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Will We Finally Learn the Lessons that the Paris Attacks Teach?

(Washington Times) Clifford D. May - Self-proclaimed jihadis have been fighting to re-establish Islamic supremacy and domination in the world for almost two generations. Leaders of the nations they have been targeting have regarded them as a problem - but mostly not as dangerous enemies who must be decisively defeated. And so their numbers have grown and their ability to project power has increased. Time and again, the jihadis have demonstrated that they have other values that they are willing - indeed eager - to both kill and die for. Ignoring that, Western leaders speak about "countering violent extremism" through jobs programs and foreign aid. They have maintained that "there is no military solution" and that we can rely on diplomats to effectuate "conflict resolution" employing "soft power." The jihadis are confident that France doesn't have the stomach for a long war. They view not just France but also the EU and NATO as spent forces - weak and war-weary. Is there anyone who has the courage and the leadership skills necessary to resume leadership of the Free World and develop a comprehensive strategy to defeat jihadism in all its forms - Sunni and Shia alike? The writer is president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
2015-11-19 00:00:00
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