Love it or hate it, America is one of the most powerful countries on the planet. America has become so powerful and rich, in fact, that it now feels confident enough to declare war on concepts such as terrorism. However, America is a country whose very existence is one established by various forms of terrorism. This “War on Terror” creates in itself the American paradox, a destiny that cannot be fulfilled without destroying themselves.
Out of Terror, One
The United States of America was established officially in 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a story known by almost any child over the age of six in America. However, it took (essentially) terrorism to establish this nation. Washington attacked the Hessian mercenaries at Trenton on a cold night, after they'd been drinking. Nathanial Greene attacked soldiers in the swamps of the Carolinas, using guerilla tactics. These actions were consider (but not called) terrorism in this age, when war was fought with “honor” and had strict rules.
America was not apologetic about these acts, nor should it have been. This style of fighting would help to adapt a new age of combat and progressed the history of combat. However, guerilla war has changed very little in concept since the revolution. The enemy is still hidden, and willing to do anything to undermine the cause of the enemy. The reason the British lost was because they failed to adapt to this change in technique; America is suffering from the same problem in Iraq and Afghanistan. America must think back to its past, and learn to fight the way the enemy does.
Fighting Old Demons
In some ways, the terrorism in the Middle East today is the product of America (particularly its desire for oil). America's policy of containment throughout the Cold War funded the future Al-Qaeda, a story that is fairly common knowledge by now. During the 80's, the terrorists (or “freedom fighters” as they were referred to at the time) were funded by America to combat the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. The Mujahideen gained many weapons from this, and would later form both Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
Also, Islamic extremism was further aggravated by the American interventionism in both Iran and Saudi Arabia. By the 70's, it was the United States alone who propped up the Shah of Iran, an increasingly unpopular leader. In addition, the U.S. placed military units in Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War, which irritated many Arabs, particularly Osama bin Laden. These factors played a large role in the attack on the United States, and provide just another instance of America's link to terrorism.
In conclusion, America need not look far for its solution to defeating terrorism. By examining our past and learning from it, we can foresee many terrorists attacks. However, if we ignore our connection to terrorism and the sources it draws from, we may very well be fighting a war against an ideal that we will never be able to defeat.
