Terrorism and Politics

The beginning of political wisdom is the realization that despite everything you’ve always been taught, the government is not really on your side; indeed, it is out to get you.

The above quote is taken from the article "Four Types of Government Operatives: Bullies, Muggers, Sneak Thieves, and Con Men " by Robert Higgs at The Independent Institute.

No attempt to understand government can succeed without a clear understanding of these ideal types and each one’s characteristic modus operandi. With this understanding firmly in mind, you will remain permanently immune to the infectious swindle, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” The truth, of course, is the exact opposite: I say again, the government—this vile assemblage of bullies, muggers, sneak thieves, and con men—is not really on your side; indeed, it is out to get you. (continue reading)

What does that have to do with terrorism? Simple. Politicians will tell you anything to get elected. Politics is dirty business ... but make no mistake, it IS business for some people. Big government is not good for Americans and the less control the government has the better we all are. What government SHOULD be doing is keeping us safe. Which brings me to terrorism.

With the world situation as it is (see below), we need a President who (1) understands who the enemy is, and (2) is willing to do what it takes to protect us from that enemy, both without and within American borders. Which presidential candidate can get the job done? George Friedman at Strategic Forecast:

The endgame of the U.S.-jihadist war always had to be played out in Pakistan. There are two reasons that could account for this. The first is simple: Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda command cell are located in Pakistan. The war cannot end while the command cell functions or has a chance of regenerating. The second reason is more complicated. The United States and NATO are engaged in a war in Afghanistan. Where the Soviets lost with 300,000 troops, the Americans and NATO are fighting with less than 50,000. Any hope of defeating the Taliban, or of reaching some sort of accommodation, depends on isolating them from Pakistan. So long as the Taliban have sanctuary and logistical support from Pakistan, transferring all coalition troops in Iraq to Afghanistan would have no effect. And withdrawing from Afghanistan would return the situation to the status quo before Sept. 11. If dealing with the Taliban and destroying al Qaeda are part of any endgame, the key lies in Pakistan. [snip]

The endgame always was supposed to come in Pakistan, but this is far from how the Americans wanted to play it out. The United States is not going to get an aggressive, anti-Islamist military in Pakistan, but it badly needs more than a Pakistani military that is half-heartedly and tenuously committed to the fight. Salvaging Musharraf is getting harder with each passing day. So that means that a new personality, such as Pakistani military chief Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, must become Washington’s new man in Pakistan. In this endgame, all that the Americans want is the status quo in Pakistan. It is all they can get. And given the way U.S. luck is running, they might not even get that.

Right now, US special forces snatch squads, augmented by volunteer scientists from America's Nuclear Emergency Search Team organization, are on standby to seize or disable Pakistan's nuclear arsenal in the event of a collapse of government authority or the outbreak of civil war following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. (The Herald)

Which Presidential candidate do you see taking on the situation in Pakistan, or Iran, or confronting Russia, China, and on and on? I don't see Obama, or Edwards, or Huckabee, or Romney, being strong in this area. On the Democrat side Clinton would be the strongest (and that's not saying much.) On the Republican side Fred Thompson, Giuliani, or McCain, in that order, would be the strongest against terror. At least that's my opinion.

There will be REAL world challenges for the new U.S. President. During the election process, nothing is real, it's all 'what if's'. But once elected the problems and decisions become very real.

Which Presidential candidates has what it takes to do something about terrorist groups here in the United States? See C.A.I.R. in the News at Islamanazi.

Walid Phares gives a "A Global Assessment of the Confrontation"

The main powers and allies involved in the War on Terror still lack global cohesion. While the US integrates its efforts in the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq with its efforts globally to defeat al Qaeda and contain nuclear proliferation of rogue regimes like Iran, other powers and blocs of countries have different outlooks and plans. While Britain and other U.S partners in Europe espouse common views on the global scale, France, Germany, Spain and Italy agree on the Afghan theater but still are uninvolved in the Iraqi theater. All Atlantic partners, however, pursue al Qaeda and consider it – along with other Salafi networks – as the principal threat. Also, most Western partners perceive the Iranian threat as serious, although differ in the ways in which to respond.

Non-Western powers fighting Jihadist forces do not necessarily unite in the international arena against a common foe. India is targeted by Islamists but doesn't associate with the US-led efforts in the Middle East. Russia is also at war with Jihadi terror, yet it distances itself from the Afghan theater, opposes the US in Iraq, and worse, backs the two terror-spreading regimes in Tehran and Damascus.

