Bin Laden released a new tape. It's typical crazy jibber jabber, but he does outline the two conditions that this war can end. Number one, is that they win. Number two, is that we abolish our democracy (paraphrased). This isn't new information. If you read his original fatwah (his declaration of war), he says (again, paraphrased) that we shouldn't be allowed to create laws that supercede Allah's (aka, democracy). I'm curious to hear from any Ron Paul supporters who want to explain the Congressman's stance on the war, in context to the things OBL says.
For those not politcally inclined, Congressman Paul asserts that they fight us because we've been interfering with the middle east and that if we withdrawl immediately, they'll stop. It''s an interesting argument (and is, at least, a part of his fatwah), but it seems completely counter to most of the information that comes out of Al Qaeda (especially recent, current information). Congressman Paul, of course, says that it's not/etc.
Anyone want to take this one? Ground rules: No flames, no personal attacks, no 9/11 truth movement, and everyone play nice. I'm genuinely interested in hearing explanations from the Ron Paul crowd based on non-conspiracy theory evidence.
Comments...
(Page 1)1. Al,
I too am eager to hear justification from those who think we should play an isolationist role in global politics. I have yet to hear anyone successfully defend that position. I liken the role to putting your head in the sand and hoping for the best.
Furthermore, given the nature of what's at stake; I have a hard time not attacking someone who believes in the liberal or 'Ron Paul' view of foreign policy. Regardless, it would be interesting to hear from anyone who thinks that way.
9:52AM on Sep 10th 2007 by Cory
2. Cory,
I've always felt that you learn more from people you disagree with than those that you don't. Unfortunately, the only comments that have come in on this post so far have been 9/11 "truthers." One even went so far as to suggest that Ron Paul is a truther himself, and that's the reason for his popularity.
If you are a supporter of Ron Paul because you think that he's a truther, please start sharing whatever evidence you're basing this on.
9:57AM on Sep 10th 2007 by Alex Rudloff
3. His Iraq/war on Islamic fundamentalists policy is the only thing holding me back from supporting Ron Paul. While the idea of withdrawing American intervention in global affairs (namely the Middle East) in order to help end terrorism and return to a more Constitutional form of foreign policy sounds charming, it won't work. I wish it would. If you think the Muslim terror movement against the US is simply about our meddling in their affairs or our support of Israel, you're sadly mistaken. It has been a historic tradition of Muslim regimes to threaten others in the name of expanding Islam. Look at the history of Spain, North Africa, East Africa, Persia, Southeast Asia, etc. Look at all the "hot" wars around the world -- most involve Muslims, yet not all involve the sort of interventionism Mr. Paul rallies against, from the US or otherwise.
If Ron Paul became our president, I wouldn't be upset because of the radical reform he would push for domestically (which is sorely needed). However, I can't fully support him because of his Iraq stance (although I believe he supported action against Afghanistan, so props there). The war in Iraq and greater fight against Islamic terrorism is not just a political war -- it's also religious. For that reason, it won't end when our troops go home.
8:49PM on Sep 11th 2007 by Matt
4. Matt, I think that people look for this to be an epic battle, a religious prophecy fulfilled. But it's simply not. Policy got us in this mess, and like it or not policy will ultimately get us out, brute force certainly hasn't worked. Looking back to Korea we've battled ideology and largely failed upfront, pulled out and solved issues after the troops came home. This current war is different and similar to others we've been a part of and I thin kwe'll see the same unfold here.
Religious strife is a constant in the world, there are fundamental issues that divide us as people, but trying to apply good vs. evil, end days jibber-jabber to this mess is insincere at best and bloodlust at worst. Religion is light fluid on a political fire, opportunists are stoking those flames, but in reality money, oil and trade will ultimately satiate the governments involved.
7:48PM on Sep 17th 2007 by Jharr