Larry Gude
Strung Out
In the Post the other day, Fareed Zakaria, who I admire, opined that in Spain, whether it was Al queda or the Basque group ETA, the problem is the same; both groups are so dimished and desperate that violence for violence sake is all that is left.
He points out that it follows that terrorists are after something therefore kill or hurt only a few, get alot of attention for it and viola, you might get your way without becoming so notorious that no one can be seen to be dealing with you.
Zakarias piece says that there are only about 100 ardent ETA people left at it is believed to be about the same in Al queda, representing the most fanatical and willing to do harm.
In the case of ETA, Basques don't even want a seperate Basque nation anymore, so, the die hards represent a lost cause.
Fareed points out that Osama's initial demands in declaring jihad against the us was the removal of US troops from Saudi Arabia, specifically the Holy sites of Mecca and Medinah.
Done.
Now, his other wishes, the return to Caliphate, or government run by religion, he can take up until his hearts content with the entire Muslim world but wouldn't it make sense for his goals and viability, to claim some sort of victory over the US before we wipe them all out?
I mean, woo hoo, the US did what you demanded. That's no small shakes, right?
If he is dead I would think some underling would have pointed this out in an effort to get the world to make note.
He points out that it follows that terrorists are after something therefore kill or hurt only a few, get alot of attention for it and viola, you might get your way without becoming so notorious that no one can be seen to be dealing with you.
Zakarias piece says that there are only about 100 ardent ETA people left at it is believed to be about the same in Al queda, representing the most fanatical and willing to do harm.
In the case of ETA, Basques don't even want a seperate Basque nation anymore, so, the die hards represent a lost cause.
Fareed points out that Osama's initial demands in declaring jihad against the us was the removal of US troops from Saudi Arabia, specifically the Holy sites of Mecca and Medinah.
Done.
Now, his other wishes, the return to Caliphate, or government run by religion, he can take up until his hearts content with the entire Muslim world but wouldn't it make sense for his goals and viability, to claim some sort of victory over the US before we wipe them all out?
I mean, woo hoo, the US did what you demanded. That's no small shakes, right?
If he is dead I would think some underling would have pointed this out in an effort to get the world to make note.