September 11th showed us clearly what a few fanatics with a supposed “mission from God” can do to hit us where we live.

We are at a critical juncture in the global arena. As we move forward with the plan to eradicate terrorism wherever it lives, we run the risk of completely shattering the fragile diplomatic accords we have forged with other nations. The rules of engagement have changed, as we pursue a less tangible target, one we have only dealt with previously, on as very limited basis. Any missteps in following our course will cost us dearly.

There are several alarming developments that have disturbed me greatly. The first was the discovery of nuclear suitcases, developed by the Russians, and now in the hands of Al Qaeda and other terrorist entities. These portable bombs can cause widespread damage and nuclear contamination, if detonated in an urban setting. Our highest priority here on US soil, is to discover their whereabouts. September 11th showed us clearly what a few fanatics with a supposed “mission from God” can do to hit us where we live. Can you imagine what would happen if one of these suitcases went off? Unfortunately, I can.

From WorldNet Daily News comes a report that a Washington based law firm plans to sue Iraq for it’s alleged involvement in the Oklahoma City bombing. Judicial Watch claims it has compelling proof of Iraq’s involvement in this massacre. This is a very disturbing and in my opinion, dangerous claim to make. As this Administration heightens the stakes over Iraq, news like this increases the peril of shattering any hope of Middle Eastern diplomatic unity forever.

Iraq has been problematic for the U.S. since Desert Storm. Any hint of engaging Saddam Hussein militarily has brought forth an outcry from almost every single Arabic nation. Arabic news is full of negative commentary about our “hidden” agenda, and casts doubts as to our real motives concerning the War On Terrorism. Our policy of using economic sanctions against Iraq is almost universally frowned upon. The people being hurt most by these sanctions are the Iraqi people. It has had little real impact on Saddam Hussein himself. He simply continues to live well and obtain what he needs from mercenaries and arms merchants.


A better solution perhaps would be to try and bring him to the diplomatic table through the U.N. and neighboring allies. By using this avenue, it may be possible to hammer out a reasonable agreement. Saddam Hussein has been demonized in the press to a ridiculous extent. And the continued martial talk bandied about, along with not so veiled threats of military action, only prevent any reasonable diplomatic attempts from ever happening. It is critical to this Administration to try every avenue available diplomatically to resolve the situation with Iraq. Continued antagonistic remarks, issued almost daily from the White House are neither healthy nor productive.

In order for us to continue with the diplomatic and military support we have from other nations, we must try and overcome the impression that we are trying to take over the world with our formidable military might. We need to remember, on September 11th, it wasn’t a nation or an army that hit us, it was a small group of dedicated individuals on a mission, who wounded us. The world’s mightiest fighting machine couldn’t stop them. It could happen again, if we continue to be perceived as the global bully. We had a just cause at the start of this War On Terrorism. We need to make certain that every step we take as we move forward follow the same principles. Or we become our own worst enemy.