Manitou Messenger

Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Opinions

Media Credit: Saman Bemel-Benrud

The war against terrorism is international. It stretches from the caves in the Middle East to our own airports. It is a war that must be fought and won. Every citizen deserves to live without the fear that another tragedy like Sept. 11 could take place again. We deserve to live in a world in which we know our children are safe and our government can promise and deliver security.

But when the United States wages war against terrorism abroad, there are dire consequences. Innocent civilians are killed. Citizens in the countries that we invade start to resent America for intruding. When this happens, the terrorists only gain power, causing more death, destruction and hatred.

Although we must fight these terrorists, we must also consider the results of our actions and decide whether, in some cases, attacking terrorists is worth the cost.

There is increased concern that safe havens for al-Qaida and the Taliban exist in Pakistan. Accordingly, the United States has increased attacks in the region in an effort to eliminate these terrorists.

Strategic bombing occured in Pakistan at the beginning of September, targeting a large compound belonging to one of the Taliban's most prominent leaders. From the onset, it seemed like a justifiable attack. There was the possiblity of eliminating the group's most powerful leaders - men who are criminals and deserve justice. But, instead, the missiles killed 23 people, eight of them children. In such a case, how can we say that justice has been achieved?

Ultimately, the attack failed. The leaders were not even present. However, their wives, sisters and grandchildren were. These were the victims.

By murdering innocent people, the United States perpetuates hatred and fear. These are attitudes and emotions upon which terrorists thrive.

The intrusion of American military initiatives have caused severe anti-American sentiment in Pakistan. The government and citizens do not welcome a foreign presence, especially when it is unannounced.

"We will not tolerate the violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity by any power in the name of combating terrorism," said President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan. Pakistani citizens believe that only their own government should fight terrorism in Pakistan.

Although Pakistan's determination to fight terrorism alone is irrational, the United States must take a more tactful position. When America chooses to act in Pakistan, the Pakistani government must be aware of such plans.

Sept. 3, U.S. commandos invaded the southern border, a known hideout of Taliban militants. In July, President Bush authorized a policy that made this attack possible, but the Pakistani government was not notified. The attack resulted in the death of 20 civilians, and these deaths resulted in the strengthening of militancy in the tribal areas.

"'Unilateral action by the American forces does not help the war against terror because it only enrages public opinion,'" said Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ambassador to Washington.

Citizens outraged by American interference are a grave threat to a successful fight against terrorism. We cannot ignore that there is strong indignation over American forces intruding on foreign soil. Instead, the United States must redefine its relationship with the Pakistani government.

The United States and Pakistan share a common enemy. Therefore, a mutual agreement must be reached to defeat the terrorists. If terrorists succeed in disuniting allied forces, they will thrive on the weakness that divergence creates.

Seven years ago our country was attacked by the same group of terrorists that now inhabit Pakistan. They continue to terrorize, day after day, week after week, and kill more innocent people - more children, more husbands, more wives. They infect the entire world, and this infection can only be cured when agreement is reached.

Former President Woodrow Wilson once stated, "We cannot be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We stand together until the end."

In the face of this enemy, unity is the only solution.

Kate Wilson '12 is from Franklin, Ind. She majors in English and history.

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