THE FORUM

Terrorism A Note from the Editors

This issue is dedicated to two members of the Class of 2010, Chris Hill-Junke and Alli Rath. Both provided pieces for this issue which is greatly appreciated. Alli, the past editor, contributed extensively to the Forum throughout her time at the Senior School. She deserves recognition for her admirable work ethic and dedication. This issue of the Forum centers around the presence of terrorism in the world. The topic of terrorism was chosen not only because of the conflicts in the recent years, but also to inform readers of all of the misconceptions which exist concerning terrorism. Through their articles, the writers attempt to expose readers to the many perspectives of terrorism, emphasizing the differences around the globe. Hopefully this can educate and enlighten readers about the true issues and causes of terrorism in society. We encourage responses and reactions to these pieces and urge readers to contribute to the next issue.

Sincerely, David Steiner & Jimmy Grote Co-Editors THE FORUM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 2 ~ A Discussion with Daniel Lieberfeld by Yuvie Ben-David Page 4 ~ The “Dubai Hit” by David Steiner Page 5 ~ Government Secrecy by Jimmy Grote Page 6 ~ The Government’s Approach to Terrorism by Adam Petraglia Page 7 ~ Dual Factors Threaten to Hamper America’s War on Terrorism by Anthony Costa Page 8 ~ Using Education to Solve the Issue of Terrorism by Alli Rath Page 10 ~ Afghan Cops: The New Taliban? by Chris Hill-Junke Page 11 ~ Operation Enduring Freedom by David Steiner

Page 13 ~ The Muslim Community Center: Your Opinions Feature Page 16 ~ The Muslim Community Center: Poll Results

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SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL governmental structure and A Discussion with its government's reliance on small, highly ideological political parties to achieve Daniel Lieberfeld parliamentary majorities, is by Yuvie Ben-David incapable of agreeing to such a compromise. On the Form V • • • Palestinian side, the Professor Daniel Lierberfeld is associate professor division between Hamas, at Duquesne’s Graduate Center for Social and Public which controls Gaza, and Policy, where he founded the minor program in Peace, Fatah, which controls the Justice, and Conflict Resolution. He is the author of West Bank, is a recipe for the book Talking with the Enemy: Negotiation and political paralysis. Threat Perception in South Africa and Israel/Palestine (Praeger, 1999) and has published numerous articles in How credible is the academic journals. He is an editor of the International Goldstone report? What’s your take on the UN’s Journal of Peace Studies, and has taught at Colgate unique relationship with Israel?—consider the University, Bowdoin College, and the University of Durban conferences, the “Zionism is racism” Missouri, St. Louis. Having spent 10 years as a declaration, and criticism viewed by many as mediator with Urban Community Mediators in Boston, lacking in perspective. Can any progress on his research tackles decision-making and negotiation Mideast peace be accomplished at the UN? in long-standing conflicts. Let me turn your question around and ask "What People must often demand of you a solution for the difference does it make if the Goldstone report (which Mideast crisis. What is your response? highlights human-rights violations by both sides in the recent Gaza war, but with more of the report devoted The solution is obvious to anyone who studies the to Israeli violations, largely reflecting the fact that conflict: The land has to be divided into an Israeli state Israel killed and wounded many more Palestinians in and a Palestinian state. This has to be divided into an the war than vice-versa) is credible?” And what Israeli state and a Palestinian state. This two-state difference does it make if Israel is an international solution is one that most in Israel and Palestine would pariah? The reason for Israel's existence is not only to accept, but the difficulty is how to get there in the face defend Jews from persecution, but also to be a of mistrust between the two sides and political "normal" state like any other. This was the original paralysis within each side. Israel, due to its Zionist dream. So far, Israel has failed to achieve the continued on page 3

TERRORISM “the term 'terrorism' means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents;" - United States Code

“the calculated use of violence or threat of violence to attain goals that are political, religious, or ideological in nature...through intimidation, coercion, or instilling fear” -Noam Chomsky THE FORUM

SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2011 second part. In large measure this Clearly, support for Israel would say that the US and Israel is due to the 1967 war, when provides anti-US groups like al- have historically had a shared set Israel went from being seen as Qaeda with an excellent selling of international interests that has David, to being seen as a Goliath point for their worldview and sustained their close relationship, ruling over hundreds of political program. It is no particularly during the Cold War. thousands, and now millions, of mystery to people in the Arab and Even then, however, there were Palestinians. One can question Muslim worlds that US supplied divergences and I would say that whether the perception is unjust, weapons are being used by Israel these divergent interests have but that doesn't change the fact to kill and maim Arab and Muslim grown wider in the past several that most of the world does children and other civilians whose years. There is an obvious public- perceive Israel as an occupying pictures appear frequently on Arab relations downside for the US in force in these heavily populated, television and on the Web. That being seen as too supportive of majority-Arab areas. And no may be propaganda and not the Israel at a time when the US has a amount of Israeli propaganda is whole truth, but that's the political huge stake in trying to win going to change those perceptions reality for the US. Most people Muslim hearts and minds. This is significantly. who study international relations a policy dilemma for the US. How do you see the Iranian nuclear controversy unfolding, especially in light of the Obama- Netanyahu chill and the conflicting reports concerning sanctions? I don't know the answer to this, obviously. There are clearly scenarios that the US government is concerned about in which Israel unilaterally tries to bomb the Iranian nuclear sites. There were some reports that the last US administration was secretly interested in cooperating with Israel on this as part of an effort to overthrow the Iranian government. Such an effort reflects a fantasy view of the world, in my opinion, and a disturbing ignorance about the history of US-Iranian relations. Recently we’ve heard claims that Israeli policies negatively backfire on the United States— on the forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, for example. Is this a legitimate claim?

