Distortion of Bush position on Terrorism
Reader comment on item: Bush is rewarding terrorism

Submitted by Ray Quigley (United States), Jun 25, 2002 at 13:17

I am a long time supporter of Daniel Pipes. I agree with him when he seems to state that Radical Islam is a terrorist Religion. It would, if permitted, wipe all other free expression of belief out of existence. It is an evil force in the world.
However... President George W. Bush made very clear, to anyone listening with an open mind, that he was not about to reward Terrorists and their methods. He stated in no uncertain terms that a precursor to the withdrawal of Isreali forces from occupied territories would be the cessation of hostile acts of terror against Isreali civilians....

To follow the examples of Mr. Pipes to their logical conclusion would have mandated that all Germans and Japanese be exterminated and their independent nation states eliminated at the conclusion of WWII. They were, after all, no less determined than the Palestinians to eradicate the nations of America and her allies. That did not take place and a peace was forged from the bitter conflict.
The cessation of hostilities (A Bush requirement) can, and many believe will, lead to a starting place for peace in the region. Only those with some other motive can subscribe to the notion that there can never be a world in which Isreal and Palestine as seperate nation states can coexist.

Pipes has said --- "Democracy, market economics and anti-terrorism will only follow on a far more fundamental change, namely a Palestinian willingness to accept the existence of Israel."

That is precisely what the President said ....

Ray Quigley

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