Archive: Opinions

Editorial writers and opinion columnists across the globe will offer their thoughts and recollections about the previous year in this week’s paper.  In some cases, they might recap the entire decade as we say farewell to the “oughts” enter the beginning of a new decade. 

For most of the previous decade, our nation has been embroiled with a conflict which we call, “The War on Terror.”  It began on September 11, 2001 when terrorists hijacked four planes and flew three of them into their assigned targets-the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. 

The fourth plane never made it to its intended target, the U.S. Capitol, thanks to the brave crew and passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 who foiled the terrorist plot and gave their lives so others would be spared.  September 11 stands as our generation’s “Pearl Harbor” in so many ways. 

As we begin 2010, we find our country mired down in several countries where we believe we are fighting, “The War on Terror.”  Officially, our sons and daughters are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, but there are dozens of so called “trouble spots” throughout the world where, “The War on Terror” can erupt into a real crisis.  Such places as Indonesia, Bosnia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, the Central Asian Republics, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Western Europe, and even the United States, can offer a safe haven to terrorists dedicated to the destruction of our country. The places where these terrorist cells can hide are remarkable.

Each day, we pay a heavy price to fight this war.  Each day our brave soldiers die leaving behind bereaved families and friends.  Each day millions of dollars are spent to defeat an often invisible enemy that changes its position and strategy with little or no effort.  Each day we successfully eliminate our intended target, an Al-Qaeda leader or terrorist stronghold, only to discover more recruits willing to take up the fight.  It seems an endless war awaits us and future generations.

In the wake of our efforts, we leave a path of destruction and bitterness that alienates the local population.  Often, innocent men, women and children fall victim to our attacks while the terrorists escape unharmed.  Although our cause is a noble one, the cumulative effects damage our reputation as “Liberators” from the terror of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Our country can begin the New Year and the new decade with a bold, new, and innovative way to fight “The War on Terror” with a simple plan.  The United States ought to create a new department, The Department of Peace.  Of course, some might argue that we need less government and more troops on the ground but allow this opinion writer a chance to explain this idea.

Instead of sending military advisors and other experts to determine troop numbers and support personnel along with a multi-billion dollar price tag for Congress to debate, The Department of Peace would send in a few advisors well versed in the culture and traditions of a country or region, and develop a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and simple hospitality. 

In time, our advisors would offer to build schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and other essential components of society.   The advisors would work with local leaders or tribal elders to determine the appropriate projects, find reliable workers, and monitor the progress of each endeavor.  With the completion of each project, the local population would see that this great nation of ours, the United States, sincerely stands behinds their beliefs.  Our actions, not our words or lofty platitudes, would stand against the false accusations and propaganda of the real enemy-hatred and fear.

If you can imagine a hostile region of the world slowly understanding that the United States is truly on their side in the fight against injustice and inequality in ways that did not involve thousands of armed soldiers patrolling their streets day and night, the frightening sound of bombs being dropped from airplanes and drones, and the uncertainty that they might become the unintended target. 

This is not a fairy tale. This is actually happening with private individuals and organizations around the world.  If you get a chance, read the book, Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortensen.  You’ll see how a mountain climbing enthusiast transforms the tribal regions of Pakistan with a few thousand dollars, patience, and good will.  Through his determination, patience, and belief that peace and love triumphs over evil, Greg has built schools, bridges, hospitals, roads, irrigation systems throughout the tribal regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

He has stood up to terrorists, war lords, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and corrupt government officials using brick and mortar.  He has won over the hearts and minds of the men, women, and children who live in these regions by his sincerity, his friendship and his trust.  They believe in him, and in the larger context, they are beginning to believe in America and all her ideals.   He is winning the war on terror without troops, tanks, planes, or private contractors. 

Meanwhile, our military efforts are stuck in idle.  Terrorist plots and attacks continue.  Last week, a Nigerian Man attempted to ignite an explosive device aboard a flight as it was preparing to land in Detroit.  An attentive passenger saved the day as well as the lives of everyone onboard. 

Now, we must arrive at airports three hours before departure in order to get through security.  Soon, it will be easier to walk to our destination in less time than that in will be to fly due to the ever-increasing time needed to pass through security. 

Congress’s first order of business should be the establishment of The Department of Peace.  Perhaps, our efforts will produce positive results as we exchange our swords for plowshares.  And that is to the point.  

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