Dear Editor:
In evaluating the question of whether America is in fact safer after the takeover of Iraq by Coalition forces, one must fully understand the nature and function of the al-Qaida global network. Al-Qaida is a terrorist organization using tactics similar to guerilla warfare. Along with its affiliates, al-Qaida comprises a global corporate enterprise.
Al-Qaida and affiliates were successful in Afghanistan because they defeated the Russian forces. They believe that because they have defeated Russia in Afghanistan that they also can take down the United States. The group is at war with the purpose of destroying the United States. They have an organizational structure comprised of a headquarters, regional operations and support staff. Al-Qaida has a rule that if not successful once, they will do it over again until they are successful. The bombing of the World Trade Center is one example. It was originally the target of a massive car bomb that failed to cause significant damage or bring down the structure. Approximately 10 years later, The World Trade Center was attacked again.
Al-Qaida has not been shown to have any significant ties or links to the Iraq leadership. However, because Iraq was a Muslim country, on the very day that the United States began bombing Iraq, it caused a four fold increase in the number of people joining al-Qaida in countries from the around the world.
In summary, al-Qaida exists with the express purpose of destroying the United States. Al-Qaida and its affiliates are a global enterprise. Al-Qaida has increased its membership since the takeover of Iraq by the United States and Coalition forces. The final question I pose is whether or not you believe that the takeover of Iraq is making America a safer place, or should we have focused our efforts more fully elsewhere, such as on the al-Qaida worldwide network of terrorism?
Ronald J. Coughlin, Ed.D.