Salim Muwakkil should abandon his intellectual sanctuary for a dose of reality. His blatant attempt to dismiss terrorism and terrorists as figments of our imagination and our prejudices is sheer fantasy (“Ready, aim. . .Clinton misfires once again: When the target is a stereotype,” Commentary, Aug. 31).
Terrorism is embraced and practiced by those who aim to undermine agreements or destroy that of which they disapprove. History has taught us that innocent civilians lose when terrorism is employed, and the price paid is often a life or the life of a loved one.
History also has taught us that for governments to combat terrorism and effectively protect the lives of citizens, they must strike boldly at the terrorist infrastructure. U.S. law enforcement agencies have for years monitored terrorist groups, identifying leaders and sponsoring countries, and they are now sending a strong message that there will be no safe haven for terrorists.
Osama bin Laden is a terrorist. His clear and unequivocal statement that all Americans, civilian and military, are targets in his personal jihad should resonate with us all. This is not a matter of stereotypes but, rather, a clear warning. We cannot allow terrorists to conduct their deadly activities with impunity.
Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is also a terrorist. We are all sympathetic to the suffering of the Iraqi people, but the problem is not sanctions–it is Hussein himself. Saddam continues to use humanitarian aid to sustain a chemical weapons program, which he has openly and willingly used against thousands of his own people.
Finally, Muwakkil’s attempt to compare Hussein and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unfathomable, and the notion that Israeli policy “cannot be discussed” is outrageous. I look no further than the generally critical editorial section of the very paper in which his column appears. In attempting to vilify Israel and rationalize her existence as the cause of terrorism, Muwakkil reveals his own prejudices. In 50 years of statehood, Israel has become all too familiar with the human cost of terrorism. In seeking peace with her neighbors, Israelis only seek the peace of mind that Americans have enjoyed for decades.
Terrorists must not be permitted to strip away our freedom, peace or security. But while the U.S. endeavors to ensure our society worldwide, is it necessary to provide additional fodder for terrorist cannons?
