President Discusses War on Terror at National Endowment for Democracy
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Washington, D.C.
October 6, 2005
Some call this evil Islamic radicalism; others, militant Jihadism; still others, Islamo-fascism. Whatever it’s called, this ideology is very different from the religion of Islam. This form of radicalism exploits Islam to serve a violent, political vision: the establishment, by terrorism and subversion and insurgency, of a totalitarian empire that denies all political and religious freedom. These extremists distort the idea of jihad into a call for terrorist murder against Christians and Jews and Hindus — and also against Muslims from other traditions, who they regard as heretics.
Congratulations! We’ve finally officially identified the enemy. Now maybe we can work on understanding what really motivates them. For instance, the Jihadis are not the ones distorting the idea of Jihad. That would be the work of the apologists for Islam and the willfully ignorant multiculturalists who pretend Jihad is nothing more than soul searching or defensive war.
Didnt Bush read your “Legacy of Jihad” piece?
At the same gathering Bush said they “foiled” ten (10) plots of terror including 2 9/11-style attacks to the US. They missed at least 3 others (Spain, Britain & Bali II) giving them a 10 of 13 or 76%. As long as the jihadis dont use WMDs, thats not a bad job.
Expect more NYC subway-esque and Washington monument-esque announcements. Between the jihadis and copycats, they can do significant damage without any explosives.
On the positive side, I was relieved to hear them mention the ferries for the first time. I always have seen them as soft targets. Cold december morning and 4 bombs go off simultaneously sinking 4 ferries in transit halfway between SI/Manhattan and Lady Liberty.
They haven’t bombed ferrys and malls and bridges and tunnels yet, but not because they can’t. As our struggle metastasizes more soft targets will be hit. The Jihad is eternal and patient. For now the Jihadis would rather the infidels not wake up. They exploit our political divisions. If and when we unite we can expect to see the 24/7 monkeywrenching really begin.