Defeating Terrorism

by Amy T.

Ending terrorism is not like gambling. With poker, there are several variables that can affect the outcome of the game. When it comes to fighting terror, the only way to win is to fight to the end.

Many believe that the terrorists feel they have been treated wrongly by something or someone, and that giving up something to them will end the fight, be it land or money. History repeatedly shows us that by placating the terrorists, we only give them what they want, and therefore prolong the fight. They will persist in taking everything they are given, but they will never stop demanding more.

A clear example of this is the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. Israel permitted the PLO to return to the West Bank and Gaza, and form the Palestinian Authority. Israel furnished weapons and America provided training to the Palestinians for the purpose of starting an army to fight crime and terrorism. Israel was repaid by these freshly supplied and trained terrorists with suicide bombings in malls, restaurants, clubs, and busses.

More recently, Israel withdrew all Jews from Gaza, giving all the land to the Palestinians. The Israelis left behind infrastructure and buildings, which should have been used by the Palestinians for conducting business . The minute the last Israeli troops were out of Gaza, the terrorists obliterated what they had left behind, and again repaid their generosity with rockets on Sderot and Ashkelon, two Jewish cities near Gaza.

Several of you probably believe that these problems were brought about by Israel "stealing" Palestinian land, but consider this: what was it that the United States did to provoke Al Qaeda?

Many people say it is because America has troops in Saudi Arabia, where the two holiest locations for the Muslim people are located. These people are mistaken. This struggle is not about the terrorists wanting America out of the Middle East. This conflict stems from the pride of one individual: Osama Bin Laden.

In 1991, when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, Saudi Arabia was concerned, and help to protect its oil fields. Osama Bin Laden offered his aid to help protect his homeland with the help of his Mujahadim, who had assisted in protecting Afghanistan from the Russians in the 80's.

However, rather than take a chance with Bin Laden's holy warriors, the Saudis instead turned to the United States for help, and this offended Bin Laden's pride. Now it seems Bin Laden is on a mission to prove to the world that he is the real protector of Islam. Do not be duped by the terrorists'claim of a war of faith.

The sole action that has ever succeeded against terrorism has not been to try to negotiate with these people but to battle them with force. You will find that, with any militaristic action against terrorists, when you begin to make headway, they start to clamor for a Hudna, a temporary cease fire.

When you are in a poker tournament, and your opponent is almost out of chips, is it wise to back off and let your enemy regroup, or should you go all in and force him out?

The sole manner in which to defeat terrorism is to combat terrorism whenever and wherever it appears, and to never ease up on those who would practice terror to advance their goals.