World War Three?
By Jon Alvarez (09/15/03)
Are we in the midst of World War Three as Bill O'Reilly recently suggested on his TV show? If so, will September 11, 2001 be the date history books note as the beginning? The case could be made for this, as we are involved in a worldwide conflict, which could take years to resolve.
While this conflict currently seems to be centered upon the countries of the Middle East, we cannot overlook the fact that hostilities may soon be breaking out in Asia as well. Each enemy we face represents tyranny and repression. Their ideology is in direct conflict with freedom and democracy. Once again, an enemy struck an unsuspecting America while she slept. Was September 11th this generations' Pearl Harbor? Will it take a second attack of this magnitude for America to unite behind President Bush and win World War Three?
The classic lines of distinction between good and evil apply to this current war. As in the last world war, the Allies stood together to battle the forces of evil that sought to dominate the world. The exception being the evil USSR, an ally only by circumstance, as it inconveniently found its geographic proximity to Nazi Germany to be in direct conflict with their non-aggression pact. President Bush has assembled a "coalition of the willing" to combat the Axis of Evil. President Bush has even referred to the actions in Afghanistan and Iraq as "battles" in a larger campaign to defeat the evil forces of the world. One note of irony: France is, once again, on the sidelines as we put forth our best effort to make the world safe for humanity.
What constitutes a "world war"? How many countries need to be involved and how many theatres of operation are required for this current situation to be labeled a world war? The "Allies" assembled for the Battle of Iraq is made up of approximately thirty countries. The "Axis" currently consists of Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. Of course, as the war progresses, we will see changes in the makeup of both sides as more countries are forced to become involved. While there are certainly many similarities to the previous world wars, there are also several key differences. Regardless, it seems that history will regard the "War on Terror" as one theatre of operations in what is surely to become known as "World War Three".
One major difference from the last world war is that this one promises to be more inclusive, in several ways. Borders do not hinder this enemy and its targets are not limited to military personnel. Religious fanaticism is the driving force, as opposed to the ultra-nationalism of Germany and Japan. Of course, North Korea would fall under the latter as the second front of this war becomes a reality. No country will be immune from attack as the threat of terrorism can strike anywhere. Borders and statements of neutrality may only create a false feeling of security. Eventually, this war will impact other countries in several possible ways. Terrorists seeking new targets could strike within their borders. Nuclear fallout from an attack by either Iran or North Korea could easily spread to neighboring countries.
Another difference is the amount of internal resistance within America to this war effort. We have a vocal minority of Americans who have waged an aggressive and sometimes violent campaign to discredit President Bush and his efforts to defeat terrorism. We should note that much of the opposition to the war on terror within this country emanates from those opposed to capitalism. International A.N.S.W.E.R., a Stalinist organization, is one of the largest organizers of the anti-war movement. Their efforts have emboldened our enemies abroad. The liberal news media and the Democratic Party have embraced their ideology. One can witness this daily by picking up the newspaper or by watching the network news programs as they criticize any and all efforts by this administration to ensure American success in Iraq and elsewhere. The danger is that their constant barrage of propaganda will weaken the resolve of the American public. To compromise, to show weakness at such a time in our history, may be our ultimate downfall.
The focal point of this war is the Middle East, as has been predicted for years by many. Biblical prophecy and the Holy Crusades aside, we've somehow known for years that this far off land was going to be a source of conflict. Is this a new crusade for control of the Holy Land, as some Arabs may suspect? No, it's merely one freedom-loving country siding with another versus a common foe. Many Americans simply support Israel because it is a longtime democratic ally. Radical Islamic fundamentalists have long let it be known of their intent to destroy Israel and now they have extended that scope to include America as well. These radicals have proven to the rest of the world that they are an enemy to freedom and democracy. It may be time for the surrounding Arab nations to either join us in the 21st century or be sent back to the Stone Age. It's also time for moderate Arabs in America to join us and to take a more active role in policing their communities before it's too late.
A second front will possibly open up in Asia. North Korea seems to be revising the role of the bellicose Asian country with a nationalistic, resource-starved populace. Eerily similar to the situation with Japan prior to World War 2, North Korea appears poised to bring about a second "Pearl Harbor" upon the USA. Keep in mind; North Korea has a history of attacking without warning, as Japan did. News reports now indicate that this country has the technology necessary to launch a nuclear missile capable of hitting the United States. We could see things heating up in that part of the world very shortly. Will we be caught off-guard? Will we look back and wonder why we chose to downplay all the red flags?
Will history condemn us for waging a politically correct war? Only when we decide to get serious and quit playing games with those that seek to kill us will we win this war. Rather than attempt to make distinctions between those terrorist groups that pose a threat to us, it is time to deal with all of them in the same manner. President Bush warned the world that "you're either with us, or you're against us". It's time to recognize this and deal with those that pose a threat to us accordingly. It's also time for the USA to allow Israel to deal with those terrorist groups and countries as it sees fit. We've seen that the United Nations has outlived its usefulness and is no longer a viable political entity. There will be no room for the United Nations at the political table once this war is over. This corrupt institution will go the way of the League of Nations.
The question continues to be asked whether or not we are safer now since the battles of Afghanistan and Iraq. This is similar to an instance where one is about to be stung by a bee. Killing the bee sends a signal to other bees, marking you as a possible target for further attacks. Now, do we leave the nest alone, hoping to never be stung again? The same can be said about the war on terror. We cannot simply sit back and hope that those that seek our destruction don't attack again. We must root out and destroy proponents of terrorism, regardless of whether this might lead to more attacks. As in previous world wars, we must take this fight to the enemy and not let up until they are defeated.
The future remains uncertain, but we cannot allow fear to hinder us in our efforts. What is certain is that if we do not remember the lessons of the past, we could most certainly be condemned to repeat it. What is also certain is that war is hell, war is costly, and that people perish in wars. In times of war, uncertainty and hesitation can be fatal. We must do whatever is necessary to prevent another massive attack on America. It is also certain that we must prevail in this war no matter what the cost. Failure is not an option. America and her allies must be on the winning side of World War Three.
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