How to “negotiate” with terrorists
Just a thought….
If terrorists hold innocent people hostage and demand the release of other terrorists, threaten to kill these hostages if their demands are not met, and then actually kill some of these people, as is the case with the Korean Christian volunteers held by the Taliban, I would make it clear to these thugs that for every hostage killed, one or two or ten or even 100 of their buddies held in prison would be executed.
Unfair? I suppose it is. Barbaric? Yeah, that too. But as long as there is a perceived value in taking hostages and killing innocent people, terrorists will continue to take hostages and kill innocent people. They are relying on us placing a greater value on the immediate threat to innocent lives than the long term impact of giving in to their demands.
Taking it a step further, to ensure everyone has a vested interest in ensuring terrorist activity does not visit our shores again, I would let it be known that we hold countries like Iran directly responsible for the behavior of those they support in these activities, and the next attack on American soil will result in the elimination of one enemy city. (or at least some major strategic target) Perhaps that might even convince them it is not worth the consequences to continue supporting terrorism.) I suppose the counter argument is that attacking them back will just get them angry and be used as a recruiting tool to make more terrorists. So I guess the answer is to not fight back and hope they’ll just get the message that we mean them no harm and go away. What a great idea!
OK.. I know this is a bit much, but we are not treating this war like a war. Nations that refuse to fight wars with the intent of inflicting enough damage on the enemy to make them surrender lose wars.
Name the last major war the US really won… that would be World War II. The goal was to win and the Allies, led by the US, used almost every option available, including nuclear weapons, to win.
If we insist on fighting with self-imposed handicaps, we just might lose this war.
Don’t agree and have a better (or perhaps more sane) idea… feel free to comment.
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