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SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2011 The “Dubai Hit”

by David Steiner Form V • • • From different departure locations using professionally forged passports, 27 men fly to widely believed that the suspects Ahmadinejad of Iran has openly Dubai. Footage from Dubai were agents of Mossad, the well- stated his desire for Israel to be International Airport security known Israeli intelligence agency. “wiped off the map”. 9 Mahmoud cameras shows one of these men Al-Mabhouh cofounded Hamas’s al-Mabhouh was a key link between following the target to the al Bustan military wing, was wanted by the two of Israel’s greatest enemies; few Rotana Hotel. 1 A French suspect Israeli government in connection would be surprised if the Mossad, or books a room directly across from with the kidnapping and killing of the “Institute”, did in fact carry out the target’s, room 237, and then two two Israeli soldiers in 1989, 3 and, this plan, especially considering its members of the hit team follow the using secret connections he current head. man up the elevator disguised as established in recent years between Meir Dagan was appointed to tennis players to confirm that the Hamas and the Al-Quds Force of the rejuvenate the Mossad and has man is staying in room 230. Near Iranian Revolutionary Guards, he is become Israel’s longest serving and 8:00 PM, five men use an electronic thought to have played a major role most influential spy chief. He has device to gain entry into the man’s in getting arms shipments from Iran restored the agency’s reputation for room after the hotel cleaning crew to Gaza. 4 Rockets and other arms ruthless efficiency, and is so completes their rotation on the floor. that get into Gaza could then very influential that Prime Minister Six others keep watch. The target likely be used for killing Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu will enters the room at 8:24 PM. The citizens. periodically travel to his office for suspects leave ten minutes later, but While the official Israeli policy is briefings, rather than the other way not before taking great care to make to neither confirm nor deny incidents around. After Dagan’s intelligence sure the room looks orderly and such as this, Israel had an obvious agency discovered the Iranian removing anything that may indicate interest in al-Mabhouh’s death. The nuclear project, there was a string of a struggle. They turn the safety lock primary function of any government unexplained accidents. Scientists on to suggest natural death so that is to protect its citizens. Both the disappeared, labs caught on fire, and they may have enough time to leave Hamas organization and Iran pose aircraftsc connected to the the country. 2 substantial and worrisome threats to enrichment process mysteriously fell It sounds like a Jason Bourne the State of Israel. Canada, the from the sky. Dagan was hired to story, but it’s not; it is much more European Union, 5 Israel, 6 Japan, 7 make the Mossad more aggressive, than a story, and it transpired on and the United States 8 classify and he has been so successful that, January 19, 2010. The target was Hamas as a terrorist organization, as one senior Mossad officer put it, Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, a senior and President Mahmoud “whatever we want, we get.” 10 Hamas military leader, and it is

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This assassination has drawn criticism for the use of that anything will come of them; those involved fraudulent passports that were “duplicated or altered.” probably have multiple disguises, aliases, and escape Twelve suspects used British passports, six used Irish routes. passports, four used French passports, three used The son of a founder of Hamas, Mosab Yousef, was Australian passports, and one used a German passport. a spy for Israel’s domestic security service Shin Bet for The European Union “strongly condemns” the use of 10 years. When asked why, Yousef replied that Hamas these passports, 11 and England has been particularly practiced exceptional cruelty and killed people for no inquiring. 12 INTERPOL issued Red Notices for the reason, whereas Israeli soldiers and intelligence photos and fraudulent names of the people involved in officers had morality. They adhered to a constitution, the murder. 13 Red Notices are not international arrest said Yousef, while Hamas intentionally targeted warrants, but rather a method by which to inform civilians. “There’s a difference between targeting a police forces around the world that the suspects are terrorist and civilians.” 14 The killing may strike some wanted by authorities in the United Arab Emirates. as excessive, but Mahmoud al-Mabhouh was a terrorist While the notices may limit the ability of the suspects whose actions have and likely would continued to have to travel freely using the same passports, it is unlikely resulted in the death of innocent civilians.

