In the aftermath of the Madrid bombing Sen. Kerry put a statement on his web site affirming that “all civilized nations are joined as one in the global battle against terror” (Via InstaPundit). Many Democrats, however, usually put “war on terror” in quotes, to highlight its unreality, and although here Kerry did not it is not at all clear that he believes we are, or should be, in a war. Where, for example, would he as Commander in Chief have sent troops after 9/11? And even in this statement, in the sentence immediately preceding his seeming acceptance of a “global battle against terror,” he states that we must assist Spain “in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy and in bringing those responsible to justice.”
Bringing individuals to justice sounds more like law enforcement than war.
There is a good deal of speculation that al-Qaeda’s motive in Madrid (assuming, of course, that it was involved) was to teach Spain a lesson for supporting our war in Iraq. That is clearly a lesson that many in Europe, and one presumes here at home as well, are eager to learn. For example, the BBC reports that if the Madrid bombing was in fact carried out by “Islamic militants,”
Most vulnerable to criticism would be the governments of Britain, Spain and Italy, which strongly supported the US and the invasion of Iraq.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair would point to a speech he made last week, emphasising the continuing threat of global terrorism and describing it as “a new type of war”.
But the Spanish government would have to deal with the accusation that its policies had made the country an al-Qaeda target.
This really gets down to the nub of the matter. Did the policies of Britain, Italy, and Spain needlessly and recklessly expose their citizens to danger, or did al-Qaeda’s past and present behavior demand that democratic nations declare war on it?
On this question there is no doubt where President Bush stands. As of now, that cannot be said of Senator Kerry.
Saying “bringing those responsible to justice” doesn’t seem to me to limit actions to “law enforcement,” or to suggest that someone doesn’t recognize the gravity of the threat. The President has used similar language himself and I don’t think he was talking about habeas corpus and Miranda Rights for terrorists:
“Obviously, we mourn the loss of life. It is a — it is certainly a wake-up call to many that the war on terror continues, that we’ve still got a big task to protect the American people and others who love freedom from the designs of — and the will of these purveyors of hate. And we’ll find them. We’ll bring them to justice.”
“The search is underway for those who are behind these
evil acts. I’ve directed the full resources of our intel-
ligence and law enforcement communities to find those
responsible and bring them to justice.”
“We’re in the process of rounding up Al Qaeda members around the world. There are Al Qaeda organizations in roughly 68 countries. And over 200 have now been apprehended. And every time I talk to a world leader I urge them to continue finding the Al Qaeda representatives and bring them to justice.”
Nels, I agree that “bringing to justice” etc. need not mean the speaker favors only law enforcement actions as opposed to military actions. I still would maintain, however, that we know that Bush does not view terrorism as primarily a law enforcement matter. We don’t know that about Kerry. I’m pretty clear on the fact that Kerry is angry about everything Bush has done, but I’m not clear on what he would have done instead.
“I’m pretty clear on the fact that Kerry is angry about everything Bush has done, but I’m not clear on what he would have done instead.”
It’s kind of depressing to realize that Kerry (or Dean, or any of the others) might be privately convinced that Bush’s war against terror was exactly the best way to protect this country against further attacks; but he still must publicly attack Bush whenever possible. It’s me first, my party second, America third.
I find it distressing that Kerry is weak on the concept that this is not just law enforcement. Totally different world views are in conflict.
It is also worrisome that the pictures from Spain show those closest to the camera holding “Paz” signs. This seems to be a case of total capitulation. It’s OK to have Islamofacists as long as we can pretend someone else will live with the consequences.
I’m all for bringing them to justice. Preferably in a body bag.
Everything and its contrary!
Vote for John Kerry!
“Al-Qaeda’s past and present behavior demand that democratic nations declare war on it”
Unequivocally
I am disappointed by the newly elected Socialists stance that these attacks were CAUSED by Spain’s support of the Iraq war or the war on terror. These attacks are no more justified as protest against the war than the sept 11 attacks were against supposed US ‘policies’. Rather they were a thuggish attempt at intimidation and a public relations manipulation toward a citizenry that is in denial of the fact that Islamists hate them as much as they hate us. Brutal, sensless, utterly wasteful, hateful and futile attacks like this serve no one and build nothing. Al Queda seeks no compromise, will offer no forgiveness or refuge except under the cover of their tyranny, and the people of Spain cannot hide from this.
If Kerry is soft on this issue or does not fully support free trade, than I would not be wholly unsatisfied with 4 more years of W.