The Politics of Stupidity - A Layman's View

"We have done what we had to do," explained the president last week as he rationalized the military option he chose, namely to bomb Libya. He claims that this military act was carried out as an act of self defense, and that this military action will hopefully deter Qaddafi from sponsoring, or taking part in, future acts of terrorism. What the president fails to realize is that Qaddafi will most likely react in an even more severe manner than ever before (I am assuming that Qaddafi will continue to act as he has done in the past). If Qaddafi retaliates, then Reagan will be forced to counterattack (Again, I am assuming that Reagan will act as he has claimed he would in the past). What we are witnessing is the possibility of of a relatively minor war beginning with the Gulf of Sidra incident, escalating into a full scale war with scores of civilians being the most likely victims.

By attacking Libya, President Reagan has converted American tourists into military targets. Europe will most likely witness countless bombings that will target innocent American lives, and will most likely endanger the lives of many innocent European civilians. This is probably one reason why the continental European nations refused to participate in this, the latest of the president's military adventures.

Americans abroad are not the only civilians in danger. We, the people who live in the United States will most likely become the target of terrorist attacks. The likelihood of this scenario occurring depends on the seriousness of damage suffered by Libya. If the damage is indeed serious, then many of the major cities of the United States will face the wrath of international terrorism. The likely targets will be government buildings, or places in which there are masses of people gathered together at one time (a stadium, or a mass transit system during rush hour), or any big city financial district. President Reagan has blindly rushed into a situation that could eventually cost the lives of innocent Americans at home as well as abroad.

What did the United States accomplish by bombing Libya? The United States destroyed several military installations, an airport, and training grounds for terrorists. Is this physical damage permanent? Absolutely not. Libya can, and most likely will, rebuild that which has been destroyed. Will this military exercise deter international terrorists? Absolutely not. Terrorists now have a new source of inspiration, and will have an even stronger desire to attack the United States and Americans. In fact, this military act will mostly likely inflate the ranks of international terrorists. Mr. President, you will soon realize that you accomplished nothing, that you made a big mistake. The future will prove that your choice of action was the wrong one. Your decision will not deter terrorism.

The bombing of Libya brought about some unforeseen circumstances. The Arab nations have denounced this military action, as well as the western European nations. Predictably, the Soviet Union opposed the Reagan air raid, but they have also threatened to cancel the summit meeting that was going to be held later this year. The Reagan administration has succeeded in alienating Arab countries, isolating the United States from its European allies in the fight against terrorism, and angered the Soviets to the point that they are refusing to hold discussions involving a much greater concern to world peace, and that concern is nuclear war.

Regardless of what the goals of this unenlightened military action were, one thing is almost certain, the Libyans will retaliate. The United States will then be placed in a position of backing up its tough rhetoric (to eliminate terrorist madmen), and it is likely the United States will be pushed into a limited war. "We have done what we had to do. If necessary, we will do it again." I've got news for you Mr. President, you will have to do it again.

Reprinted, originally published in the Campus on April 21, 1986.