September 11 (911-Patriot Day) and Terrorism.
What as this anniversary comes around. Like most I remember exactly where I was, and I received calls from people making certain I was OK. Not long after this I was dispatched to Saudi Arabia where some of the Terrorists were from. I didn’t feel much like a patriot, but I was pretty angry. Saudi surprised me; safer than most places I visited back then. The Black Abayas (headscarves) worn by the women were very pretty. The area I was in Riyadh was very similar to Arizona. The people were very nice but there was a tension, almost imperceptible, in the air. I was well aware of the problems with the Saudi monarchy, as well as the “police” there. I made some good friends with some British “visitors” like me. All in all it was a great experience I think I did some good.
I found the multiple calls for prayer from the Mosques beautiful. Though I was well aware that the most doctrinally tolerant of the religions (Islam) had played a major role in the acts on U.S. soil. Much like Colombia (which I’m very familiar with), terrorist bombings in country were fairly common. It isn’t simple enough to say Islam promotes terrorism any more than to say Colombians enjoy blowing up restaurants, hotels, and night clubs.
I am firmly convinced that any policy to disrupt terrorism from this area of the world requires close cooperation with Saudi, Afghanistan, Pakistan and others. I’ve met a few terrorists and we will never change their views. We might be able to minimize damage with better relationships with their governmental organizations, political, military, and law enforcement. This “war on terrorism” will be a long painful one, and we will not win it alone. Yet, we must stay to the task, but only if we have the help of the mother countries of terrorism. You already know what those countries are, and whether you like it or not don’t forget to add Israel to the list. On this day I wish you all peace.
