T.A. Editorial in Vanderbilt Hustler

U.S. Hubris, Consistent Record of Instrusion Catalysts of Sept. 11

by Corey Bike November 3, 2004

For the past three years, many hubristic Americans -- the president most of all -- have been responding to the question "Why do they hate us?" with naVve and self-adulating remarks such as, "they hate our freedoms," or "they are jealous of our prosperity." Apparently, these are such self-evident truths that an understanding of U.S. actions in the world is irrelevant, and therefore, need not be analyzed. But once again on Friday, in another video message by Osama bin Laden, "they" actually offered an answer to this question.

Unfortunately, however, both President Bush and Senator Kerry once more exemplified the pigheadedness of U.S. leaders by ignoring the content of the message and using the opportunity to see which candidate could provide a stronger display of bravado that undermines the rationality and self-reflection needed to keep the United States (and the world) safe. Neither candidate addressed what bin Laden actually said in the tape; and by not doing so, the United States will continue to fuel the animosity of many who are undeservedly subject to unjust and oppressive policies -- most of which have originated before Sept. 11 -- which robs one of hope and replaces it with terrorism.

In his videotape, bin Laden clearly stated that the best way to avoid another Sept. 11 was to stop threatening Muslim security. And despite what Americans believe about the benevolent intentions of the United States to "change the nature of the Middle East" (in the words of Condoleeza Rice), most Muslims would agree with bin Laden that U.S. efforts are not at all benevolent, but rather a direct attack on Muslim culture and security. It should not be seen as cowardice or fear of the enemy to take notice of this perspective. After all, bin Laden is the one who orchestrated the attacks on Sept. 11; wouldn't we want to know why he did it, and why he seeks to do it again? It is pointless to comfort ourselves with false notions of freedom-hating terrorists when it obscures the true nature of their animosity.

If we were serious about keeping the United States safe, we must candidly confront the sources of terrorism, not just the terrorist themselves. Bin Laden stated, "Any state that does not mess with our security has naturally guaranteed its own security." There is truth to this notion; it was true when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan and it is true now. This is why the Swedes or the Swiss were not attacked on Sept. 11, two of the many countries that share the same freedom and prosperity as the United States.

By dismissing bin Laden's statement outright we failed to engage in the appropriate discourse that will deter us from a perilous road of more violence. Bin Laden also stated, "Despite entering the fourth year after Sept. 11, Bush is still deceiving you and hiding the truth from you, and therefore the reasons are still there to repeat what happened." In all fairness to the president, by this measure, Senator Kerry is still deceiving us too. In fact, deception cannot be limited to this presidential race at all, since U.S. intervention in the Muslim world stems back to at least the beginning of the 20th century. Hence, despite what many believe, there is a consistent record of U.S. intrusion prior to Sept. 11; one that consists of direct support for coup d'etats and dictatorial regimes (including Saddam in the 80s) and a standard pro-Israeli bias that has been an impediment to peace, and it has caused greater damage to innocent Palestinians than Israelis (the death ratio is three to one), both of which have a right to exist. The historical record should be the subject of much reflection, and the information is there for anyone concerned enough to find it.

But presently, it was Bush's decision to go into Iraq, and despite what administrative officials claim, it is not at all definite that the war has made the United States safer. In fact, if this video offers any insight to why the United States was targeted in the first place (which I believe it does), the United States will be a greater target (and by many more people) now than before the invasion.

The war in Iraq dragged the United States into a conflict with the Muslim world, one that is now viewed by many as a war of self-defense. Because of this, it is one that resonates with many more Muslims. Many Americans take more comfort in propagating simple answers about anti-American animosity rather than ascertaining them from the source itself, an approach to which any rational person would resort.

For three years we have known who carried out the attacks, but the "why" has been subject of much debate. Well, this latest videotape makes it clear. But the appeal to Americans to reconsider policy toward Muslim countries goes unheeded because of the U.S. refusal to "be intimidated" by terrorists, despite the same appeal made by many Americans (who are then condemned as anti-American) and by the vast majority of Muslims that are innocent and peaceful (but deemed irrelevant to U.S. interests even though it is their land). This is the worst form of hubris, the kind that has ruined every great power in the history of the world.