Osama vs. US

Though the jihad declared by Osama Bin Laden against the United States can be seen as a conflict in many different angles, I feel that Samuel P. Huntington's definition of a clash of civilizations approaches the situation best, "The fault lines between civilizations are replacing the political and ideological boundaries of the Cold War as the flash points for crisis and bloodshed" (Huntington 29). The Cold War in Afghanistan, sparked by the U.S., resulted in …

…inches in front of him. Defending our country against attacks is necessary, but we must still try to appeal to the Al Qaeda as individuals who also fight oppression, who also struggle with values and beliefs. Perhaps helping them regain the true sense of Islam and brotherhood will gain us some respect in their eyes. Until then, we can continue to kill the men of the Al Qaeda, but we can never kill their beliefs.