Another controversial dispute resulted from the Government Secrecy discovery of a secret prison in Eastern Europe that jailed many of Al Qaeda’s most dangerous members. by Jimmy Grote Again, some believed that all citizens were entitled to Form V know about the existence of this facility. National • • • security was a large factor in the decision to keep the What is the line between being informed and existence of this facility confidential. Republican knowing too much information? Should the public leaders justified their decision by explaining that they know the happenings in prisons where terrorists are concealed the information “to protect the American housed? Many say that the concealment of information people and our homeland from terrorist attacks.” 2 If relating to terrorism prevents future attacks. After the government viewed information as dangerous to September 11, 2001 the amount of secrecy in national security, we as a country should have trusted government increased drastically; no one knew what to their decision. The secrecy was vital to safely and expect from the terrorists after the attacks, so extra effectively imprison the terrorists. precautions were taken to protect the country. Although concealing information relating to The safety of the American people is an important terrorism can be vital at times, there is another side to factor when deciding whether or not to release the argument. In 2003, CBS’ 60 Minutes released information concerning the War on Terrorism, or, as the images of accused terrorists being tortured. The Obama administration refers to it, the Overseas military tried to hide these photos, but after the Contingency Operation. For example, during the exposition on television, the Pentagon was prompted to weeks following the 9/11 attacks, all Muslim release more visual representations of the prisons. foreigners who attempted to immigrate to the United Congress rejected the Pentagon’s claim that the release States were detained. Their names were kept of the images would compromise national security.3 If confidential, sparking anger from the American public homeland security is not a concern, all imagery of because it believed it had a right to access that prisons where terrorists are housed should be released information. The release of the immigrants’ names to the public. It is the right of the American people to would have exposed the investigation to the terrorist see these visual records. Resistance from the military groups, but some Americans believed it was their right to release them gives the perception that there is to know.1 The release of the names would have information being hidden. Unless the contents of the compromised domestic safety at an already perilous videos and images compromise national security, all time. This decision protected the security of the clips and pictures should be disclosed. American people.

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importance of our presence in Iraq related offenses; Shahawar Matin The and Afghanistan, and whether or not Siraj, a Pakistani-American who we should move to other extremist plotted to bomb Herald Square in Government’s “hot spots” such as Yemen, Pakistan, New York; and Mohammed Junaid and Somalia. The Fort Hood Babar, a Pakistani-American Approach to shooting in November 2009 led to convicted of terrorist-related more skepticism about “connecting offenses in New York, and who Terrorism the dots”, the stability of our testified in 2006 against a group of soldiers, and how to protect citizens men accused of plotting bomb by Adam Petraglia from themselves. attacks in London. Form VI The government has clearly Peter King, ranking Republican • • • improved in repeated bureaucratic on the Committee of Homeland With the Christmas Day plot breakdowns by analyzing and Security said that the decision to against the United States just a year sharing information, and by simply hold Khalid in NYC is "one of the ago, Americans have been reminded implementing better equipment such worst decisions ever made by any of the possibilities of another as full body scans. Republicans have president". Why? On January 9, terrorist attack, and the ease in already criticized the current 2010, King stated in a YouTube which one can be carried out. administration for being “soft” on announcement: “It is an enormous Fortunately, all passengers on the terrorism by unnecessary risk as is plane survived the attempt. “mirandizing” housing terrorists at Nevertheless, in recent months, the Christmas the proposed Gitmo terrorism has become one of the Day Bomber, north facility near most critical issues of the current and the Chicago. There is a administration. The only problem potential of good reason why the facing the government and our entire holding 9/11 government has had country is not only the fact that m a s t e r m i n d such a hard time terrorists are attempting to terminate Khalid Sheikh transferring these our infrastructure and our citizens, Mohammed in terrorist detainees to which has occurred with prevalence federal court other countries. since 2001, but that we were in New York They are the worst forewarned of a newly recruited City instead of of the worst.” But radical Islamist and the government's a military tribunal. Not surprisingly, has it been that difficult to transfer failure to “connect the dots”. Republicans have seemingly detainees from Guantanamo to other This recent event has once again forgotten of the many convicted countries? The Obama caused security officials to change terrorists or would-be terrorists administration has resettled 24 policies such as screening techniques convicted in the federal system detainees, including 15 to Europe. at the airports in order to prevent under the Bush administration. Nine European countries have taken those who want to destroy us from Although the number of convicted in detainees in the past year and entering. New information such as terrorists is not as high as Obama Lativa and Bulgaria have also the leaked TSA screening manual, claimed in a CBS interview on committed to hold detainees in the and the waste of over thirty million February 7, 2010 (i.e. 190), there future. The major barriers in dollars of those machines that have been many. Here are just a few: transferring detainees have not been “puffed air” at airport security, have Richard Reid, the "shoe bomber"; from other countries, it has been raised new concerns of our nations Bryant Neal Vinas, an American from members of Congress afraid of overall protection against future convicted of supporting al-Qaida terrorists being located in “our attacks. More questions have been plots in Afghanistan and the United backyards”, even though no one has raised, as seen in the debate States; Mohammed Jabarah, a ever escaped from a federal prison. presented by a few Shady Side Canadian who was active in al- Midterm elections were this Academy debaters, regarding the Qaeda and convicted of terrorism- November and Republican hopefuls