In the region, Western-inclined governments claim they fight "terrorism" but only the terrorists who threaten their own regimes, not the worldwide Jihadi threat. The current Turkish government fights the terrorist-coined PKK, but isn't concerned with the growth of Wahhabism and Khomeinism in the region. Saudi Arabia dismantles al Qaeda cells inside the Kingdom but still spreads fundamentalism worldwide. Qatar hosts the largest US base in the region, and at the same time funds the most notorious indoctrination programs on al Jazeera. In short, there are several "wars" on terror worldwide. Surely America is leading the widest campaign, but efforts around the globe are still dispersed, uncoordinated, and in many cases, contradictive. (continue reading)

In Israel, Olmert: "Hand of God" guiding U.S., Europe's leaders, from Winds of Change:

It is no doubt part of a prime minister's job description to be optimistic, but the optimism PM Olmert expresses seems an overreach. Israel is fortunate to have the main Western countries in its corner, but the obstacles remaining are so severe that the status quo is highly unlikely to change for a long, long time, except, sadly, for the worse. (continue reading)

The truth: Middle East conflict is only Arab racism & Islamic Bigotry

In Europe, "The Agenda of Islam - A War between Civilizations", by Lionheart, speaks specifically of the situation in Britain, but the sentiments can apply to the United States and other Western countries as well. Lionheart finished by quoting Professor Moshe Sharon, "There is no Fundamental Islam":

Foreword: For you Mr IH and SF, enjoy the read and in the back of your mind just remember your children and grand-children's future now hangs in the balance because of what this government is forcing upon the British homeland, and you my dear friends are the ones being used as a tool, helping that process of destruction along, whether you see it, or believe it or not, and all for your pay cheque at the end of the month from your masters, those same masters who want to open up the front door to our homeland to 70 million Turkish Moslems because they think it is a good thing, those same masters who have opened up the floodgates of immigration and have welcomed in upon our shores some of this worlds most dangerous Islamic Terrorists and given them sanctuary, Abu Hamza, Omar Bakri and the rest of those murderer's calling for Holy War against you and me - I hope that you sleep well of a night whilst your innocent children sleep next door unaware of what you are doing to help destroy their futures. (continue reading)

Iran: Iran's leaders are no longer supplying weapons or training to Islamic militants in Iraq. OK, that's one good step in the right direction for Iran. Now, about those nuclear plants, missiles, etc.... Also, development of ties between Iran and Egypt would increase influence of Muslim world on the international scenes.

Some outside analysts have argued, though, that Iran-based aid may be getting to Iraqi insurgents without the approval of the government in Tehran.

But the colonel cautioned that while Iran's efforts are promising, U.S. military officials remain wary, partly over some contrary events on the ground in Iraq.

For example, he disclosed that U.S. troops "recently captured individuals who have been in Iran, training, as short as 45-60 days ago." He did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the captured individuals or the possible investigation. (Washingon Times)

United States: Alaska oil exploration to begin. (hat tip Right Bias) This is one step toward making the United States less dependent on Arab oil. Also good since crude reached $100 per barrel. Also, crude oil output declines in Bahrain, Oman, Yemen and Syria.

The US government says it will offer exploration rights for oil and gas in a north-western region of Alaska. The federal Minerals Management Service said it would take bids next month for concessions in the Chukchi Sea, which separates Alaska from Siberia. (BBC)

The enemy within includes the Muslim Brotherhood. "In Philadelphia Kenny Gamble (a.k.a. Luqman Abdul Haqq), has a master plan to renovate a once great part of the city using taxpayers’ money." FrontPageMag points out the potential problem with what seems like an act of good:

While on face value his intentions appear to be worthy, Gamble’s revitalization plan for Philadelphia has sinister implications, leading to the question: Will Philadelphia remain “the City of Brotherly Love” or will it become a city of Muslim Brotherly hate?

The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) or Ikhwan in America exists, in large part, within two immigrant populations. One is the Arab Muslim community, falling under the aegis of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and to a smaller extent the Muslim American Society (MAS). The other is the South Asian Muslim community, positioned under the umbrella of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), a subsidiary of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Pakistan. These groups form the core of MB America [Muslim Brotherhood]. (continue reading)

Germany: TWO INTERESTING ARTICLES REGARDING GERMANY AND ISLAM

Egypt: Israel: "Unclear how, if at all, Egypt can explain" letting Palestinian pilgrims, including senior Hamas members, back into Gaza without security check, Jihad Watch

South Korea: South Korea’s military has been put on alert against overseas hackers who have gained access to some soldiers’ personal computers, the defence ministry said Thursday. (comtinue reading)

Lebanon: Beirut - The already tight security measures around bases manned by the United Nations forces in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) witnessed "tighter measures" Monday, following a threat by al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. PSP leader MP Walid Jumblatt says Hezbollah aims at eliminating the state of Lebanon.

Somalia and the war on terror in Africa: Assessment and predictions by J. Peter Pham, Ph.D. here.

Thanks to Insights Into Today's Middle East for many of the above links.

For Iowa Caucus news roundup go to Wake Up America

Take Texas Fred's latest poll here. Read his article here. Fred says, and I agree:

I hate to poo-poo tradition but maybe someone needs to make the fine folks of Iowa aware, we have electronic voting now a days, and this caucus stuff is really pretty antiquated…

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Comments

[Debbie]

Rugar Heat: No problem, that's really the only rule I have for commenting. You expressed yourself nicely with your spelling.

[Ruger Heat]

Debbie:

My apologies. I do tend to get fired up. I will refrain from using such harshness.

