Assuming there is a "war" against terrorists, this will be a most different war than those waged in the past. If much of the world declares open season on terrorists, there will be a perverse battle, with much more perilous results. Typically, war has been fought by armies. One lines up on a side, the opposition on the other side, and the two fight it out until a victory is certain. Things aren't exactly like that, but it is a general model for the wars of the past. Gains and losses are of troops. Attacks are by one army against the other army. With the imminent war, things will change. Terrorists will not be attacking the Army in traditional fashion. Instead, their targets will be the civilian population. These small factions are able to move quickly, and remain unseen. We could attack Osama Bin Laden. But rather than fighting that front, trying to beat the world in that fashion, instead, the groups will attack America head-on, attempting to carry out more terrorist activities here. It's the only way they can hope to cause impact. A group of unorganized millitant factions stands no chance against the world's most powerful militaries. However, the one way they can strike and damage is through acts just like those of Tuesday.
and the scary thing about "the enemy" is when one fanatic dies another one takes its place. do we need to limit immigration or step up security at our borders? rH
These terrorists will be moving around in a "catch me if you can" guerilla type of strategy, which may be hard to counter for US forces. Also, the fact that others will be sympathetic and willing to aid and hide the enemy will make life very difficult for American soldiers. I hate to see another Vietnam occur. These terrorists will frustrate soldiers with their tactics, stealth, and aid from others. I rather hope Pakistan decides to help us (even if it is only privately), because their intelligence would do wonders for us, IMO.
As Henry Kissinger said on Tuesday, in my own words: If we put these ****ers on the run then they wont have any time to attack.