"Victory" Will Not Occur Through Force Alone

Submitted by Tom Schorsch (United States), Jun 11, 2002 at 17:45

Dr. Pipes concluded the following "The implication is clear: There is no substitute for victory. If the U.S. government wishes to weaken its strategic enemy, militant Islam, it must take two steps. First, continue the war on terror globally, using appropriate means, starting with Afghanistan but going on to wherever militant Islam poses a threat, in Muslim-majority countries (such as Saudi Arabia), in Muslim-minority countries (such as the Philippines), and even in the United States itself."

While that is the best policy now, it will not insure "victory". Currently Islamics (militant Islams) are losing power, are on the defensive, and are being beaten at every turn. However, there will come a point when the war on terror will make them stronger. The "war on terror" will be equated to unreasonable persecutions (perhaps even such as what has been done to Jews) and people will again "flock" to their banner and their rhetoric.

The solution is that at some point in time in the future Islamics must be ignored as being irrelevant. Yes, we should keep an eye on them and if they rear their heads to strike then they should be crushed again instead of waiting 20 years. However, to keep up a "war" with them beyond when it is necessary will give them more credit than is their due.

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