<HTML>Don H.,
> I point out, again, that it is largely because of our history
> and our values that we are able to even discuss this here. In
> fact, if this had happened to China or the Soviets, do you
> think that the either would care about world opinion in
> deciding how to handle it?
Chechen terrorists sponsored and trained by bin Laden were responsible for the terrorist bombing campaigns that Moscow has suffered in the last 2-3 years. Although not as great as in the US last week Moscow suffered appalling casualties during this time. Did Moscow decide to bomb or invade Afghanistan as a consequence? Would the US or NATO have supported them if they had?
Russia perhaps no longer has the military strength or the position it previously shared as a global superpower but they have had firsthand experience in waging a land based war in both Chechnya and Afghanistan. They have already faced the poorly financed but well organised guerillas in those countries that were trained in bin Ladens camps. The Russians know they would be playing into the hands of the extremists by waging a war against the guerillas on their own terms. The Taliban and the Chechens military strength was greatly disproportionate to the Russians but this war was fought on their own terrain and on their terms. A UK/US coalition will not find things any easier and if anybody thinks bombing Afghanistan is a solution - what is there left to bomb?
1.3 million casualties have already been chalked up in the 20+ years of war in Afghanistan - how many British and US troops will have to die before people will consider this as a mistake. At present the US and UK are threatening the use of force to extradite bin Laden. It will take a few more days for the warships to reach this area yet so there is time for the Pakistani delegation to talk the Taliban into releasing bin Laden. If the efforts mediated through Pakistan fail to convince the Taliban to extradite bin Laden then force will have to be applied. Whatever that force comprises and however succesful it may be in bringing terrorists to justice it will still not on its own stamp out international terrorism and it may do much more to instigate terrorist action in the future.
Lets not get carried away with the rhetoric of Bush's "war on terrorism" as like the "war on drugs" it is only a political statement. We cannot allow terrorists to bomb their way to the debating table but we will also not defeat terrorism with wars of retribution and further acts of wanton violence.
Duncan</HTML>
