The Myths of 9/11 -David Frum [pictured]
In the aftermath of 9/11 we heard that we can't stop terrorism without addressing the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Well, the Israeli-Palestinian dispute remains unresolved. Yet despite this non-resolution, the Islamic terrorism problem continues to dwindle.
Nine years after 9/11, al-Qaeda terrorists are operating solo and isolated, because they fear any cooperation will be infiltrated, any communication intercepted.
In the decade since 2001, each attack has become less complex and less sophisticated. The only place on Earth that is more oriented to bin Ladenism today than ten years ago is Gaza.
Another myth is that terrorism is a product of poverty and despair. As has been minutely documented since 2001, terrorists disproportionately come from the elite of their native societies. The underwear bomber was the son of one of the richest men in Nigeria. The societies that produce terrorists are likewise not poor, not the way Burma is poor or Congo is poor.
Whatever it is, terrorism is not a cry of anguish from the dispossessed.
In the aftermath of 9/11 we heard that we can't stop terrorism without addressing the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Well, the Israeli-Palestinian dispute remains unresolved. Yet despite this non-resolution, the Islamic terrorism problem continues to dwindle.
Nine years after 9/11, al-Qaeda terrorists are operating solo and isolated, because they fear any cooperation will be infiltrated, any communication intercepted.
In the decade since 2001, each attack has become less complex and less sophisticated. The only place on Earth that is more oriented to bin Ladenism today than ten years ago is Gaza.
Another myth is that terrorism is a product of poverty and despair. As has been minutely documented since 2001, terrorists disproportionately come from the elite of their native societies. The underwear bomber was the son of one of the richest men in Nigeria. The societies that produce terrorists are likewise not poor, not the way Burma is poor or Congo is poor.
Whatever it is, terrorism is not a cry of anguish from the dispossessed.
(National Post-Canada)
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