Now I have to report the news that an American journalist has been beheaded by forces aligned with ISIS in Iraq. What do we think about this? What can any sane person think about a political movement that would resort to such a barbaric act for no other reason than to make a statement to its enemies?
And what exactly is that statement? It is nothing more than a show of power, an exhibition of brute force to be used whenever the mood fits. We are supposed to respond to this thuggish, execrable act by being cowed (as the troops of the Iraqi army were cowed when they were called upon to defend their own nation and their own people against the Isis forces).
What should our response be? At first, the West should respond by recognizing this act for what it is. And then it should respond by letting ISIS know, in any and all certain terms that this sort of behavior will not be greeted with diffidence. Instead, the West must do everything it can to cut off any, and all economic chains that support and finance this group. Let us not be confused. ISIS is now a state, and states require funding. We must insure that no further funds are siphoned off by this group, and that no Western nation allows their money to find its way to these barbarians–savages who are, indeed at the gates of democracy.
And what exactly is that statement? It is nothing more than a show of power, an exhibition of brute force to be used whenever the mood fits. We are supposed to respond to this thuggish, execrable act by being cowed (as the troops of the Iraqi army were cowed when they were called upon to defend their own nation and their own people against the Isis forces).
What should our response be? At first, the West should respond by recognizing this act for what it is. And then it should respond by letting ISIS know, in any and all certain terms that this sort of behavior will not be greeted with diffidence. Instead, the West must do everything it can to cut off any, and all economic chains that support and finance this group. Let us not be confused. ISIS is now a state, and states require funding. We must insure that no further funds are siphoned off by this group, and that no Western nation allows their money to find its way to these barbarians–savages who are, indeed at the gates of democracy.
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