The Hard Felt Lessons of Terror
The Roots of Jihadism: An Intellectual Investigation of the Sources of Jihadist Ideology by Tim Edge
When we speak about the right ways to combat terrorism, everyone always points to the gun. What happens if the gun just can’t do the job? For Tim Edge, the Islamic Jihadism of modern day has a rich and long history which has been distorted by many over time. Mr. Edge desires a review of this Jihadism and questions us to change our view of modern terrorism. We all have to analyze the roots of such problems, rather than just picking up a gun and going to fight. Indeed, our rash actions might create more terrorists faster than we can kill them.
China’s War of Terror The Efficacious Use of Economic and Social Policy to Suffocate a People By George Blair
Upon delving into the global war on terror, the United States sought help across the Pacific way from the People’s Republic of China. In order to do so, the US placed a Uigher separatist movement on a terror watch list, placating the Chinese communists. This hypocritical action puts the old “freedom fighters” metaphor on a pedestal and beckons for us to look at the Chinese-Uigher relationship and whether our condemnation of the Uigher minorities is justified.
Overcast skies in the War on Terror by Greg Rosen
Since the advent of a cold war, the United States sought to monopolize air and missile power over the big, bad Soviet Union. Our insistence on the wonderful utility of air power seems misguided however, especially in recent years. From collateral damage to international criticism, can we really use precision guided weaponry and sleek jets to finish off a nebulous network of terrorists and thieves?
Money Matters: Iraq’s Future Examined In Context Of Soviet Russia’s Past by Sophie Stern
The old debate over which comes first: prosperity or democracy is truly put to the test in Iraq. When we exported our ideals and freedoms to the Iraqi state, did we do it right? Indeed, after the turmoil of reconstruction, it seems that many sought bread and water before they sought voting booths and ballots. This article seeks to find the right answer to the debate and concretely deduces that money might trump all.
Beyond the Military: Effective Tactics in the War on Terror by Bobby O’Brien
When people ask the question “Why do they hate us”, many people try to answer with a multitude of cliché reasons about freedom and values. After September 11th, we were simply too angry to analyze such deep inquiries into the human mind, and turned to abstract ideas to placate our frustrations. But in reality, this author seeks to discuss the true answers to the question and delves into social theories that can possibly explain why they act the way they do.
The Forgotten Conflict – Sri Lanka, the Tamil Tigers and Terrorism by Adam Farrar
All this talk about Islamic fundamentalism is making the Tamil Tigers quite jealous. One of the most successful terrorists groups to survive decade old rivalries and fighting, the Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka make the headlines daily in Southeast Asia, whereas many Americans can barely point out SE Asia on a map. So who are these guys, and what’s their deal? Looking into this terrorist group can help us find parallels to modern day Islamic terrorism from Hamas to Al-Qaeda to the Taliban.
NATO was the pivotal defense alliances of the 20th century, protecting the West from the Soviet Empire. Much has changed since the fall of Communism and NATO has changed with it. David Springer analyzes the growth of NATO as it combats terrorism, provides relief and adjusts to new geopolitical realities.
The “I” Word and the War on Terror: Is U.S. support for Israel undermining our efforts to combat international terrorism by Elliot Gillerman
They say the definition of an idiot is someone who perseveres in an action expecting a different result every time. The United States continually changes the Middle East to its liking, and when things don’t work out, we nevertheless continue with a policy. Many terrorists and even governments all greedily and angrily point to Israel as the cause of such frustrations and problems in the Middle East, especially with regard to Palestine. Still, the United States persists in its overwhelming pro-Israel policy. Elliot Gillerman seeks to change such a policy, or at least make a dent in the youthful minds. In this piece, our policy towards Israel might need another reevaluation, or else we risk being called another “I’ word.