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Terri
03-02-2003, 10:47 PM
The Big Picture

Carol Devine-Molin
GOPUSA Opinion
March 3, 2003

In order to vanquish the Jihadist movement, Western civilization must do much more than kill and apprehend terrorists. We are obliged to engage and defeat militant Islam on the ideological front as well. Otherwise, we will not be able to deter little Osama bin Ladens from taking root and perpetrating future strikes against us. And, I'm not talking about flimsy "Psy-Ops" war propaganda, but a concerted effort to appeal to the hearts and minds of the Islamic world, and to effectively convey the transforming power of freedom.

America, as the only global superpower, must facilitate democratization in the Middle East -- which will not only help stem the tide of hatred and terrorism, but unleash the dynamic forces of opportunity and prosperity that work in tandem for the good of societies. Logically, America must institute "regime change" in rogue nations such as Iraq that refuse to disarm and connive to harm us. This is not complicated stuff. Up until now, the Islamic world has been a bastion of despotic rule. However, the "freedom gap" must be alleviated not only for the benefit of these Islamic peoples that live under tyranny, but for the long-term peace and security of Western societies that have been targeted by lawless rogue regimes and their terrorist proxies. Simply put, freedom engenders contentment, while oppression begets rage and violence. Unfortunately, Western civilization is just a scapegoat for the radical Islamists.

Full Story (http://www.gopusa.com/caroldevinemolin/cdm_0303.shtml)

Very good analysis of the situation! Anyone agree?

Aknauta
03-03-2003, 08:56 PM
Yep, I do.

I would have liked to see some thoughts on the manner in which we gently move them in the right direction. I think that the single most important move has to be education.

We need to establish secular schools for all age levels and start the process of explaining the real world to these poor people. It worked miracles for Turkey, it can work for Iraq.

An educated populace can make decisions based on truth, not fantasy and a free people can make decisions based on their self interest AND the truth. A very good combination.

But government run schools don't have a real great record in the last 50 years in this country, I wonder how it might work in Iraq.

Next in line should be the establishment of the Rule of Law. Secular courts, separation of powers, elected leaders, all of this can help immeasurably.

This was done pretty fast in America. Probably 10 years to a functioning system with many of the important rights established. Maybe it can be done.