Posted by
Jonathan on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 3:40:03 PM
That's Latin, folks. It translates as "Let them hate, so long as they
fear." It's also the title of David Warren's latest commentary in the Ottawa Citizen.
Warren makes a point that should be obvious: America's first priority in Iraq is to win.
That's not the same as "winning hearts and minds," which is what we've
been trying to do for the past three years. Winning hearts and minds is
pointless if doing so means tip-toeing around the battlefield and being
driven out in disgrace by Islamic fanatics.
Warren writes:
What the older “just-war theorists” knew, or learned
(starting with St Augustine, if you read his successive prescriptions
for dealing with violent schismatics), is that war is ruthless. The
very humane Clausewitz taught, that the war leader unprepared
to be as ruthless as his enemy does not bring peace. He creates a
quagmire, and his hesitations lead finally to defeat. The
chemo-therapist does not negotiate with a cancer, nor grant it the
benefit of the doubt. He does not weep for all the hairs that will fall
out. [emphasis added]
Early next month the Bush Administration is set to unveil a new
strategy on Iraq. But a strategy for doing what? The Democrats and the
mainstream media are pushing for a strategy of disengagement, i.e.,
retreat. That path leads to national humiliation, more mass terror
attacks and the eventual breakdown of the international system. The
Administration seems focused on sending more troops. But more troops on the ground will do nothing to win the war unless they are part of a strategic plan.
If the proposed plan doesn't specify how we will kill the forces
opposing us in Iraq and stop Iran and Syria from waging a proxy war
against us, it's useless. We need to do what it takes to win this war
or go home.
What we are witnessing right now is a colossal failure of leadership.
While President Bush acted correctly by invading Afghanistan and Iraq,
he has been unable to explain to the American people why we need to
stick it out and win. This has allowed the Left, both in the U.S. and
abroad, to rush into the rhetorical breach and define the War on Terror
as a "quagmire." It's beginning to look like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
A true leader would resolve to do whatever is necessary to win, and let
the chips fall where they may. He would use the bully pulpit to rally
the people to his side and instill in them a firm resolve to achieve
victory. That's what Lincoln, Roosevelt and Truman did. That's why they
are remembered today as great presidents.
It's clear at this point that Bush is not a great president. He is a
patriot and admirably stubborn in his beliefs, but he's no war leader.
America will have to wait until at least 2009 for such a leader. By
coincidence, that's just about the time Iran will go nuclear. Say your
prayers, because it's going to be a very close thing.
..