CAUSALITY OF WAR

WE ARE DARFUR
David had a post a while back concerning Darfur and the Genocide that is going on there. As I recall, David had asked his friends to write about this real time atrocity. I know little about Darfur, but if you have not noticed I have lately been studying War.

What I have learned so far is that when men resort to guns, reason has been suspended. I don't know how you bring reason back into the equation, but clearly this is the challenge.
In Americas Civil War, the answer was more guns, and quickly too, because huge armies were engaged. The dissolution of the Union was unthinkable and Slavery had been sleeping underneath the table since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the writing of the Constitution.
Germany had to be decimated. Germany had to be executed. I think there is a real distinction between WW11 and the wars we have inflicted since.
Korea.Vietman. Bosnia. Nicaraugua.
Somalia and Rwanda. My nephew Dave was in Somalia.
What were the answers there? Was America a good influence?
When shall we know when all that is left is a "Military Solution"?

I depend on the Frontline programs for objective coverage and analysis of the issues facing this country.
Sunday night Frontline began an 11 part series called “America at a Crossroads”. As always it has surpassed my expectations.

“America at a Crossroads is a major public television event premiering on PBS in April 2007 that explores the challenges confronting the post-9/11 world — including the war on terrorism; the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; the experience of American troops serving abroad; the struggle for balance within the Muslim world; and global perspectives on America’s role overseas.
Aimed at creating a national dialogue surrounding the crucial issues explored in the series, an extensive media and outreach campaign in more than 25 communities accompanies the series. The campaign features screening events with the filmmakers and their subjects in discussions with United States military personnel, leading policy experts, leaders of the Islamic community, scholars from across the country as well as members of the public. Integrated Web and educational initiatives further extend the campaign.”

Part Four featured the writings of the soldiers that have been in Iraq and Afghanistan. I enjoyed that very much.
Last night they had Richard Perle as a host for ‘The Case for War: In Defense of Freedom”. My impression was that in stating his case he damned his position.

In typical Frontline fashion they are presenting all positions relevant to the issues. Their goal is to inform and explore.
If you have not been able to see any of the programs take a look at the website devoted to their project.
Tonighes Episode’s are “Europe’s 9/11” and “The Muslim Americans”

From part 1 “Jihad: The men and Ideas behind Al QeadaQuestion" and their on-line discussion group:

#1 Discuss the differences between the historical religious meaning of jihad and Osama bin Laden’s interpretation of this term. What can the United States and its allies do to help counter bin Laden’s use of the term to recruit young men to jihad?

I like the word "counter".