Hewitt laments the outbreaks of terrorist attacks that have occurred since the U.S. invaded Iraq 13 months ago. "If I should hold anything against George Bush," Hewitt said, it was that the invasion "created more terrorists."It is obvious that Mr. Hewitt and I have different opinions on how to best deal with terrorism. The position that taking direct action does not solve the problem is a legitimate and arguable position. However, the statement that invasion "created more terrorists" is conjecture. It is a belief he is free to hold, but it is incorrect in my opinion.
Terrorist cells are by nature intentionally hidden. The psychological effect they desire depends on upon it. Their ability to plan and carry out their heinous deeds depends upon it. A visible terrorist is a terrorist who is rapidly approaching room-temperature.
With the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, terrorist visibility has increased. The number of attacks in Iraq have risen dramatically. The number of terrorists in custody or serving as fertilizer has also risen. The news regularly reports the arrest of suspected terrorists across the globe. I believe this change is caused by proximity.
The increased presence of the U.S. and her allies in the middle east increases the visibility of terrorists there in two ways. First, it is easier for them to carry out attacks against American targets because it no longer requires travel plans. Enemy targets are not merely in country, they are patrolling in the city. Second, the patrols and raids expose existing cells which were not previously visible either due to favor or a blind-eye from the former regime.
An analogy: When it rains down here in Southeast Texas, piles of red earth magically appear in most lawns. A closer look reveals a few small ants scurrying around the vicinity of the mound. If the mound is disturbed (either intentionally or on accident), the situation changes immediately. Fire ants pour out of the earth and swarm the surrounding area. They ruthlessly attack every blade of grass and any insect or animal or human they come across.
The act of disturbing the mound did not "create more ants". It exposed the ants which already existed. Exposure is the first step toward elimination, and elimination works. Case in point: the number of terror attacks against Israeli civilians has dropped significantly since Israel has "taken the gloves off".
The elements prone to recruitment by terrorist organizations are going to be recruited regardless of what action is taken by the west. The meek U.S. response in 1982, 1983 and 2000 did not reduce terrorism. Direct action may stir up emotions in those susceptible to the siren call of suicide bombing, but it also reduces the number of recruiters.
I hate terrorists attacking and occasionally killing our troops, but those men and women are trained for conflict. I would rather the terrorists spend their lives on hardened bunkers against hardened troops then focus their energies on shopping malls and innocent, unexpecting Americans.
