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| Southeast Asia |
| War on Terrorism's second front |
| 2005-03-01 |
| I know the author of this piece. He works for Dr. Gunaratna and he's a pretty smart guy. The recent car bombing in Thailand that killed five people and wounded more than 44 has once again highlighted the threat of terrorism in Southeast Asia. Though much has been written about the dangers posed by terrorist groups in Southeast Asia, there is hardly any analysis of the US counter-terrorism strategy in the region, which has been dubbed by the George W Bush administration as the "second front on the war on terror". Is America winning the second front on the "war on terror"? The answer appears to be mixed. It is true that with American's assistance and support, Southeast Asian countries have been successful in eliminating terrorist networks in the region; nevertheless, American's unilateral actions, such as the war in Iraq, have alienated Muslim populations within Southeast Asia, thereby generating the "political oxygen" that militant radicals exploit to reinforce their ideology. Thus, though America is succeeding in the military dimension of the "war on terror", it appears to be losing the ideological one. However, before we continue it would be prudent to know what the terrorism threat is in Southeast Asia. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |
| #5 "Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute." No rewards. |
| Posted by: Ptah 2005-03-01 12:53:28 PM |
| #4 I used to fall for the old argument of it's because they're not educated or well off financially. But after 9/11, I've seen the opposite. The jihadis who go to their death and actually carry out binny's/Paleo's wishes are of two types: (1) well educated (especially in their religion) and well off (see the 19 9/11 hijackers), or (2) ordinary people who've been shamed into committing suicide (see the women who've been caught in adultry blowing up Joooos. Recently, a third type's been added...the mentally retarded (see the autistic boy the jihadis sent to kill those in line to vote in Iraq on Jan. 30). NONE of these have to do with their financial situation (and in the case of #1, is actually counter to the "poor/opressed" argument). I'd also say that while some exceptions to the educated argument might exist, I'd say the one thing they're all educated in is their DEATH CULT. |
| Posted by: BA 2005-03-01 11:56:39 AM |
| #3 Agreed 2b most cell leaders and in some cases homicide bombers are well educated and from the societies elite. There is a fundamental issue with Islam - ie apparently the religon does not come out explicitly in denouncing murder and suicide like say ... Christianity. |
| Posted by: Rightwing 2005-03-01 10:42:31 AM |
| #2 he's a smart guy. I don't know Dan, seems to me like he's infected with the PC brain rot to me. "For example, the US should spearhead international efforts to assist poorer Southeast Asian countries in providing programs aimed in alleviating poverty and unemployment. Implementing such polices would no doubt reduce discontent among disgruntled communities and undercut the appeal of the terrorist’s ideology. There is absolutely no evidence to show that this is what fuels terrorism. Funding the madrassas to spew hate, yes. Combating poverty - no. |
| Posted by: 2b 2005-03-01 7:55:58 AM |
| #1 I don't give a damn about winning the "hearts and minds" of Muslim communities in that region or anyplace else. Those raghead bastards need to learn that THEY need to be worried about "shock and awe" sending them and their ilk back to Allan early if they start some crap. |
| Posted by: mac 2005-03-01 6:34:50 AM |