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SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2011 bashed Obama and the Democrats for listening to their second on September 30th killing two Pakistani soldiers.2 Generals and using tactics formerly used by the Bush As a result, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Rehman Malik, administration. However, many of these arguments, in has stated about America that, “[W]e will have to see addition to “waving the bloody shirt”, have worked whether we are allies or enemies.” 3 The Pakistani profoundly well by Republicans as seen in the election government leaders are responding to the public outrage of Scott Brown and the progress of the stimulus and over the cross-border drone attacks in the ongoing health care reform, all while Democrats had a Afghanistan efforts. According to The Economist, the supermajority in the Senate. As Sarah Palin asked in her revelations in Bob Woodward’s book, Obama’s Wars, keynote speech at the Tea Party Convention in which claims that 3,000 CIA operatives are active in the Nashville, “How's that hopey, changing stuff working tribal regions of Pakistan, has also fueled mistrust out for you?”. Well Sarah, not too well, but you and your among the Pakistani people and government. 4 There is a constituents have not helped. The country has a load of growing and unifying Pakistani sentiment regarding issues to solve, most of which have absolutely nothing America; America has been bad for Pakistan. In the to do with terrorism and the protection of the United words of Fatima Bhutto, “America has supported every States from Islamist extremists. All we know, is that the repressive regime in Pakistan and the role of America country is going down a grim path if Congress can't during the floods has been quite sinister.” 5 even agree on elementary concerns regarding the safety Pakistan was considered a great ally post 9/11 but of our citizens. with current President Asif Zardari facing some of the toughest domestic issues and his own Pakistan People’s Party at risk, the alliance between the two countries is teetering. As a reaction to all of this, Pakistan closed the main mountain pass into Afghanistan at Torkham, an Dual Factors Threaten to action that probably would not have occurred before the Hamper America’s War on floods. 6 This resulted in many assaults on fuel convoys. At least thirty tankers carrying oil for NATO have been Terrorism destroyed after militants, armed with assault rifles, attacked. 7 “It’s a slow motion unraveling of the 8 by Anthony Costa regime . . .the floods are a game changer.” Considering Form IV Pakistan’s advanced Nuclear Weapons program, its shift • • • in allegiance and its governmental instability, America When the dust eventually settles on America’s serious has new grim foreign policy issues directly affecting the issues of unemployment and deep political partisanship, war on terrorism. one will see that there has been erosion in the battle The other problem that is pressing in Pakistan and against terrorism. The focus of this article is in regards ties into the second issue of this article is how Pakistan to two issues. Although disparate, they have will deal with the threat from the Pakistani Taliban. 9 simultaneously grown to create new threats in America’s Due to the government’s weakness, the Taliban has ability to quell terrorism. opportunities. Osama Bin Laden has released two audio 1) Paralysis in Pakistan reports that not only have ratcheted up potential for terrorist attacks, but contained humanitarian elements of While the United States has been focused on dire food relief for the flood victims of Pakistan. 10 This issues of unemployment and domestic policy, so have humanitarian appeal to help the Pakistani people, who the Pakistani people. The floods in Pakistan began in are desperately trying to survive, has been rebroadcasted July of 2010 and directly affected about 20 million. in chatter throughout the Internet. This allows Bin There has been destruction of infrastructure, jobs, Laden to remain a force in the battle for young people property and the death toll is above 2,000. The WHO disenfranchised and looking for a cause via the Internet, reported that 10 million people were forced to drink unsafe water.1 At a time when Pakistan is in need of specifically YouTube. global flood relief, NATO forces have been caught 2) The Internet & YouTube: Al Qaeda’s new making two unauthorized incursions into Pakistan, the social media

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SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2011 This leads directly into the a very important source of Using Education to Solve indoctrination into terrorism, the Internet. Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, recognizes the Issue of Terrorism the Internet as a source of recruitment for Al Qaeda and admits the solution is difficult, “I don’t have a magic by Alli Rath bullet, it is the dark side of this new media.” Islamic Class of 2010 terrorists are using videos posted to YouTube to not only • • • indoctrinate, but to obtain a rich source of contacts. This Terrorism is certainly one of the most frequently is becoming their new social media. Although discussed and debated international issues, but those pornography is usually removed from YouTube within analyzing its causes and effects often neglect to look twenty four hours of posting, a jihadist recruitment beyond the goal of defeating jihadists. Instead of trying video is more difficult to spot so its removal may take to discover how terrorist sects, suicide bombings, longer. YouTube relies on viewers flagging kidnappings, and mass killings have become constant objectionable videos in order to identify them. It claims fixtures in the media and affected the lives of many, the that 20 hours of videos are placed on the site every hour average person tends to focus on the eradication of of every day and it is difficult to analyze content. terrorists and the prevention of further atrocities by Experts agree no-one gets radicalized by viewing videos means of increased security. Such single-mindedness, alone. But “those seeking to rebel and looking for though stemming from a concerned and proactive, albeit options, well there it is,” according to Steven Simon, misled, sentiment, is not conducive to controlling or Former Counterterrorism Director for National Security even solving the problem of widespread terrorism. One Council. Paul Cruikshank, a Fellow at NYU Center of of the true roots of terrorism is poverty. And one of the Law and Society says that it is the accounts of those main causes of cyclical, inescapable poverty is a lack of making the comments to the videos that become the education. valuable list or filter. 11 The scale and reach of the The madrassas described in the media can be Internet takes recruitment from distant Islamic Countries misleading. Depicted as places of evil and corruption, to the privacy of any spot where the Internet is - and that madrassas are thought to be where children are is everywhere. brainwashed and forced into service for radical Islamic Both the desperate conditions in Pakistan and the groups such as the Taliban. The word madrassa is persuasive nature of videos, comments, and account nothing more than the Arabic word for school, but the identifications attached have made the battle against Western media has regrettably confused this word with terrorism more insidious and require new and the fundamental Islamic schools often funded by Saudi sophisticated strategies to combat effectively. sheiks which do, in fact, seek to recruit and indoctrinate children into the radical Muslim sects. Madrassa is a word which should mean hope for many children, a chance at escape from their small villages by means of an education and the skilled employment that would follow. Many children, however, never have the opportunity to receive such an education. Most of the rural mountain villages in the Middle East lack schoolhouses, although motivated students continue to seek an education, scratching in the dirt with sticks if they must. Parents hear of schools where they can send at least their sons to receive an excellent education at no cost. As they know that learning is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, parents leap at the chance to give their beloved children any opportunity they lacked in their childhood, but sadly they are unknowingly allowing their little boys to enroll in terrorist-funded schools. The parents believe they are helping their sons

