Winning in Iraq

I heard a news story today about the situation in Iraq and was struck by the fact that an opinion seemed to be expressed that the solution to Iraq, and terrorism in general, is military.

I suppose it stems from the fact that military people when asked to solve a problem tend to come up with military solutions. Nothing unusual in that -- surgeons often come up with surgical solutions to illnesses.

Actually, it seems to me that the real competent military people would understand their area of expertise well enough to recognize when a problem does not require a military solution.

Ultimately, it seems to me that the solution to terrorism will not be military in nature.

Freedom, education, ethical and moral assistance and examples have a hope of winning against terrorism someday. No matter how sensational the effects of terrorists, I find I need to remind myself that they are in a minority. Only a relatively small percentage of any population is insane and criminal enough to engage in terrorism -- and likely those that do are often pushed on by an even smaller percentage of more extremely insane people. Does anyone have any doubt that Bin Laden, for example, is psychotically insane?

Again, it seems to me that the best long term defense against such is the happiness and freedom of everyone else ? something that will never be achieved through military action.

So, it seems to me that freedom, education, self-rule, etc. are the more important elements of an anti-terror strategy and ultimately should get the lion share of effort and investment.

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