PrintApril 7, 2009
Just who are we at war with?
Not certain who our enemy, in what used to be called the “War on Terror,” is anymore? President Obama has made it clear whom we are not fighting.
According to the UK Times:
President Obama extended the hand of friendship to the Muslim world yesterday, declaring: “Let me say this as clearly as I can: the United States is not at war with Islam.”
He used a speech to the Turkish parliament to draw a line under what he described as “difficulties these last few years” when George Bush’s War on Terror was regarded by many as a clash between civilisations and between religions.
By contrast, Mr Obama said that he sought both a partnership with the Muslim world in rolling back the ideology of al-Qaeda and a “broad engagement based upon mutual interests and mutual respect”. He added: “We will listen carefully, bridge misunderstanding and seek common ground.”
After the Speaker of parliament had introduced him by his full name of “Barack Hussein Obama”, the President said: “The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their family, or have lived in a Muslim-majority country – I know, because I am one of them.” [Italics added.]
He used a speech to the Turkish parliament to draw a line under what he described as “difficulties these last few years” when George Bush’s War on Terror was regarded by many as a clash between civilisations and between religions.
By contrast, Mr Obama said that he sought both a partnership with the Muslim world in rolling back the ideology of al-Qaeda and a “broad engagement based upon mutual interests and mutual respect”. He added: “We will listen carefully, bridge misunderstanding and seek common ground.”
After the Speaker of parliament had introduced him by his full name of “Barack Hussein Obama”, the President said: “The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their family, or have lived in a Muslim-majority country – I know, because I am one of them.” [Italics added.]
Now I understand. We are not at war with Islam because Obama would have to declare war on himself.
Well, at least we have cleared up that conundrum.
Here's an idea. Let’s just surrender to whomever it is we are not fighting. Then there wouldn’t be a need for any war at all.
