Is there is no battlefield solution to terrorism?

Question

"Terrorists should be perceived and described as criminals, not holy warriors, and our analysis suggests that there is no battlefield solution to terrorism."

This was from one of USA's most trusted intelligence sources... Do you think there is a battlefield solution to the war on terror?

source: http://thestateoftruth.com/2008/08/rand-corporation-there-is-no-battlefield-solution-to-terrorism/

Answer 1

Well, that antiquated notion went out the door on 9/11.  Prior to that Bush and before him Clinton, and before him Bush treated terrorism as

a law enforcement issue.  The result was 9/11.

Charges were filed and warrants issued for the Cole bombing, the attack on the embassy in Africa, etc., etc.  There was talk about bringing the terrorist to justice and missle attacks on empty training bases in Afghanistan.  That obviously did not work.

Finallly after 9/11 Bush II issued notice that we would make no distinction between those harboring terrrorist and the terrorist themselves.  We attacked the Taliban in Afghanistan and have not suffered an attack since.  I'd say that worked.

On the downside the Bush admin. has followed up the tough talk of 9/11 by weak policy.  Allowing those that harbor and support terrorist safe harbor.  In the un-governed regions claimed by Pakistan the taliban and Osama are de-facto protected by the Pakistani government.  The Iranian government is allowed to supply arms to Hamas and the terrorist operating in Iraq and suffer no consequences.  Syria has funneled terrorist into Lebanon, the West Bank, and Iraq and has also suffered no consequences.

It is clear to most that the law enforcement option will result in more and possibly worse than 9/11 consequences.  A battle field solution requires that you seek out the enemy and destroy them.  I wouldn't describe allowing terrorist to operate from a cross border safe haven as any sort of a battlefield strategy but more like a form of conditional surrender.    

Answer 2

Yes - Surprise!  We've been totally and completely screwed by Li'l Bush.  His "War on Terror" was only so his rich friends could get big fat no-bid contracts.  War is good business.  But no - there is no battlefield solution - never was - and anybody with half a brain knew that.  

But we were all sold down the river by Bush, Cheney, Rice, Colin Powell, our cowering military and a lot of other folks who were lining up for the Big Bucks that war brings.

So remember that war that wasn't going to cost anything????  It cost plenty - and the taxpayer finally gets to pay these crooks at the top.

Answer 3

No.  If that were the case, countries around the world would not be threatened.  Terrorism stems from the brainwashing of many by a deranged few, and it comes from those who feel that they are wrongfully deprived of power and wealth--and it also comes from those who want more.  It will never stop until those people get what they want.