Posted on 10/09/2008 9:54:02 PM PDT by americanophile
Economic markets in turmoil, billions upon billions in public debt, a nation poised to elect a radical, anti-war socialist president with a Muslim background, and a population seemingly no longer interested in or concerned about the ongoing war against radical Islamic terror. The climate could hardly be better for Al Qaeda, and with America’s famously fickle attention now focused on stock prices and financial bailouts, the time is nearly perfect for a major terrorist attack.
In Tuesday’s debate, John McCain noted that: “history shows us that nations that are strong militarily over time have to have a strong economy as well.” Such a notion is self-evidently true, and McCain is not the only man who recognizes the proportional relationship between America’s economic and military power. In December 2001 Osama bin Laden declared of America: “If their economy is destroyed, they will be busy with their own affairs rather than enslaving the weak peoples. It is very important to concentrate on hitting the U.S. economy through all possible means.” Less than a year later, his second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri similarly stated: “We will also aim to continue, by the permission of Allah, the destruction of the American economy.” There should be no doubt that Al Qaeda actively seeks to destroy the U.S. economy, and with it America’s military strength.
We can be certain that Al Qaeda and other radical organizations are closely following the U.S. election. The last thing they desire is for the battle-hardened, victory-committed John McCain to inherit the commander-in-chief chair from President George W. Bush, so a pre-election attack that would all but ensure a McCain victory seems unlikely. Yet, with just 26 days to go the election, the time is not very distant when conditions will be nearly optimal.
Come November 5, the economy will likely be in little better shape than it is today, America may have cast its lot with an anti-war political neophyte and defeatist Congress, the critical holiday retail shopping season will be starting, and with a new administration coming to power, Washington will be shuffling desks - a perfect climate of fear, distraction and uncertainty. It is the ideal moment to hit major economic interests in America and throughout the West, creating a panic that will further slam the American economy, deal a parting defeat to George W. Bush, and rattle the shaky new president-elect.
The threat is not limited to Al Qaeda either. A brazen Iran, a duplicitous North Korea, an emboldened Russia, even a militant China bent on the re-conquest of Taiwan could find the tactical reality of a tired and strained U.S. Armed Forces, a financially distressed U.S. economy and a heavily preoccupied American leadership irresistible.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 hit the American economy hard, ultimately costing hundreds of billions of dollars and prolonging the dot com bubble burst recovery period. Now, amidst what many are calling the “greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression,” the effects of an economically-targeted terrorist attack could be truly devastating. It is a sober and worrying thought, and one that reminds us again how we have failed to learn the lessons of 9/11. For when America is distracted, when our resolve has lessened, when our domestic concerns overtake our concept of our mission in the world, it is then that our sworn enemies are most apt to strike us.
That’s what the article says.
It all sounds reasonable to me.
You know, I wouldn’t mind the realities of today so much, if it weren’t for knowing how tough it’s going to be for our 2 kids and 6 grandchildren.
I just hope the enemy gets close enough that I can help dispatch the bastards.
Be ready.
Indeed. Interesting times were living in.
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