The Next Attack

The recent National Intelligence Estimate on terrorism shows that Bush's policy in Iraq has helped to strengthen Al Qaeda. The CIA's John Kringen testified to Congress that "we actually see Al Qaeda central being resurgent in their role in planning operations." Bad news. It suggests we will be hit again in our homeland. But in addition to criticizing the administration for its failed policies, where is the public discussion of how we should respond if we are hit again? If a dirty bomb goes off in an American city, should people evacuate or stay in place? Think of the congestion of a holiday weekend. How many people will drive into danger rather than away from it? Where is that discussed? Most politicians shun the question as too sensitive. It implies defeatism. Yet the greatest damage done to our country will likely be done by our own responses to the attack. Terrorism is like jujitsu. The small opponent wins by using the strength of the larger opponent against him. If we respond to another attack by inspecting all cargoes, cutting off visa applications, curtailing our civil liberties, and so forth, we will accomplish what the terrorists want but cannot do alone. If the NIE is correct, does that not imply that we should begin to discuss how, if we are hit in the arm, we avoid shooting ourself in both feet?