Special Section: Terrorist Attacks on America

Featured in the Monterey Herald on 9/23/01

As the initial shock and rage subside, many are now turning to more philosophical questions about the horrific events of Sept. 11.

Why?

How could any individual or group conceive of committing such heinous, horrendous crimes against humanity? What kind of hatred or ideology could justify the mass killing of unsuspecting civilians beginning their workday or traveling across the country? Has the United States done something so wrong to deserve such attacks?

Any answers that we may attempt to provide at this time are based on speculation that Osama bin Laden and associated organizations and individuals are indeed responsible.

That in mind, let us venture a glance at the mindset of these terrorists based on what we have learned over time by monitoring and studying these organizations and the acts they have perpetrated.

Consider the ideology stemming from radical organizations such as bin Laden's al-Qaida and the Egyptian groups al-Jihad al-Islami and al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya, which, in addition to al-Qaida, have training camps in Afghanistan. We are not talking about mainstream Islam here, in the same way that Christian Identity groups here in the United States do not represent mainstream Christianity.

Their ideologies are radical and militant, and they stem from and have been influenced by nearly a decade of battle in the Afghan resistance against the former Soviet Union. Bin Laden himself was a member of one of the mujahideen groups that the United States assisted during that struggle, during which the radicalization of ideology was useful in galvanizing motivation over such an extended period of time. With "Allah" on their side, the resistance fighters believed that no price was too high in defending and defeating the enemy—at that time, the Soviet Union.

After the Cold War was over and the superpowers went back home, this energy and extreme militancy was refocused on the United States. The mujahideen warriors regrouped and redefined their interests. The Afghans turned to the civil war they faced at home. Militants of other nationalities—mainly Arab and Pakistani—remained, ready for new battles. While we know that bin Laden is but the tip of the iceberg as far as organizations and individuals that exist worldwide, he has been the most vocal in his blatant opposition to the United States.

According to statements made by bin Laden, the U.S. involvement and presence in the Middle East is an affront to Islam. In his view, the United States is killing innocent Muslims through its policies vis-à-vis Iraq and its attempt to contain Saddam Hussein, aiding Israel to control Palestinian lands, and "occupying" the Islamic holy land, Saudi Arabia, through its military presence there.

Until the goal of expelling U.S. presence and involvement in this region is accomplished, according to bin Laden, he will not cease his campaign against U.S. targets.

These convoluted, politically oriented goals, buttressed with the radical and militant religious ideology and supported by a sophisticated financial resource pool, make for a dangerous enemy. Bin Laden and this network of militants are keenly aware of America's weaknesses when it comes to combating terrorism. They have and will attempt to use our greatest strengths, the freedoms we cherish, to their advantage.

We should not bow to their demands. We should not give up our efforts at home or internationally to promote democracy and the freedom of human beings. Protecting freedom, tracking this enemy—and again, keep in mind the iceberg here, not just the tip—will be extremely difficult and will require abundant resources and time.