Republicans understandably tout the lack of a major attack on America in the past 5 years. A good thing, of course. But are we missing the forest for the trees? It occurs to me the enemy has learned the "sleeping giant" lesson of Pearl and 9/11. America is not Madrid. Hit her and she hits back---hard. Radical Islamist leaders appear to have decided that indirect attacks can achieve victory without invoking an American military response.Bombs in Baghdad, ubiquitous on TV, are proving them right. Americans---who would have roared at another 9/11---looked at Baghdad and said, "At least it's not here. Can't we rest now?". The bombers will now move on to other Muslim countries, spreading the mayhem, while Americans throw their hands further in the air. With weakened American resolve, Arab leaders will have to accommodate the fanatics.
Then the same tactic will be used to enfeeble other allies. Sydney, London, Moscow, Seoul and others will be hit with ruthless attacks, ever more likely to involve chemical or nuclear weapons. Latin America will be radicalized. The "coalition of the willing" will slowly abandon us (and Israel). Every action we take in the war on terror will be seen as stirring up the hornet nest, not only abroad but by many here at home. It may take years, perhaps decades. But this is a very patient enemy. Eventually---when we are fully isolated---they will attack us at home. By then, where will we retaliate once the whole world is against us?
It is foolish and dangerous to allow American's to think all's fine as long as the explosions happen "over there". Bragging that we haven't been hit is shortsighted and may actually strengthen the enemy's hand. Someone very smart needs to devise a message that will make our countrymen understand the Big Picture, the long-term peril. Perhaps Giulliani could carry it off? It certainly needs to be part of the consideration as Republicans set their course for the future.
BTTT