War against land-locked Afghanistan has been cited by intelligence sources as extremely unlikely. The line of supply would have to cut across a host country to get there, for starters. Unless Sadam Hussein is behind the attack on the U.S., we are likely to see the U.S. move toward a conflict policy which is more similar to Israel's, involving commando raids upon the perpetrators no matter what borders they hide behind: << Washington may well be headed for a third option. Declaring a "war" on fundamentalist militants both avoids the problems of naming a specific national sponsor and allows Washington a broader mandate to tackle current and potential threats to the United States. And, similar to the "war on drugs," the war on terrorism would enlist the help of nations around the globe -- when convenient for U.S. policy interests.>> Such a global war on potential threats would require the substantial involvement of U.S. intelligence agencies and Special Forces in defining foreign policy initiatives. During the Cold War, clandestine operations and support of democratically questionable regimes were tolerated in the interest of blocking the spread of Communism. Now, similar actions may well become more common against the widespread threat from extremists.>><<This will not be a quick war nor one with a definite end point. Washington must be willing to accept greater influence in policy from intelligence agencies -- whose lapses may have allowed the latest attacks -- and from Special Operations forces, whose clandestine operations may not fit with current accepted norms. Further, the American people must be steeled against counter-strikes on U.S. soil. Given the limited choices available to counter future threats of terrorism against domestic targets, however, Washington will inevitably shift its counter-terrorism strategies to a more global -- and unconventional -- posture.>> To maybe help somewhat with those of you who are fearing a major war like as known in the 20th century. Still, not a rosy prognosis. May we all find interior peace and strength. Shane
