September 11, 2008
" We have been privileged to live amongst those who have volunteered"
The president this morning at the Pentagon for the dedication of 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
...For future generations, this memorial will be a place of learning. The day will come when most Americans have no living memory of the events of September the 11th. When they visit this memorial, they will learn that the 21st century began with a great struggle between the forces of freedom and the forces of terror. They will learn that this generation of Americans met its duty — we did not tire, we did not falter, and we did not fail. They will learn that freedom prevailed because the desire for liberty lives in the heart of every man, woman, and child on Earth.
We can be optimistic about the future because we've seen the character and courage of those who defend liberty. We have been privileged to live amongst those who have volunteered to spread the foundation of peace and justice, which is freedom....
Posted by John Weidner at September 11, 2008 10:41 AM
Now US is doing something praiseworthy in tribal areas but again ultimately pointless. The ratio of gain/expenditure is too low. How many can US terminate and how irreplacable they are?.
Posted by: Bisaal at September 13, 2008 02:19 AMIt is quite possibly pointless. Afghanistan and the tribal areas of Pakistan are capable of producing an almost limitless supply of dangerous savages.
Like all counter-insurgency warfare, what we are trying to do is help the body to build up its own immune system, so it can fight off the disease itself. That's what has happened in Iraq.
Will it work in the tribal areas? That's a much murkier question, and I will leave it to those who know more than I.
Posted by: John Weidner at September 13, 2008 06:49 AMAQ are not the only savages. It is very probable that Iraq will fall to savages once US leaves.
There is 50% chance that US will abandon both Iraq and Afgahnistan by next year depending upon how US elections turn out and what then?.
I can see Iraq having lots of problems in the future, but savages is not one of them. They are thoroughly immunized, and their military has become quite capable of dealing with terrorists.
And I predict that, no matter who wins the election, we will continue the course that Bush set.
Posted by: John Weidner at September 15, 2008 11:39 AMI am afraid I dont share your optimism re: savages.
America has not killed all of them and plenty waiting in the wings.
Indeed, we are just seeing the begining of 21st century savagery. Churches are burning here.
