Buharry:
Thank you for your pts.  As I alluded to earlier, US foreign policy is full
of double-standards.  But I am not sure we can equate US military action with
terrorism.  Yes, the US has attacked other countries in the past, sometimes
with massive amount of force,  but there has certainly been justification,
legit or otherwise, for its actions. Furthermore, this country does not
deliberately target innocent civilians when taking action against states or
groups which go against US interests, completely contrary to the
modus-operandi of terrorist organizations.

However, I would like to take issue with two main pts here;

First your point that the USA attacked Afghanistan without concrete evidence
against Osama's group is really clutching at straws.  I say this because
contrary to your this assertion, there was concrete evidence to show Al Qaeda
was behind the attacks.  Most of the attackers were linked to Osama's
training camps.  Phone call intercepts & money traces also showed that the
majority of the logistics behind the attack came from the Pakistan/Afgnaistan
area.  There truly was a multitude of evidence which directly linked the
attacks to Osama.  In fact, only conspiracy theorists believe this was
anything other than an Al Qaeda op.  On the "Barakat" money group, enough
evidence was also found to show that this money operation was wittingly or
unwittingly being used to fund and assist terrorism. Inasmuch as innocent
Somalis were affected by its closing, there was evidence to show that the
"Al-Barakat" group was involved in arms dealing as well as money laundering
which helped terrorists and rogue groups.  Therefore, your point that the US
is trying to settle old scores in Somalia is debatable.  As it stands now,
Somalia is a failed state, and a perfect breeding ground for terrorists.
This country certainly should not stand by while such an environment is
strengthened.

In regard to Guantanamo Bay prisoners, the Al Qaeda prisoners are illegal
combatants or in other words not members of a standing army.  Because of
this, the USA is perfectly justified in not giving them POW status.  The
Taliban prisoners however were just accorded POW status.  Regardless, of what
status these prisoners fall under, I guarantee you that they are being
treated humanely.  The recent outcry we saw was simply as a result of
hypersensitive Euro press that is overly liberal and reactionary.  To gauge
the treatment of the prisoners, I would go with the report of an organization
like the Red Cross.  They have observers there, who have been satisfied with
the treatment of prisoners.  In fact, these prisoners have been given copies
of the Quran, prayer mats,  religious counseling as well as food which is
consistent with the Islamic way.

Don't get me wrong, I certainly believe that Dubya should not be given the
Nobel prize.  However, to say that his administration is unjustifiably
attacking Afghanistan or Al Qaeda is a stretch.  The USA cannot afford to
review its foreign policy when in fact, there are forces out there that will
destroy this country if they have the means.  I am certain foreign policy
will be assessed but in the meantime, more practical ways of stopping
terrorism should be advanced.

Yus

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