Posted 5/30/2002 10:44:00 AM by Ocean Guy
One would think that the Department of State's document Patterns of Global Terrorism 2001 would be a reliable source to find the country's perceived problem areas and threats in our War on Terrorism. Not so, says Daniel Pipes, unless you believe that Columbia is the epicenter of Global terrorism.

Eric Alterman may be partialy correct, at least in the sense that the War on Terrorism, isn't really a war on terrorism.

Let's face it, we really aren't in a war on terrorism. This is evident in that much of the terrorism in the world is not part of our fight. We are, however, in a war against Islamic terrorists.... a war that was declared by them years before 9/11. For this war the Nation does need to be mobilized as Mr Alterman suggests, and we must recognize that innocent people have been and will be killed, on both sides. Still I like the name "War on Terrorism" and I think most people understand exactly what it is.

The reality of the situation is that this war is being thrust upon us, it is not a war of our choosing. We can either ignore the conflict, appease our enemies, or fight them to win. If we ignore it, many more American innocents will die. Even if we appease our enemy, more innocent Americans will die. Only by confronting them, only by fighting, can we hope to protect ourselves.
This enemy is determined, they want to kill us. We have the right and responsibility as a Nation to defend ourselves.

Sounds similar to statements out of Israel doesn't it?