War On Terror Promoting Terrorism

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:48 pm

LONDON (Reuters) - Six years after the September 11 attacks in the United States, the "war on terror" is failing and instead fuelling an increase in support for extremist Islamist movements, a British think-tank said on Monday.

A report by the Oxford Research Group (ORG) said a "fundamental re-think is required" if the global terrorist network is to be rendered ineffective.

"If the al Qaeda movement is to be countered, then the roots of its support must be understood and systematically undercut," said Paul Rogers, the report's author and professor of global peace studies at Bradford University in northern England.

"Combined with conventional policing and security measures, al Qaeda can be contained and minimized but this will require a change in policy at every level."

He described the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq as a "disastrous mistake" which had helped establish a "most valued jihadist combat training zone" for al Qaeda supporters.

The report -- Alternatives to the War on Terror -- recommended the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq coupled with intensive diplomatic engagement in the region, including with Iran and Syria.

In Afghanistan, Rogers also called for an immediate scaling down of military activities, an injection of more civil aid and negotiations with militia groups aimed at bringing them into the political process.

If such measures were adopted it would still take "at least 10 years to make up for the mistakes made since 9/11."

"Failure to make the necessary changes could result in the war on terror lasting decades," the report added.

Rogers also warned of a drift toward conflict with Iran.

"Going to war with Iran", he said, "will make matters far worse, playing directly into the hands of extreme elements and adding greatly to the violence across the region. Whatever the problems with Iran, war should be avoided at all costs."

So this basically confirms what we already knew, the WOT has been a gigantic cock-up.

Post by **Mikey** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:22 pm

That's what happens when you fight an enemy without trying to understand him.

BTW, Happy Thanksgiving, Cpl. Kendall!

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 12:56 am

Mikey wrote:That's what happens when you fight an enemy without trying to understand him.

BTW, Happy Thanksgiving, Cpl. Kendall!

Thanks, the kids had fun at their Aunts for dinner on Saturday. Did you get Columbus Day off?

Post by **Mikey** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:01 am

I did, thanks. Altough around here it seems to be more of an Italian-American celebration than anything else. Which is odd, because the Italians laughed Columbus out of the country...

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 5:22 pm

Aw, no holiday for me.

Happy whatever it is!

Post by **Mikey** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 5:38 pm

Thank you!

Monday was Thanksgiving Day in Canada, and Columbus Day in the US. (I know, I know, but it has become an entrenched tradition...)

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 5:52 pm

'Columbus Day'? I didn't even know that existed...

Post by **Mikey** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:07 pm

Yeah, and just try to convince one of my typical countrymen of the true history of the exploration of the Americas...

However, to be fair, today is celebrated in some parts of the norther Midwest - where there are large populations of Scandinavian descent - as 'Leif Ericsson Day.' I kid you not.

BTW - Also, John Lennon's birthday today, and Sean Lennon's - and mine!

Granitehewer · Post by **Granitehewer** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:09 pm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!Yom Huledet Same'ach
I wish you and your clan, every happiness, that life and its aftermath have to offer!

Post by **Mikey** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:10 pm

Many thanks.

Post by **Captain Seafort** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:11 pm

Indeed, happy birthday Mikey.

Granitehewer · Post by **Granitehewer** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:13 pm

Lelakek Et Ha'etzba'ot! <is that a hebrew KFC? finger licking good! Thats awesome.
Now tell us all, what presents you got!!

Sionnach Glic · Post by **Sionnach Glic** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:19 pm

Happy Birthday!

Post by **Mikey** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:01 pm

Thank you all! (And thanks for the reminder, Rochey...)

I received a Rutgers University cap and windbreaker, a very nice seafood dinner (to be collected this evening,) various gift cards, and a beautiful original crayon-on-construction-paper from my daughter that may be a portrait of me, a monster, a flower, or a puppy.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:30 pm

Happy Birthday Man! I love it when I get drawings from my kids. How old is she?