CATO’s “Responsible” Counterterrorism Policy

CATO has published a “Policy Analysis” entitled “Responsible Counterterrorism Policy.”

I will not go through a line-by-line review or critique.  I only offer the following:

·        There is not one reference of “blowback.”

·        The only references to “bomb,” “bombs,” or “bombing” are regarding actions or alleged actions by “terrorists.”

·        The mentions of “Iraq” are limited to terror-related deaths in that country during the period 2003 – 2008, reference to the US war in that country, payments to the families of soldiers that died while prosecuting that war, the financial cost of prosecuting that war, and a book reference.

·        The mentions of “Afghanistan” are limited to a reference to the US war in that country, and to a book reference.

·        Not one reference to “Saudi Arabia.”

·        The only reference to “Israel” is the deaths in that country due to the Intifada.

·        No reference to “Palestine” or “Palestinians.”

·        The only mention of “Libya” is a book reference.

It is difficult to consider as “responsible” a “counterterrorism policy” that ignores the actions of the United States government and the actions of oppressive governments in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia and Israel.

It is difficult to consider as “responsible” a “counterterrorism policy” that ignores the oppression suffered by people in Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Libya.

It is difficult to consider as “responsible” a “counterterrorism policy” that ignores the concept of “blowback.”