SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 – WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

Tomorrow’s 12th anniversary of the September 11 attacks reminds me of two events during the past year that involve America at peace and at war.

On the peace front, the United States have been in negotiations with the Taliban.

Yup, the same Taliban who macked Afghanistan; played conflicted host to Al-Qaeda and 9/11 mastermind, Osama bin Laden; went to war with the US for refusing to hand-over bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks; fought a long war with the US and planned attacks against global American interests after being forced out of power.

Not only has US engaged the Taliban in talks, but the world’s greatest superpower, at Pakistan’s urging, allowed the Taliban to open an office in the country of Qatar — the home of the largest military base in the Middle East, which is owned and operated by the US.

Kinda funny how 12 years can change matters.

Now for the war part — the US wants to launch punitive missile strikes into Syria since America believes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is responsible for a chemical weapons attack in Ghouta during Syria’s current civil war that killed hundreds of civilians. The stated goal of the missile barrage is to “weaken and degrade” Assad’s military capabilities.

Common sense already informed you that such a missile strike effectively helps the rebels and many of you already know that Al-Qaeda is fighting with the anti-Assad forces, but did you also know that Al Qaeda has taken over whole Syrian towns? This has happened more than once. Can you imagine how much more complicated the situation in Syria becomes should Assad fall?

KInda funny how 12 years can change matters…