posted on August 5, 2005 08:53:23 PM new
well, military.
What's in a Name? "War on Terror" Out, "Struggle Against Extremism" In
by Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D.
WebMemo #805
July 26, 2005 | printer-friendly format |
Recently, top officials of the Bush Administration have changed the way that they are talking about terrorism. They have stopped talking about a “war on terrorism.” Thinking it too narrowly defined, Administration officials now speak of a “struggle against global extremism.” Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld describes America’s policies as a “global struggle against the enemies of freedom, the enemies of civilization.”
Although all this may seem to be merely playing with words, this change is in reality something much more important: It is a clear-headed change of definition of America’s long-range strategic aims. It may not alter U.S. tactics or goals in the short run but could, over time, have a profound effect on the way Americans think about the current conflict against radical Islamic terrorist groups.
The Administration made the change for a number of reasons. The “war on terror” incorrectly focused too much attention on the military side of the campaign. Other efforts—such as homeland security, law enforcement, and international diplomacy—were not captured by a phrase that conjures an image of soldiers in uniform combating other soldiers in uniform—something that the current struggle decidedly is not.
The term “war on terror” overlooked the ideological component of the struggle. Radical groups employing terrorism against governments and civilians have an agenda, and that is to destroy certain governments, challenge certain Western values of civilization, and erect in their place their own governments and notions of culture and religion.
Finally, the change in terminology overcomes a problem long recognized in the phrase “war on terrorism.” Terrorism is a tactic employed by people to achieve certain political purposes. The new, broader approach captures not only the enemy’s political intent, but also suggests more precisely that our efforts will be a long-term “struggle” that may not have a termination date. Unlike with a war, there will be no simple peace treaty.""
Why don't they just call it what it is ...Messed Up.
Or , as David Letterman suggested , "Why not call it "Debbie""".