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SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2011 find a better life, but in reality, they have condemned devoid of collaboration with the people the occupations them to serve a cause which, due to the remoteness of are truly affecting. In Three Cups of Tea, Mr. Mortenson their location, they perhaps never even knew existed, let recounts being separated from his group while hiking alone supported. K2. Mortenson was rescued by the people of the While it is true that there are many terrorists who Pakistani town, Korphe and lived with them for a strongly believe in the righteousness of their actions, and number of months. Although Korphe lacked a not all recruits are children unknowingly robbed of a schoolhouse, Mortenson was touched by the local children’s motivation to learn, so he returned and built the people of Korphe a school. He subsequently founded the Central Asia Institute (C.A.I.), which constructs and funds schools and women's vocational/ community centers in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mortenson has built schools in areas where the Taliban have strong roots, was initially condemned by enraged clerics, and kidnapped by tribal leaders from Waziristan. Mr. Mortenson’s philosophy, however, is one of complete openness and faith in the people with whom he is working. He discusses every project with local leaders and imams, welcoming their suggestions and ultimately nearly always receiving their wholehearted support. Once he helped those who had initially opposed him to understand his purpose and methods, they appreciated his important work and good future, students from the radical madrassas do constitute intentions. a significant portion of the foot soldiers for the jihad If the Western nations attempting to combat against non-Muslims. Aside from those recruited by terrorism would take more of a grass-roots, multilateral means of educational indoctrination, many members of approach to the problem and endeavor to work with the terrorist groups do not fight because they are committed peoples most affected, I suspect that many terrorist to their cause or have been brainwashed, but rather as a groups could be weakened, if not eradicated, from the means of survival in a world where jobs are rare, ground up. If more focus could be placed on the especially for the relatively uneducated. According to education of children in schools free from radical General Stanley McChrystal, the Senior US Forces and influence, perhaps both poverty, and the terrorists who NATO Commander in Afghanistan, Afghanis fighting take advantage of those who suffer the desperation of for the Taliban have a salary of roughly $300 a month as such poverty, would lose the stranglehold they have on to the $150 a month Afghani police and soldiers earn. It much of the world. is easy to understand why a man with a family to feed N.B. - Mr. Mortenson's story moved me like no other would fight for a cause which he does truly not support. literary work I had ever read, and I felt a strong If schools were safer, better funded, and more prevalent, connection to his cause and methods, so during my perhaps fathers would not be compelled to choose sophomore year, I met with my history teacher, and we between their morals and their family’s survival. formed the Central Asian Fund for Education Club If poverty is indeed a cause of terrorism, and (C.A.F.E. Club). During its existence, the club raised education is a solution to poverty, the next step is to $3700 for C.A.I. through an annual student-faculty art develop a means to expand the educational systems in sale and numerous bake sales. We were unable to reach developing nations. One of the most interesting and our goal of $5000 which funds an entire school year, but inspiring books I have ever read, Three Cups of Tea by our contribution had a positive impact on the C.A.I.. Greg Mortenson, helped me to understand that no Helping organizations like Mr. Mortenson’s is only the country will ever accept aid, advice, or action that they first step to diminishing poverty and terrorism, however. feel has been forced upon them. The United States has The next step is to change the philosophy of those in had significant problems with civilians in Afghanistan power. and Iraq because much of our action has been unilateral,

