Imperial
Hubris by Michael Scheuer, 2004, Excerpts
America has moved
from being the much admired champion of liberty and self government to the
hated and feared advocate of a new imperial order, one that has much the same characteristics
as nineteenth-century European imperialism: military garrisons; economic
penetration and control; support for leaders, no matter how brutal and
undemocratic, as long as they obey the imperial power; and the exploitation and
depletion of natural resources. Muslims have seen this before.
We cannot talk or
negotiate our way out of this mess; the enemy has listened for thirty years and
believes U.S. promises of fairness for Muslims have been lies. The military is
now America’s only tool and will remain so while current policies are in place.
No public diplomacy, presidential praise for Islam, or politically correct
debate masking the reality that many of the world’s 1.3 billion Muslims hate us
for actions, not values, will get America out of this war.
While U.S. leaders
will not say America is at War with Islam, some of Islam is waging war on the
United States, and more is edging closer to that status. The war is being waged
against us for specific, quantifiable reasons and not as our leaders claim
because a few Muslim fanatics hate democracy and freedom. This claim belittles
the Muslims opposing us and thereby weakens America’s ability to resist by
underestimating the brains, patience, and religion-based fortitude of our foes.
General
Sherman [Civil War, 1861-1875]:
“A fatal mistake in war is to underrate the strength, feeling
and resources of an enemy.
See also: Opium
Series
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