Laden in the Bin
Jul. 12th, 2007 05:47 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
drewkittyAs even a stopped clock may be right twice a day, let's see if Bin Laden's goals are in any way tolerable to America.
(as ganked from http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2007/07/correspondent_i.html)
Bin Laden's policy objectives have been surprisingly consistent. Abrams lists four; here are six from former CIA analyst Michael Scheuer's book Imperial Hubris:
1. End U.S. support of Israel
Not going to happen. I am not a member of the "pro Israel" faction, nor do I like being accused of being anti-Jewish simply because of the observation that America's national interest and Israel's do not always run side by side. (Google USS Liberty if you think they do.) However, Israel is a civilized nation that has been a staunch if shifty friend of ours in a hostile corner of the globe. I think we can get a better deal out of them in geostrategic terms, and that sometimes they make more problems for themselves, but then again, I'm not on the front lines of terrorism. They are.
2. Force American troops out of the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia
Not while oil is critical to world energy policy and geopolitics.
3. End the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan and (subsequently) Iraq
The former, only once it's been civilized (perhaps in a millenia or two). The latter may be winnable in 20-30 years, but it's doubtful the American people will stomach it that long. Sadly.
4. End U.S. support of other countries' anti-Muslim policies
Where "anti-Muslim" equals "tolerance of other religions" this isn't going to happen. Full stop.
5. End U.S. pressure on Arab oil companies to keep prices low
Hmmm. Are we doing this? Actually, it's a race to the bottom by the Arab nations and we are encouraging it by . . . being willing to buy large quantities.
6. End U.S. support for "illegitimate" (i.e. moderate) Arab governments, like Pakistan
The ultimate goal is peace in the Middle and Near East. Only moderate Arab governments can help us get there from here. Therefore, this isn't gonna happen either.
//
Bin Laden! Paging Bin Laden! Your body bag is waiting.
Dear Bin Laden: We here at Boeing have noted your interest in our commercial jetliners. We are therefore arranging for a special product demonstration for you. We feel you would benefit from our products which are more oriented towards the military customer. This includes our bombers, fighters, unmanned aircraft and cruise missiles. Please rest assured, no salesman will call. Sincerely, Boeing.
(as ganked from http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2007/07/correspondent_i.html)
Bin Laden's policy objectives have been surprisingly consistent. Abrams lists four; here are six from former CIA analyst Michael Scheuer's book Imperial Hubris:
1. End U.S. support of Israel
Not going to happen. I am not a member of the "pro Israel" faction, nor do I like being accused of being anti-Jewish simply because of the observation that America's national interest and Israel's do not always run side by side. (Google USS Liberty if you think they do.) However, Israel is a civilized nation that has been a staunch if shifty friend of ours in a hostile corner of the globe. I think we can get a better deal out of them in geostrategic terms, and that sometimes they make more problems for themselves, but then again, I'm not on the front lines of terrorism. They are.
2. Force American troops out of the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia
Not while oil is critical to world energy policy and geopolitics.
3. End the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan and (subsequently) Iraq
The former, only once it's been civilized (perhaps in a millenia or two). The latter may be winnable in 20-30 years, but it's doubtful the American people will stomach it that long. Sadly.
4. End U.S. support of other countries' anti-Muslim policies
Where "anti-Muslim" equals "tolerance of other religions" this isn't going to happen. Full stop.
5. End U.S. pressure on Arab oil companies to keep prices low
Hmmm. Are we doing this? Actually, it's a race to the bottom by the Arab nations and we are encouraging it by . . . being willing to buy large quantities.
6. End U.S. support for "illegitimate" (i.e. moderate) Arab governments, like Pakistan
The ultimate goal is peace in the Middle and Near East. Only moderate Arab governments can help us get there from here. Therefore, this isn't gonna happen either.
//
Bin Laden! Paging Bin Laden! Your body bag is waiting.
Dear Bin Laden: We here at Boeing have noted your interest in our commercial jetliners. We are therefore arranging for a special product demonstration for you. We feel you would benefit from our products which are more oriented towards the military customer. This includes our bombers, fighters, unmanned aircraft and cruise missiles. Please rest assured, no salesman will call. Sincerely, Boeing.