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the firefight, and Afghan Cops: sell it to the same people The New who they were supposed to have Taliban? used it on. But the problems with the ANP do by Chris Hill-Junke not stop there. Class of 2010 Just ask any of • • • the people living Why can’t the Afghans begin to in the village of support themselves? Afghanistan has Marja, a former been under American control since insurgent 2001, and yet it is significantly stronghold. "You worse off now than Iraq. How can constantly hear the Iraqis secure their boarders, but these stories the Afghanis cannot? The biggest about who was problem is the Afghan police force. worse: the According to Newsweek, America Afghan police that has spent over six billion dollars Afghan police-training program were there or the Taliban”, says Lt. released in February 2009 by the trying to establish the Afghan police Gen. William Caldwell, who is now as an independent and effective type State and Defense departments' in charge of the United States inspectors general found that State of law enforcement. To put it bluntly, program to expand and improve the we have failed miserably. Even now, Department officials "did not Afghanistan security forces. These conduct adequate surveillance for less than 12% of the Afghan are the same police who are key to National Police (ANP) is capable of two task orders in excess of $1 the entire US strategy in billion." According to the audit, operating on their own. Most of the Afghanistan. In order to win this police force received nothing more officials from the State department war, we must win over the support of “adequately over[saw] the use of than a weapon and uniform upon the people. How can we do that signing up. Even now, less than a government-owned property, failed when the police force that the people to maintain contract files properly, quarter of the 98,000-member force are supposed to be able to trust and has received any formal training at and sometimes neglected to match believe in is corrupt and worse than goods to receiving reports." Worse all. These men cannot drive, read worthless? And what happened to (illiteracy rates hover around 90%), yet, this gross neglect should come the six billion dollars that America as no surprise given that the State or shoot, yet they are supposed to has poured into the ANP? Well, that secure a country. In fact, it seems as Department routinely short-staffed is the six billion dollar question, its contract monitoring office in though their biggest skill set lies in because no one really knows what corruption. According to Saleh Afghanistan. At one point, there happened to all of that money. The were only three contract officers in Mohammed, an insurgent state department sent an "invoice- commander in Helmand province, Afghanistan to review and monitor reconciliation team" to review the $1.7 billion contract. If we plan the ANP actually supplies the expense receipts submitted under Taliban with much of their on winning this war, the government one particular contract, only to needs to completely overhaul their ammunition and RPGs. ANP discover that $322 million in members have reportedly staged full police-training program and revise invoices had been "approved even their monitoring programs. firefights in order to falsify though they were not allowable, documents requesting more Otherwise, we might as well just allocable, or reasonable." But that is give the country back to the Taliban resources. They then take the only one contract. In an audit of the ammunition that they “used” during now and save a few billion dollars.

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SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2011 Operation Enduring Freedom by David Steiner Form V • • • The following two opinionated articles are contrasting ones that I wrote that include facts and limited analysis on the war in Afghanistan. After reading them, if I raise issues for either side you were not aware of, you should decide where you stand on this war. The second article, by nature, will be shorter than the first because it is necessary to define President Obama’s plan as well as provide background knowledge in the first article. Implementation of the plan has begun. After the plan was announced, a gradual deployment began. Some troops were deployed shortly after the strategy was made known, but most were deployed in mid-2010. Opinion 1: Obama’s plan is the best plan for Afghanistan why it will work, and how it relates to terrorism and domestic security Before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Osama Bin Laden and other key members of Al Qaeda were headquartered in Afghanistan, taking advantage of THE PLAN: the sanctuary afforded to them by the Taliban government that controlled the mountainous and isolated SEND AN ADDITIONAL 30,000 TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN country. Once again, the Taliban is gaining territory and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, hampered by THE CORE ELEMENTS OF THE STRATEGY: corruption, the drug trade, an under-developed economy, 1) MILITARY EFFORT and insufficient security forces, is ill-equipped to handle 2) A CIVILIAN SURGE this growing insurgency. The Taliban cannot be allowed 3) PARTNERSHIP WITH PAKISTAN to regain control, because, as stated by Defense Secretary Gates, it would become a sanctuary for Al Qaeda as well as a staging area for resurgent military groups on the offensive in Pakistan. From 2001 through 2009, the number of American casualties in Afghanistan has increased 26.18%, and the number wounded augmented by 53.63%. The man who had been in charge of US forces on the ground, commanding general Stanley McChrystal, requested this troop increase and said the United States risked failure without it. These extra forces will help secure Afghanistan, in a fashion similar to the 2007 Iraq surge - as pointed out by General David Patraeus, former head of US Central Command and now running the war in Afghanistan. Should the Taliban resume control, Afghanistan and its neighboring nations would become safe havens for extremists to plan attacks against the United States. Additionally, the ability to suppress the Taliban and secure control in Afghanistan would lead to significant suppression of Al Qaeda. In the past 20 years, noteworthy Al Qaeda attacks executed on US entities include the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1998 US Embassy bombings in Kenya, the USS Coal bombing in 2000, the 9/11 attacks, the Fort Hood tragedy, and the nearly successful Christmas Day bombing attempt. The best way to protect American lives from the threat of Al Qaeda is to eliminate the safe havens from which they have planned these attacks, safe havens allowed to Al Qaeda by the Taliban. The majority of Al Qaeda currently resides near the Afghanistan - Pakistan border. The Pakistani army has gone on their largest offensive in five years, particularly in Swat and South Waziristan. If American forces were able to gain control of the Afghanistan side of the border, they and the Pakistan army could squeeze out Al Qaeda’s leaders. The United States unmanned predator drone attacks in Pakistan, while managing to kill some members of al Qaeda, have yet to produce any truly consequential results. This ineffective strategy must not be continued, and President Obama’s plan truly is the best one.

