Will the West Stumble?

Real Clear Politics ^ | 20 Nov 2006 | Victor D. Hanson

[spkpls4]

Well beyond us now is any overarching Churchillian vision of our enemies. We lack the practical understanding of an FDR that all of these Islamists loathe us far more than they despise each other. Their infighting, after all, is like the transitory bickering of thieves over the division of loot that always pales before their shared hatred of the targeted bank owner.

So we are at a crossroads of all places in Iraq. The war there has metamorphosized from a successful effort to remove a mass-murdering dictator into the frontlines of the entire struggle between Islamic radicalism and Western liberality. If we withdraw before the elected government stabilizes, the consequences won't just be the loss of the perceptions of power, but perhaps the loss of real power. What follows won't be the impression that we are weak, but the fact that we are--as we convince ourselves we cannot win against such horrific enemies, and so should never again try.

That stumble will send a shudder throughout the so-called West that will be felt worldwide. It will insidiously show that the premodern world proved the master of the postmodern, as al Qaeda's Alfred Rosenberg, the pudgy Dr. Zawahiri, boasted all along--whose followers will not be happy with a successful defense when they think they can go back on an even more successful offense.

In the end, the Islamicists' best way to blow up the world's Starbucks or to turn off freewheeling American television is ultimately with a whimper, not a bang. They need not plant a hundred thousand bombs across the Westernized globe, but simply to cauterize its very spinal cord in the United States--the willingness of the American public, as in the past, to confront only the latest challenge to their freedom and all the ripples from it.

[backtothestreets]

"If we find the struggle to stop Islamism is too costly or at least too bothersome, maybe appeasement of it will prove less so.

In short, while the Islamists get bolder and crazier, we become more timid and all too rational, quibbling over this terrorist's affinities and that militia's particular grievances--in hopes of cutting some magical deal with an imaginary moderate imam or nonexistent reasonable militia chief or Middle East dictator."


It took a couple hours for me to really absorb this. Is this the first instance Victor Davis Hanson has identified Islam specifically? It would mark a giant leap forward, and place him ahead of other commentators still identifying Islamoterorists, radical Muslims, or militant Muslims. Victor Davis Hanson was employing these terms himself just weeks back. This is a welcomed departure from the PC crowd.

[ImpBill]

I love VDH, but I think he has just written our Post Mort em, not a vision of the future. America is no longer worthy of the sacrifices being made by a scant few for so many who really don't care one bit. "We" will never win any WAR until "we" commit to it 99.9%. To WAR or not to WAR should never be an internal Political struggle. I believe our forefathers knew that and was why until recent history we never committed troops into battle without such a Declaration.

I, unfortunately, just don't believe America is up to the task of fighting to WIN. And I don't want to expend one more American life, on the field of battle, until "we" are.

[backtothestreets]

Being neither Democrat or Republican, I see fault with both.

Our military is stretched too thin. Leaders on both sides of the aisle are discussing talks with Iran. Think about that. They are talking about a nation that has declared an intent to destroy us. They are considering talks! But what choice do they have? We certainly don't have the manpower to engage Iran. We don't even have the manpower to keep Iranians, Saudis and Syrians from joining the fight in Iraq. We've enough manpower to fight in the cities, or patrol the borders, but not enough to accomplish both simultaneously.

Our military is stretched to the point we are entertaining an appeasement no less profitable than that undertaken by Neville Chamberlain with Germany.

I don't like the idea of women in combat, but thank God for them because there sure aren't enough male volunteers.

[backtothestreets]

Powerfully true statements!

[ImpBill]

It has been said, "know the truth, it will set you free." I am not so sure I am enjoying the "truth" of this matter.

But I also know not to put my faith in "men", as they will always let you down.

God help us now! For He is the only one who can, IMHO!

[Tolik]

    Victor Davis Hanson Ping ! 

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[dforest]

I was reading through these comments and unfortunatly yours stuck out because I fear you are right. I no longer think that anyone deserves to die to save the future for those who are oblivious and show very little desire to fight an obvious enemy. One day, they will grow up and have the audacity to ask why people in the past let them down...when its too late.

[maica]

A powerful article - every one of our friends with leftist sympathies should be required to read it - preferably out loud.

How many Americans are willing to 'fight' to get a Playstation3 in time for Christmas, and are not willing to 'fight' to keep hold of Western Civilization? Too many!

[Kenny Bunk]

We have about as much chance of dealing rationally with Islam as the LAPD had in dealing with Rodney King.

In WWII, we faced the Axis, 150 Million strong. We faced them on the battlefield. Now we face (Radical, OK?) Islam: as strong in number, if not stronger, and we face them on every street corner, in every shop, in every airport, in every tall building throughout the world.

A significant portion of them actually seek world annihilation as a way of purifying themselves and us for Allah. And few think this is serious.

[BadAndy]

How can a Churchill arise when the leftist media traitors will demonize him from the beginning? How can we have enough moral certainty to be willing to kill to defend our way of life when every aspect of western civilization is denigraded by the education system (from grade school to college)?

Our society in in the process of a radical reformation which must be reversed if we are to survive.

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks to the Bush Haters on both sides, America stumbled hard in the recent election. Thanks to the Bush Haters on both sides, our nation's survival is at risk thanks to the Rats in conrol congress, the next two years as shown below (courtesy of dead):

[The Toll]

America will not be aloud to win any war against a non white enemy. Think I'm being a jerk? Ask the Serbs.

[jackv]

I must say, I am not at all sure I want my son over there fighting for the majority of folks who could care less, take it all for granted and are so darn lazy they elect a bunch of fools to lead us down this path.
I am really conflicted. Proud to serve his country, proud to serve this president...but...

[Valin]

Bump. And thanks.

[oldbrowser]

The recent November election made it clear that the American public is tired of Iraq, tired of the televised bombings, tired of the Middle East and just wants to be left alone, to go home or to "redeploy."

I don't think the islamists are going to let us "redeploy", the awakening will happen when the public realizes that.

The country's next reaction will be submission or all out war.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Huber]

It's unrealistic to blame the "Bush Haters". The president's strategy was inconsistent on many fronts, and inconsistency and appeasement of RINOs and leftists led to a free-for-all in congress and skepticism and rejection by the voters.

Defensiveness is not going to regain Congress. A coherent strategy will.

[Valin]

If I may.....

Responding to recent expectations of an about-turn on counter-inflationary policies, Mrs Thatcher declared to widespread cheers:

"To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the U-turn, I have only one thing to say: You turn if you want to. The lady's not for turning!"


And "Now's not the time to go wobbly."

[Valin]

The president's strategy was inconsistent on many fronts,

Are you talking about the war?