Worried Muslims?

Interesting column here by Muhammad Irshad of Pakistan expressing concern that the US might actually be serious about ending terrorism - in all its forms. He is expressing concern that we might actually be serious about rooting out the terrorists - no matter where they might be.

This is good.

Underlying the normal Middle Eastern anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism is the realization that they are on the wrong side of history.

But they still haven't completely understood the goals of the US. They understand the demands as evidenced by this line:

Now along comes the Bush administration, under the influence of Wolfowitz, Perle & Co., and issues an ultimatum to the Syrians: give up your chemical weapons, eliminate Hizbullah, get rid of the “terrorists”.

It never enters his mind that we are in pursuit of peace. He never entertains the thought that we are coming to the realization that a true and lasting peace will not come from the destruction of Israel or from terrorism.

He professes a multitude of concerns about disarmament. He complains of US military might. He all but calls for terrorist attacks to attempt to thwart the US, which is being controlled by its "Zionist lobby."

Never once does he even pretend to understand the US position or motivation. Never once does he call for dialogue with or understanding of Israel.

This wacky Paki is so far out in the lefty fields that he believes Senator Bob Graham to be a hawk. Sen. Graham is anything but a hawk, even on the terrorism issue.

With his complaints about the treatment of Syria, Iran and Pakistan the author shows a complete misunderstanding of the United States. Our goal is not war. Our goal is not imperialism. Our goal isn't even control of the oil fields or appeasement of any particular lobby.

Our overriding goal is peace.

Thus underlining a well-known lesson for us, that in military and economic strength lies the safety of our nation.

Not quite. The lesson to be learned here is that the slumbering giant has been awakened. The safety of your nation lies in your ability to understand the objective of the United States of America.

We want peace.