Stick, but No Carrot: U.S. right to press al-Qaeda, reject truce

Dallas Morning News | Editorials:

“Experts say it's only coincidental that the new bin Laden tape is just now surfacing. On it, the terror master addresses the American people and offers a ‘long-term truce with fair conditions.’ The offer doesn't merit response beyond this: No thanks, and we hope you're feeling the heat.”

Ed Cognoski responds:

This cocky attitude is rash. This isn't a football game. Al Qaeda is responsible for the deaths of thousands in the 9/11 attacks. They are capable of striking again. Osama bin Laden included a warning in his latest audio tape. Terrorist operatives are planning additional attacks. Inciting them with schoolyard taunts is foolhardy.

President Bush learned this lesson in 2003 when he challenged the Iraqi resistance forces, "Bring them on!" More than 2000 dead Americans later, our country has paid dearly for his recklessness. More recently, with as much secrecy as possible, American officials have informally met face to face with insurgent commanders in an attempt to open a dialog that might lead to a reduction in violence. Such tactics contradict the public face the administration presents, but it's a necessary strategy for eventual success.

So, although we should continue to prosecute the military front in the war on terror to its fullest extent, we should also seek opportunities to open a dialog with members of al Qaeda, too. Even if we can imagine no terms or conditions of acceptable compromise, talk itself can be a weapon that works in favor of our open and democratic society. Schoolyard taunts may make us feel good for a minute, but do not advance our cause. The DMN editorial board should exercise more care.