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SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2011 Lastly, this plan is in the best interest of the United States because we are not simply sending more troops to Afghanistan, defeating the Taliban, and then withdrawing to let the Taliban regroup. The 30,000 troops we send will include 5,000 dedicated trainers, so Afghans will be prepared to begin taking over their own security in July of 2011. The Taliban pays its recruits $300 per month, more than Afghanistan can afford to pay its own soldiers and policemen. From a purely financial standpoint, Afghans would have more motivation to join the Taliban than the army or police, but President Obama’s inclusion of a timeframe for withdrawal has instilled a sense of nationalism in Afghans. They now understand the notion that they will soon be fully responsible for protecting their families, their friends, and their country. The announcement of a timeframe had a stunning impact on Afghan recruiting, according to Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. 3,500 Afghans went through the eight-week basic training course last November, as compared to 11,000 today. These new recruits along with Above: The Afghanistan - current security forces will be able to maintain control following the United Pakistan Border States withdrawal process that will hopefully begin in July of 2011.

Opinion 2: Obama’s plan isn’t in the best interest of the US

There are three core reasons why President Obama’s plan for Afghanistan is not in the best interest of the United States: (1) the greatest security risk to the United States, Al Qaeda, barely exists in Afghanistan anymore, (2) the plan, in which the United States sends 30,000 troops to Afghanistan and allies send 10,000 more, consumes manpower and money that would be better spent elsewhere, and (3) announcing a time frame of 18 months for withdrawal merely sends the Taliban underground until American forces begin to leave. The group President Obama’s plan focuses on the most is the Afghan Taliban, yet the group that poses the greatest direct risk to the United States is Al Qaeda, which plotted the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and triggered the War on Terrorism. Very little of Al Qaeda, however, remains in Afghanistan today. Obama’s National Security Adviser, General James Jones, stated that “fewer than 100” Al Qaeda members remain in the entire country, yet this resolution is proposing to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan to fight this insignificant, almost nonexistent presence of Al Qaeda. The Afghan Taliban severed all remaining ties with Al Qaeda by the end of 2008 according to CNN, so attacking the Taliban does not directly or indirectly hurt Al Qaeda or thwart their progress. According to the Washington Post, Al Qaeda is recruiting the majority of its rank and file from the failed states of Somalia and Yemen, among others. Due to poverty, demography, terrible domestic security, and lack of a stable government in these failed states, it is easy for Al Qaeda to essentially take over and corrupt the youth. The billions of dollars in Afghanistan can be used in areas of greater need. This plan mires our resources, manpower, and time, all of which would be instrumental in fighting Al Qaeda in countries where it has a more significant presence. Consider the following numbers: as stated above, only 100 Al Qaeda members still exist in Afghanistan, there are 100,000 US troops after the increase, and the estimated US yearly cost is around $30 billion. That means for every one Al Qaeda fighter, the United States commits 1,000 troops and $300 million. With the United States already in a profoundly deep debt from wars such as this one and the Iraqi War, this money could be used to aid countries like Somalia and Yemen that have much greater presences of Al Qaeda. Afghanistan should not be our priority. Lastly, the way a war must be won is to break the enemy’s will, not announce the date when you are leaving. According to Senator John McCain who is on the Senate Armed Forces Committee, much of the Taliban will go underground until United States troops begin to withdraw in July of 2011, at which point they can fight the inadequately sized, inadequately funded, and inadequately trained Afghan army. The mountainous geography of Afghanistan and its underdevelopment provide favorable conditions for the Taliban to hide, and unfavorable conditions for the US to wage war; MSNBC even compared it to Vietnam. -12- PARK 51

We asked the Shady Side community: Should the mosque and community center proposed near Ground Zero be built?

The mosque has a right to be built there. As far as what I have read about it, the community center will be very inclusive. Inclusion is part of the American fabric. Reed Williams Christian

They have the right to build a mosque if they own the property, but I do not think it is the right thing to do. It is only going to promote dissension and make it more difficult for the Muslim community. I oppose it not legally, but I do not think it is in their best interest. Bonnie McCarthy Christian

That is a really interesting point of view. Although I support the building, I understand her view and she may be right. This does not change my opinion, but she definitely may be right. It is a point well worth considering. Reed Williams

I am in favor of it being built, but if all of this extremism and all the xenophobia will continue against the mosque, the construction should be discontinued. It has been a mosque. [The Muslims] have caused no problems before, so it is a legitimate institution. Athif Wulandana Muslim

-13- “No contractor will build the center. Personally, I think it is in poor taste. I also think it is completely legal. I would call it more unrealistic than immoral. I am more concerned with where they get the money to fund this project.” Ann Tumolo Christian

It is not in poor taste. Continuing the construction is a perfect reminder that we have reflected on the tragedy and moved forward. There is a misconception that all Muslims are terrorists when in reality the number of terrorists in the Islamic population is so small. The FACTS are the most important. We should focus more on the facts than “poor taste.” Jemila Adoki Agnostic

It is not even at Ground Zero. What about the first amendment of freedom of expression and religion? Anonymous

If there is all of New York City to build the center, why near Ground Zero? Frank Rocks Christian

