How long will it take for the U.S. to defeat the enemy utterly?

[Philosoraptor]

A few years? Decades? Centuries? Who IS the enemy?

It is indeed a fantasy to imagine that you could wipe out all terrorists the world over.

It cannot be done, not practically, not abstractly, so we need to call them on it every time they say it.

Rumsfeld just said before a committee that we will soon defeat the enemy, and millions will actually believe him.

[HereSince1628]

1. I didn't even know utterly was an enemy!

[Vidar]

2. Depends on how long the rope around W's neck is.

[havocmom]

3. If Pogo was correct, it'll be a while yet

but we are getting there.

[Capn Sunshine]

4. Forever

with the current philosophy in place, there's no end to our enemies.

[MadHound]

5. When you wage war on terrorism, not only can you not wipe them out

You can't even defeat them. For quite frankly fighting a war on terrorism is fighting a war on the proverbial hydra. Whenever you cut one head off, two more grow back to fight you. This is what is happening in Iraq, where it went from a stable, non-terrorist country to a land that is wracked by terrorists and guerrila warfare. Same holds true for the Israel and Lebanese conflict. In fact this truism can be applied to America's own Revolution that brought forth this country.

The only way to defeat terrorism is through negotiation, compromise, and by taking away the conditions that breed terrorists.

[izzie]

6. Well yes I would say your right but who will make the profits?

Not enough profits in peace I guess.

[MadHound]

8. There are plenty of profits in peace

But corporations and the American public have to shift their perceptions, their pardign, and even though I hate using this phrase, think outside the box.

For example, there is literally trillions to be made in the alternative, renewable energy market. But in order to tap those massive profits corporations have to start thinking long term. Sadly corporations have become so used to only thinking ahead to the next quarterly report they have developed a serious case of nearsightedness. Same goes with other sectors of our economy.

[izzie]

10. I think like you on this

--

[DemReadingDU]

7. Who will sign the agreement that they have been defeated?

All the terrorists? Osama? Sadamm?

If we don't know who we are fighting, then how will we ever know who will sign the agreement that they were defeated?

[lectrobyte]

9. Terrorism is a tactic. I'm pretty sure about 2030 when the oil is dried

up and we have no reason to be there, they will cease their terrorism activities directed at us.