arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

Noam Chomsky, 11 September

Today's attacks were major atrocities. In terms of number of victims they do not reach the level of many others, for example, Clinton's bombing of the Sudan with no credible pretext, destroying half its pharmaceutical supplies and probably killing tens of thousands of people (no one knows, because the US blocked an inquiry at the UN and no one cares to pursue it). Not to speak of much worse cases, which easily come to mind. But that this was a horrendous crime is not in doubt. The primary victims, as usual, were working people: janitors, secretaries, firemen, etc. It is likely to prove to be a crushing blow to Palestinians and other poor and oppressed people. It is also likely to lead to harsh security controls, with many possible ramifications for undermining civil liberties and internal freedom.

The events reveal, dramatically, the foolishness of ideas about "missile defense." As has been obvious all along, and pointed out repeatedly by strategic analysts, if anyone wants to cause immense damage in the US, including weapons of mass destruction, they are highly unlikely to launch a missile attack, thus guaranteeing their immediate destruction. There are innumerable easier ways that are basically unstoppable. But today's events will, nonetheless, be used to increase the pressure to develop these systems and put them into place. "Defense" is a thin cover for plans for militarization of space, and with good PR, even the flimsiest arguments will carry some weight among a frightened public. In short, the crime is a gift to the hard jingoist right, those who hope to use force to control their domains. That is even putting aside the likely US actions, and what they will trigger -- possibly more attacks like this one, or worse. The prospects ahead are even more ominous than they appeared to be before the latest atrocities.

In the war cries which have arisen from the US and shall continue to rise for years to come, such voices and views as Chomsky's are even less likely to be heard. The saddest thing about the attacks is that it is likely to lead to even greater hardship for the oppressed people of the world such as the palestinians, as Chomsky very correctly points out. For that reason alone, the attacks (whoever perpetrated it) is a step backward for humanity.

The policies of the United States are executed with the interests of the United States in mind. In this the United States is no different than any other country on the planet save that we have superior resources, and are better able to execute our policies.
It is impossible to please everybody. The enemies we have made in the middle east will remain our enemies even were we to discontinue our support of Israel and allow the involved parties to kill each other to their heart's content. In any case, to blame the WTC tragedy on anybody but the terrorists responsible is comparable to defending a rapist based on the victim's taste in clothing.
The threat of terrorism will not be ended with appeasement (despite the success this tactic has historically enjoyed), but with the resources and lives of those who would do us harm.
Nations exist. The safety, liberty and lives of our citizens are our first and foremost concern. That of the citizens of countries unfortunate enough to be ruled by regimes willing to harbor and help those who would kill us... is not.