http://www.reuters.comRumsfeld Heralds Shift to 'War of Ideas' on Terror
Fri October 24, 2003 06:10 AM ET
By Mark Trevelyan, Security Correspondent
<PARIS (Reuters) - Questioning whether the United States is winning the war on terror, Donald Rumsfeld has set the stage for a policy shift that will put more emphasis on the struggle for hearts and minds.
In a leaked memo and in public comments this week, the U.S. defense secretary stressed the importance of defeating terrorism not just through military victories but in a "war of ideas.">
<"The perception is that the memo was leaked by Rummy and intended to demonstrate he's on the ball, he's not an idiot and he realizes they need to continue to update their planning.">
<French terrorism expert Xavier Raufer said Washington's strategy to date "is not working, it's stupid.">
War of ideas on terror?? It is as if there is no cause and effect relationship between American policy and terrorism. The article points out that American policy is resented for its support of right wing authoritarian rule in Egypt and Saudi, but fails to mention American unwavering financial and military support of Israel.
Look for the development of a secret police dictorship in Iraq controlled by the CIA to relieve the American military commitment.