What the Terrorists Really Fear

We can debate "torture" and the "reasons" for terrorism and Gitmo and Abu Ghraib until the cows come home but the truth is we're just missing the point.

When it comes down to it, the difference between "us" and "them" is that we try to save human life whereas they try to destroy it. The US would much rather be helping people than blowing them up. (And yes, making a healthy profit in the process... what's wrong with that?)

I had an exciting debate with some friends who visited for Memorial Day weekend during which I asserted that it basically comes down to the fact that we are being attacked by people who simply put a lower value on human life than we do here in the West. One friend was willing to concede this but argued that the issue was about opportunity, mostly economic. He said that if there was more mobility in these societies, they would value life more and not be so eager to blow themselves up.

While I don't think poverty helps matters, I disagree with my friend. The past five or so centuries of Western tradition have been about valuing the individual. The mindset in the Islamic Middle East is entirely different, with, of course, individual exceptions. I don't think that is part of Islam itself but I do think it has become part of Middle Eastern Islamic culture.

Anyway, this is a long-winded introduction to a little bit of good news. The terrorists want to draw attention away from the good we are doing in Iraq, and the fact that this is actually our intent. They want to do this because if Iraqis and Muslims in general begin to see the truth about the United States, they will see that we really just want to help. They will begin to see the value in human life. Then there will be stability, and capitalism, and democracy. Slowly the fear will recede and the fanatics will lose power. That is why the terrorists would prefer riots and battles.

I hope you enjoy reading this bit of news:

New York Civil Affairs Unit 'Supplies' Village

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto L. Garcia, 353rd Civil Affairs Brigade government team chief, has been in Iraq since September, and he said the basic mission of his unit is to help restore the country of Iraq.

“From schools to hospitals, law, agriculture, water - everything from A to Z, we do it,” said Garcia, a Chicago resident and windy-city police officer.

The brigade works with Iraqi French Village council members to discuss concerns in the area, and a large part of Garcia’s agenda revolves around relief missions that provide the local children with school supplies and toys donated by American citizens.