‘Europeans have responded in vastly different ways’: OK, I agree Europeans have done a lot of things right in fighting terrorism. I also agree that the justification for war in Iraq had highly dubious connections with the war on terrorism. But I just can’t stand the lingering criticism of our swift and impressive action against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Yes, Europe has suffered 5,000 casualties from terrorism over the decades. But they were from a wide variety of criminal sources spread over a wide period of time. The U.S. suffered 3,000 deaths in one single blow -- and it was connected to one single source in Afghanistan. It had to be taken out by ‘war’ and not through diplomatic/police niceties. Thus, not surprisingly, the U.S. and Europe approach current terrorism matters from two different perspectives because they’ve had two different experiences. ...

Speaking of Afghanistan, bloggers may already have seen this highly encouraging and insightful account of what’s going on in Afghanistan. Knock on wood, but it looks like Karzai is doing it. ... This is indeed good for Bush -- and America. But the contrast to Iraq remains stark and depressing. Could it be argued that the war in Iraq has had the unintended effect of giving Karzai breathing room? I think so. ... Ten, nine, eight, seven ... That’s the countdown for Bushies to starting beating their chests that that was the plan all along!



Raised on Jaws, Part III: She’s still there. Or was late yesterday.  ¶ 5:59 AM