I personally think the motivation was to disrupt the G8.
I know the outrage causes people to try and place blame on political opponents, but the only people to blame are the terrorists. Leftists can say those in Iraq are to blame and those on the right can say those not in Iraq are to blame. Let's get it straight. The terrorists and ONLY the terrorists are to blame. They thrive on the aftermath of terrorism and DEPEND on military reaction to create new martyrs. It puts us in a bad situation because we are fighting an enemy we cannot see and this cries out for violent reaction. They force the reaction, then cry "martyr" when innocent people are killed. For every terrorist we kill, they recruit. I hope this will not tun into a neverending cycle. Liberals are absolutely right when they say economic circumstances breed terrorism, and the right is correct that Islamic fundamentalism breeds it too. We need to attack this using a variety of tactics, not just military. Recruitment of terrorists is made mostly possible in economically depressed areas, though we saw after 911 that there are exceptions. It will take a while to implement a solution, but it must be done with intelligence and forethought, not just anger and frustration.
I am convinced the IRA (or a spinoff) played a part. They have been linked with other "freedom fighters" for quite some time, and the Brits know it. I don't think bombing or Patriot Act can *prevent* a determined terrorist from striking. The IRA said they only have to be lucky once, and that is so true. Israel is a police state and they still can't prevent TAs.
My sadness has not given way to anger, yet. My most heartfelt prayers go out to the British people, and to the British and European Freepers here. God Bless you guys.
One can make a pretty good argument that a military response is not the best course of action in dealing with these people. I personally believe that such a position is weak, but an argument can be made.
Nevertheless, that's not the point of my post, or my initial response to you. My post is basically to say that I don't believe the Europeans when they offer support and express outrage in these circumstances. True, they have suffered far worse than we have at the hands of terroroists during the last century, but their response has been one of appeasement and self-criticism. Self-criticism is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is when it becomes self-hatred and ultimately self-destruction. My point is that they express outrage and support today, but if recent history is our guide, their words will soon be attacks on the victims.
I disagree that ONLY the terrorists are to blame. Of course, they have pulled the trigger and are ultimately responsible. But the political left, both here and in Europe have been enablers of the highest order.
They criticize American and British policy while simultaneously lauding monsters on the order of Saddam, Castro, and even Osama. Don't believe me? Look it up! Michael Moore and Sean Penn have both praised pre-war Iraq under Saddam as some sort of Paradise. Washington Senator Patty Murray said that Osama was popular because he built roads and day care centers, whereas all that we have done is to bomb and kill people.
The leaders of Old Europe (as well as solid majorities among the public of Old European countries) believe that the United States is the greatest threat to the world. They cry crocodile tears when we (or our allies) is attacked, then do nothing but criticise us when we respond.
The terrorists are certainly evil, and are to blame, but those who aid them and abet them, even in the form of psychological comfort also have a small share of responsibility. If Europe had truly stood shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. after 9/11 the war would be nearly over today.
I also disagree that for every one of them we kill we produce another martyr. Iraq is actually an excellent proof of this. The "insurgency" in Iraq is NOT a homegrown phenomenon. Nearly all of the terrorists there are "foreign fighters". Men who have streamed into Iraq to fight the "infidel" invaders. Meanwhile, the people of Iraq have not risen up against us and my friends who served and are now returning home all tell me that the Iraqi people KNOW that they are better off today than they were before the war. It was the Iraqis who were killed and maimed by us in the first months of the war, yet they did not produce huge numbers of martyrs. Instead, it was foreign Arabs, mostly schooled in the radical Wahabbi form of Saudi Islam who are trying to kill our servicemen there. The same is true for Afghanistan.
Is economic depression a leading cause of this sort of terrorism? Of course! But again, the leaders of Europe and the Left are enablers and part of the problem. They continue to embrace failed regimes and throw money down holes to solve the problems of poverty. Meanwhile, the despots who receive the money that is supposed to be used to help their people steal it for themselves. Or don't you remember Oil For Food?
I am NOT saying that military action is the only option. In fact, it SHOULD be the final option. You're absolutely correct that we need to work on the economic problems of the Middle East. My only point is that the free nations of the West must stand united against this sort of brutality. The verbal support of other nations may be comforting in times of crisis, but all of the kind words in the world are meaningless when the Annans, Schroeders, and Chiracs of the world are obstructing our response and helping terrorist regimes through back room deals.
I too am a Christ follower. I have been criticised by some who feel that Jesus would not strike out against those who have harmed the innocent. But I believe that our governments have a duty to protect us from the worst elements. I don't think that I am being inconsistent in my Christian beliefs. It is an issue of responsibility. How can I protect my children from madmen bent on killing simply because of their skin color or religion or country of origin? I cannot, but thank God that the U.S. military and our allies can! When another, supposedly allied nation attempts to inhibit our ability to fulfill that responsibility, I begin to question whether they are truly a friend.
That is my point.