[Debbie]

Michael Travis: I didn't realize it was you. I haven't gotten any emails from you lately, sharing good articles about the enemy. Did you take me off your email list?

[Debbie]

Rugar Heat: Now now, watch that language. You're going to pop a vein or something getting that upset. But I feel your pain.

Michael: You are going to fit right in here. If you stick around you will see there are many kindred spirits that share your view of what needs to be done.

Only problem, it will never happen and we all know it.

Our parents are ashamed of some of our failures to confront the enemy. The problem is, THEY'RE EVERYWHERE.

[Michael Travis]

We are so screwed whether the Dhimmicrats OR the Republicrats take office. Both "parties" hate everything that America stands for. Both are Globalists who want to make this a mere "region" of the United Nations.

[Michael Travis]

Debbie...the head of the snake is not Pakistan ('though I wouldn't mind seeing it carpet bombed for the sheer pleasure) it is within the pages of the Koran. The Saudis financed, promoted, and carried out the attacks of 9-11, that is indisputable. The Saudis received assistance from Pakistan and the UAE...so they should be dusted as well.....but, can you imagine our parents responding to the attack on Pearl Harbor by attacking say, Italy, while sending trillions of dollars to Japan....and holding hands with Hirohito?

We are not talkin' politics, we are in a war for our very survival as a Nation and culture.

Nuke 'em!

First Saudi Arabia, then the Emirates (They are nearby....and fuel costs being as they are..)THEN then entire Pashtun region.

After that, things should quiet down for a few decades. (But of course the millions of Jihadis imported into the US, bypassing immigration laws (Most of them) must be deported)

Peace.

[Ruger Heat]

Well.....in my personal opinion (which doesn't mean S*@t) we are so screwed if The Dems take 2008.

Oh crap...see now I am getting sick to my stomach again.

I agree with Michael...it's as if they (some politicians) are saying, "Hey...gather as many suicide bombers as you can...stand in a huge crowd of innocent Americans...and blow us the hell up"....."Yes, please bring all your friends and neighbors...and get on your little floor mat and pray to the East...and then Kaboom the hell out of us"!!!

That is bull$@&T!!!

I tell you what, I'm half tempted to get a pet pig and take him everywhere with me...hell I might even teach it to piss on some trainee suicide bombers. Or I can use my witchy woman side and convince them to practice their suicide mission alone.

No...pig piss is better!!!

[Debbie]

Michael: I happen to agree with you. If you read other articles on this blog you will see that to be true.

As you can see I mentioned areas all around the world where there is Islamic terror. I even mention the terrorists within our own borders. I also mention how unhappy we are with President Bush and the immigration law and lack of enforcement.

You are preaching to the choir.

What I take from Freidman's article is if Pakistan is not dealt with, cutting the head off the snake, we will surely feel that we have failed. And that's true. That place is a safe zone for all who enter and THAT must be stopped if we have any chance to win this war.

But yes, we are responsible for allowing them on our own soil -- I mentioned CAIR above, MAS, MB, and others. All operating here on US soil.

[Michael]

"The endgame of the U.S.-jihadist war always had to be played out in Pakistan"

Cute! (But pathetically childish and hugely innacurate)

The "Jihad did not originate in, nor is it's epicenter in Pakistan. The language of Jihad is not Urdu, Pahsto, Bahasa Indonesia, Malay or even Arabic. Jihad is a commandment of the Koran and is in the heart and souls (if they have one)of every true "Believer" in Islam.

I have lived amongst the Muslims for most of my life. I have fought them when America called us the "aggressor". I have fought them with rifle and with pen,....and people like George Friedman have got it all wrong.

The enemy is Islam. Those who claim that Islam is a "great faith, hijacked by a few" are in the best case fools and liars, but more correctly they are true servants of the America and West haters who are determined to enslave us all.

You want to protact your families from the Jihad? Well think about this; The United States invited, begged, cajoled and otherwise persuaded more dangerous Jihadis to immigrate to the USA SINCE 9-11-2001, than the UK has managed in 500 years. How can we fight them abroad, while begging them to move in next door?

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE should have been Nuked on 9-12-2001, those responsible for preventing the retaliation to a clear act of war should have been arrested.

Peace!

[Debbie]

Taylor: Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Much appreciated.

A.C. Hubby and I were talking about that tonight. If not Fred, then who? Hard decision to make. Terrorism would have to be the number one concern.

[Taylor]

Thank you, finally, someone whos telling the truth! Not some strident left-wing crap!

[A.C. McCloud]

Right to the point, Debbie. Obama, Edwards and Clinton would clearly waffle too much on threats from any of those areas, and as sure as sunrise the new president is going to get tested. I'm really struggling as to which horse I'll ride if Thompson throws a shoe, I'm even considering McCain for the very reasons you say despite his horrible record on immigration.

Too bad Fred's not telegenic enough to convert more conservatives to his side.

[Angel]

What does that have to do with terrorism? Simple. Politicians will tell you anything to get elected. Politics is dirty business ... but make no mistake, it IS business for some people...!!!cant argue with that Debbie for sure!