Wednesday's editorial attempts to relate the U.S. war on terror to the conflict in Israel. It suggests that the two have many similarities. Yet, beyond the dual presence of terrorism, I fail to see how the two cases can use similar steps to resolution.
Your first suggestion proposes negotiations, and this someday may lead to peace in Israel. However, that conflict involves two very specific groups of people at the negotiating table -- people identifiable by race, culture, religion, and even neighborhoods. The same cannot be said of the enemy in the war on terror. Do you think Osama bin Laden and his cronies have any interest in negotiating peace with the United States?
Your second suggestion (encouragement of democratic policies and positive economic trends) is already in place. Foreign aid, a military presence, peacekeeping efforts, and summits organized worldwide by the United States all have attempted and continue to attempt an achievement of this goal. For years, however, most have failed; in fact, these efforts often stoke the hatred of our enemies.
This is a new kind of war. Our enemies have struck once and desire to strike again. We have no time to waste waiting for the long-term results of your editorial proposals. We can only work to ensure the safety and protection of the American people. For now, at least, that requires war.
Chad; Silker
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Rochester;
