The "war on terror"

In the name of the “war on terror,” a bomb was dropped in Waziristan this morning, May, 8, 2010, killing three and wounding many more. One must ask how this attack has impacted the war on terror. Has an attack which may have killed an individual terrorist along with civilians garnered support for the war, or is it creating enemies? Will those affected by the attack praise the actions of the US and its allies or turn to the side of the Taliban and extremist forces at work in the region?

Honestly answering such questions brings to light the need for alternative offensives in the war on terror. Alternative “offensives” could include improving education, democratic institutions, and women’s rights, as well as combating corruption and encouraging transitional justice. Focusing on such efforts would give the people of Afghanistan alternatives to joining the Taliban and would lead to long lasting, meaningful development and change in the region. Additionally, focusing efforts on curbing the power and meddling behaviors of the Pakistani government and ISI will go a long way in proving to Afghanistan that the world is willing to give them a chance to stand on their own two feet.