Posted on 05/11/2004 8:57:16 PM PDT by SJackson
Lt. Colonel Oliver North made headlines in the 1980’s during the Reagan administration with his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal.
Today Col. North is a popular radio talk show host and the host of “War Stories” on Fox News. He has just completed Jericho Sanction, the second novel of a projected trilogy.
The Jewish Press: Has your fame of the 1980’s faded or do people still recognize you?
The only people who do recognize me are members of the media, although Richard Clark’s new book does make mention of that era. Now people see me on my Fox News program.
What do people usually say to you when they do recognize you?
They ask what it was like to sit in the hot seat during the Iran-Contra hearings. Or they’ll ask something politically relevant to the war on terrorism since, in 1983, I was the first terrorism czar.
Describe your recent trip to Israel.
We were on a counter-terrorism story and Jo Mosser, the collaborator on my book, got shot at. People in Israel have been living with that kind of thing for 50 years. I’m not sure that even today we fully understand the nature of Jihadism. In 1983 we had info on Baader Meinhof and Red Brigade, but nothing on [Islamist extremists].
What do you say to those who insist that the removal of Saddam Hussein was not justified?
By eliminating Saddam, we removed a significant nexus of terrorism. All movements of terror need a haven for medical treatment and training. For years, that was found in Tora Bora and then it moved to Iraq, where it flourished until Baghdad fell in April 2003.
Baghdad was Terror University. Now that has been transferred to the Bekaa Valley [Syria]. There they have a free rein to train and move equipment out. Until we deal with those realities and deny tolerance of such things it will remain a haven. Until people stand up and say this will not be tolerated, terrorism will always have a place to go. When Hamas no longer has a place to work from, the world will be a safer place to live in.
Tell us a little about your new novel.
This is the second in a trilogy about terrorism, and it’s titled Jericho Sanction. It was written at a time when people were talking about how to handle the global terrorism threat through the UN. I think today people will conclude, as will readers of the book, that the UN is not the answer.
The third book will discuss other means such as assassination (targeted killings), which is something that has to take into account what happens to those who are unsuccessful in their mission. A botched attempt such as in the case of Israel’s effort against Mashal had far-reaching implications.
Jericho Sanction refers to the Jericho Missiles (the nuclear option) and deals with a war of national survival. Ultimately, if there is G-d forbid a situation which threatens Israel’s very existence, then there becomes a scenario where the Jericho missiles may be the only viable choice. A political veteran told me in such circumstances we will act “the only way we can.”
What sovereign power today most threatens world stability?
Good question, since there is no doubt in my mind that there are those within Russia who, if the price was right, would make available the technological or biological material used for mass destruction. China, if she was to get adventurous with Taiwan, or the North Koreans – they all raise questions.
In reality, though, stability in those regimes makes them less of a threat. But in shaky dictatorships of the Middle East, pushed to the edge, would those mullahs do anything to hold on to their power? If they get the weapon and it comes in a backpack or container – you don’t need a missile – then 10,000 dead in a commercial city is something no government, no country can allow.
Does that include the United States? If a dirty bomb did mass damage would we respond with a nuclear option in your opinion?
I think it would be more likely an overwhelming use of U.S. military force. It remains to be seen, but if Iran would be deemed to be the source of a big hit on American citizens then that is a decision to be made in consultation with the U.S. military. They would have to weigh the safety of any force to be sent in against other means. If there were a clear and present danger to sending in troops?
Then the Chief of Staff and Secretary Defense might have to recommend nuking the place.
Your life has been much like a thriller. Is the fiction you write derived from actual events?
I don’t deny that in the first of my novels, I mention a passport that was the same as the one I traveled with in the 1980’s when I needed to get to Tehran, Cyprus, Beirut and Israel. The name and photo issued by the United States protected my family, or at least exposed me to less of a threat.
I don’t know who has led a more exciting life over the last 60 years. I’ve been blessed with still being alive and having traveled most of the world. It’s the only way I can put it. I’ve got a great job doing what I love to do and even get paid for it.
In answer to your question, Mark Twain put it succinctly when he responded to a similar question by saying: “I never worry about the things I know!” In fiction you can make slight changes in the people and places. Because I signed a non-disclosure agreement with the government I have hurdles to cross which will follow me to my grave. For certain revelations in my autobiography, Under Fire, a factual account, I needed to get security clearance from the National Security Council, the Pentagon and the CIA, which expedited things because I needed the money. But even so, 40 pages or more were kept out.
So writing fiction about things I know is easier without compromising the non-disclosure agreement. For example, in my first novel, Mission Accomplished, the first three people who are killed by the KGB are real people. It actually happened. Different names, places and times. But the hijacking of the train actually occurred, and shipping weapons to the Nicaraguans. Those three were murdered by the KGB and GRU and there was never any retribution.
Do you have any future plans to run for office? [Ed. Note: North came close to winning his bid for a Senate seat in Virginia.]
You don’t say “never” to something that’s not immoral. I think the good Lord gives us brains and talents to use for his glory. That is my Christian belief. Since politics isn’t strictly speaking immoral it can’t be ruled out. But I have a hard time imagining how that would happen. I love hanging around with soldiers. I even married one. She has had to put up with snatching the kids late at night so that the FBI could spirit them away from a perceived threat.
Is there a danger, in your opinion, that anti-Semitism in the U.S. will reach new heights?
I hope and pray that we are bigger people than that. I think there is a resurgence of anti-Jewish feeling, but I think that there is a bigger growth of that in Europe. Quite frankly, I have an adopted Jewish son who will talk to me once in a while about what’s going on.
Why is it that there are so many Jewish doctors, engineers, lawyers and brilliant thinkers? Because there had to be, that’s why. Survival. Those who have never been confronted by what the Jewish people have faced and don’t understand. I carry around a Bible with the Old Testament. I flew over Ur where Abraham and Sarah walked into Canaan. I can’t tell you how moved how I was. That’s who I am.
What is your message to Jewish Press readers?
The freedom in today’s Israel is a role model for the democracy that the entire region can enjoy. There are many Palestinians who understand that what you have in Israel is to be admired. Because you can stand up on any street corner and rail against Prime Minister Sharon without being cast in jail. That is the real measure of freedom. You can’t do that in the Arab world.
I love the smell of trinitite in the morning...
Has your fame of the 1980’s faded or do people still recognize you?
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