Richard E. Rubenstein
Prof. of Conflict Resolution and Public Affairs
Op-Ed Piece, September 15, 2001
George Mason University
To combat terrorism we must understand it. To understand it we must study it.
Now it is time to consider creating a similar body to study and make recommendations with regard to the causes and prevention of terrorism
Racial disorders, police riots, and violent protests could not be "stamped out" by rhetorical declarations or acts of force. What was needed was the sort of understanding that is in short supply when people are reacting out of fear, grief, or rage. Then, as now, effective long-range policies to combat violence required a deeper comprehension of the reasons people engage in violent acts and the full range of policy options available to prevent the violence from continuing or escalating.
When it comes to understanding the psychology of terrorism, the relationship between violence and religious ideology, the politics of anti-Western movements, or the deeper social and economic causes of terrorist violence, our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete.
What we need in this time of crisis and confusion is a new national conversation about the terrorist threat and how to deal with it.
There's one!!!
Good catch! :-)
The rats are gonna love this.
No, first we had to get their attention, and make the terrorists understand a few things. That is why libs can still find a safe place to "study" these things now that the WTC is gone.
excellent!