Constitutionally, of course, the Muslim community of New York City has a right to build a mosque and community center anywhere they can obtain land and a building permit. I also believe the mosque should be built in the location in question because it vindicates the founding principle of freedom of conscience to the world. Those who believe it is "unwise" to build the mosque because it will result in unwanted attention to the Muslim community of the United States are simply giving in to the mob mentality that opposes the mosque in New York and the mere existence of Muslim communities in this country. This overheated mob mentality is a perfect example of what the founders, like James Madison, feared with simple majority rule: that the least popular elements of society would be shouted out of their civil rights by the more popular segments of society. We have many freedoms and liberties in this country; one element we are not free from is the opportunity to be offended. If the building of a mosque in New York City, or Kentucky for that matter, offends someone's sensibilities as Americans they must bear it. The principle of freedom of conscience is of greater importance than the comfort of the majority. Daniel Coyne

-14- This facility will be a place where people of many different religions can gather. We all must remember that it is a “community” center. Anonymous

My opinion mirrors a lot of what Mr. Cangiano said during Convocation. This is a question about how we can create broad- based culture and understanding. A former high school classmate of mine died in the World Trade Center, and I know others who were in the Trade Center but made it out. With regard to the mosque, how can we create greater sensitivity? Sensitivity is always an issue, and it is my greatest concern. How do you build something in Jerusalem? Near the Western Wall? Or in Mecca? A community center should be something that builds community, but this center is nothing but divisive. Division is inhibiting our ability to function. Jeremy LaCasse Agnostic

If they ban it, the terrorists win. A ban would cause political polarization. Sam Swarts Christian

I agree that not building the community center would cause political polarization. Those that have a problem with its construction are narrow minded and selfish in their own uninformed opinion. Anonymous

I don’t think this is an issue of religion, but if people make it an issue of religion, it is no longer such an issue. It is an issue of bigotry. Manasa Reddy Hindu

-15- POLL RESULTS

Religions

Are you in favor of the construction of the Muslim community center near Ground Zero? Disregard constitutional and legal rights.

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SHADY SIDE ACADEMY’S POLITICAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2011

CITATIONS Cover Image: http://adland.tv/n1rv4n4g8/2009/febjpgs/The_Terrorist_BA.jpg

The “Dubai Hit”: 1 “Dubai police identify 11 suspects in Hamas official’s death,” CNN, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/15/ dubai.hamas.death/. 2 “Slaying of Hamas leader in Dubai is international murder mystery,” CNN, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/16/ dubai.hamas.killing/index.html. 3 Wafa Issa, “Al Mabhouh killed hours after arrival,” The National, http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ 20100201/NATIONAL/701319829/1133/ FOREIGN. 4 Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, “Isreal’s Hit Squads,” the Atlantic, http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/02/israels- hit-squads/7973/. 5 “EU blacklists Hamas political wing,” BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3100518.stm. 6 “The Financial Sources of the Hamas Terror Organization,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/ MFAArchive/2000_2009/2003/7/The%20Financial%20Sources%20of%20the%20Hamas%20Terror%20Organiza. 7 “Japan’s Foreign Policy in Major Diplomatic Fields,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/ bluebook/2005/ch3-a.pdf. 8 Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, “Country Reports on Terrorism 2005,” United States Department of State, http:// www.state.gov/documents/organization/65462.pdf. 9 Ethan Bronner, “Just How Far Did They Go, Those Words Against Israel?,” New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/ 2006/06/11/weekinreview/11bronner.html. 10 Ronen Bergman, “Iran’s Worst Enemy, Newsweek, December 12, 2009. 11 “Dubai murder suspects climb to 26,” CNN, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/24/uae.murder.plot/index.html. 12 Howard Schneider, “Fake passports fuel questions about Israeli role in Hamas official’s slaying,” Washington Post, http:// www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/17/AR2010021700544.html?hpid=moreheadlines. 13 “INTERPOL issues Red Notices to assist in identification of 11 Dubai murder suspects,” INTERPOL, http://www.interpol.int/ public/icpo/pressreleases/pr2010/pr011.asp. 14 “Hamas founder’s son: I spied for Israel,” CNN, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/03/02/hamas.spy/index.html.

Government Secrecy: i Kenneth Jost. CQ Researcher (Washington D.C.: CQ Press, 2005), 1018. ii Kenneth Jost, 1022. iii Kenneth Jost, 1020. Dual Factors Threaten to Hamper America’s War on Terrorism: i Wikipedia 2010 Pakistan Floods http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Pakistan_floods ii “On The Brink.” The Economist. October 9-15th, 2010, page 58. iii “On The Brink.” The Economist. October 9-15th, 2010, page 58. iv “On The Brink.” The Economist. October 9-15th, 2010, page 58. v GRITtv: Fatima Bhutto: U.S. Causes Pakistani Devastation http: //www .youtube. com /watch?v=SOiTpTYdqtg vi “Hobbling Along.”The Economist. October 9-15th, 2010, pge 57. vii Terrifying moment yet another Nato fuel trucks blown up by Taliban as the number of destroyed tankers hits triple figures, October 2010.,http://news1.capitalbay.com/news/terrifyingmoment_yet_another_nato.html viii Terrifying moment yet another Nato fuel trucks blown up by Taliban as the number of destroyed tankers hits triple figures, October 2010.,http://news1.capitalbay.com/news/terrifyingmoment_yet_another_nato.html ix “Hobbling Along.” The Economist, page 57. x http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2010/1028/Osama-bin-Laden-threatens-French-troops-criticizes-France-