a very dangerous time for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Americans have moved us part of the way by re-electing George Bush, they just need to see that this will not be adequate. If we lose too many young Marines and Army in Iraq, and then later lose Iraq to factional splits and the devout Muslims, I am concerned it will make Americans too cynical to consider further involvement in the Middle-East. The danger of a withdrawal and isolationism that we avoided in the Nov election, could eventually befall us anyway.

We have the best men in Iraq, and the state-of-the-art military technology, but we also need to back it up with the best in military strategy. I propose that we make some demands now of the neighboring nations regarding their stand on America's interests that will make it easier on our troops this coming January:

For starters, lets work to undo some of the anti-American propoganda distributed by the Arab news media. For state controlled media (are any Arab media not state controlled?), let's demand equal time to present our views, or withhold all assistance and diplomatic relations with nations that refuse.

Let's also make further demands of borderline nations such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, that they repeal policies that favor the Muslim factions attempting to control their citizens. For example, the early 90's policies that forbade Arab children from attending American schools or learning from American teachers. Parents who want to have their children educated outside the religious schools should not have to fear reprecussions of their choices. We may wish to consider establishing a secular nation apart from current Arab nations where those who wish to distance themselves from the muslims may settle. This may be easier to do than fighting the corruption within Saudi and Turkey. United Arab Emirates may be the ideal nation for this purpose because of our current establishment there. Regardless we should focus more demands on boderline nations.

The American public must be further made aware of Iran's role in terror.

We should encourage the Bush administration to make public the information they have on anti-American activities by Muslim clerics.

Our Army and Marines currently bear the brunt of the cost of the war. The psychological pressure they face is hard to imagine. Those of us who do not think they have a religious 'duty' to die should continue to speak out against policies that will use them as a bulwark without military purpose. Policies such as vagueness over enemy combatants, and unclear resolution to fight, need to end. The plan in Iraq must be to respond to attacks with overwelming force. The simple message that enemies of the US will die, could save many young lives in the coming months. Rather than just sending gifts to the troops abroad lets do something that will give them a real morale boost.

Here are some links that may provide additional ideas:

What kind of Intelligence Needs Reforming?

Marines killing 'Unarmed Men in Cold Blood'?

Moral Killing in Fallujah

America's Compassion is self-destructive or anything by Yaron Brook.