While watching the work crews erect concrete barriers around my building, I
was thinking what happens if (or when) the US manages to get custody of Bin
Laden? Will we be like the proverbial dog that chases the car and finally
catches the car and then has no idea what to do? What are we going to do,
pick a jury and have a trial? He would NEVER get a fair trial in the US, and
I don't think that many people would be concerned about that.
And then what? While he is awaiting trial in [insert favorite fair country],
the remainder of the terrorist cells start an aggressive campaign of terror
and demand his release. How many sleepers are around the world waiting for
activation?
I don't think for one second that Bin Laden's organization will quietly fade
into the night with him in custody. But rather, I picture their
counter-demand: "Release Bin Laden, or we poison 2/3 of the fresh water
supply in [insert favorite country from above]"
>From reading the news reports and listening to the US demands, it seems like
we (the US) have the attitude that once we have him, that is like cutting
the head off of the snake. But in reality, he is only one head of a many
headed serpent.
Bush has been pushing the "war on terrorism" campaign, but if we don't make
an all out assault on many cells at once, we may well be stirring up a pit
of vipers. Not only should the US demand that the Taliban hand over Bin
Laden, but they should demand that every terrorist cell be actively pursued
and disbanded. I realize that is the goal, but if the Taliban simply gave up
Bin Laden, then nothing is gained. Here is a good analogy: you can't reach
into a snake pit and grab one snake without getting bitten by the others,
you have to destroy the entire pit.
As bloodthirsty as this sounds, the American people, and possibly even the
world will not be satisfied if the Taliban simply hands Bin Laden over
without a fight. As a matter of fact, that is really the only other thing
(aside from more attacks) that would enrage people - if they were to give
themselves up. That simply would not satisfy the peoples need (or desire)
for revenge. I am NOT saying that attitude is right or moral, but I think
that is reality.
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Gary L. Nunn
Delaware Ohio
"...speak your mind - even if your voice shakes..."
- Maggie Kuhn
