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Michael Albert's Blog

Web Address: http://www.zcommunications.org/zspace/malbert
Bio: Michael Albert is a founder and current member of the staff of Z Magazine as well as staff of Z Magazine`s web system: ZCom (www.zmag.org). Albert`s radicalization occurred during the 1960s. His po... (More)

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Worrying About Terror

By Michael Albert at Jul 11, 2004

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I actually think there is some reason to worry that there will be a terrorist attack between now and the election. Not because the government says so, of course. They haven't got a clue. But because from the perspective of bin Laden and co., it makes sense. I actually think there is some reason to worry that there will be a terrorist attack between now and the election. Not because the government says so, of course. They haven't got a clue. But because from the perspective of bin Laden and co., it makes sense. Suppose you want to destabilize the mideast and surrounding areas as well, through Pakistan and well into Asia and Africa in ways that promote fundamentalist groups more or less like the Taliban into greater influence and in time even state power. How do you do that? Well, the first blow was 9/11. Provoke the U.S. into actions that will polarize support for the groups you want to elevate. Bin Laden and co. didn't care about the human carnage in NYC. They didn't even care about the carnage among their own constituents, in Afghanistan and Iraq. They had an agenda and they pursued it. They are vile but far from dumb. In fact, if you look at the trends throughout the region, a good case can be made that this strategy has had pretty significant success, given its horrible priorities. So now what? What's next? Well, you most certainly want to maintain the U.S. trend toward ever increasing interventionist methodology, toward militarist excess, toward religious rhetoric, etc. You want more Bush, an even brasher Bush. You want Bush empowered, Bush ready, willing, and able to go for broke. You, if you are bin Laden, don't give a damn that Bush empowered will unravel a century of social programs within the U.S. You don't case that he will strengthen a police state mentality in the U.S. and unfurl god awful violence abroad, while trampling prospects for environmental sanity. That's all irrelevant to you – or, more accurately, it's part of your plot, because you just want Bush to win and win big in the election. After that, the increased bellicosity and violence organizing your agenda in the part of the world you seek to affect will take care of itself. The republonuts are entirely reliable on that score. So what do you do? Attack. Rally the U.S. around its president. Piss off the American people, Scare them, agitate them. Do to Americans what you want Bush to do to people throughout a good part of the rest of the world. Polarize Americans toward nationalist paranoia. So, yes, I think maybe there is a reason to worry…not only about an attack, but, much more so, about the aftermath. Will media have the courage to spin an attack in a manner to produce reason and sober reassessment by a chastened and hamstrung Kerry regime? Are elites sufficiently worried about Bush excesses to battle to prevent his enthronement?

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Re: Worrying About Terror

By Lhameon, Swampmaster at Oct 21, 2004 17:37 PM
Of course that part about energy is true, and Bush truly would benefit from a terrorist attack. But I agree Albert when he says it would benefit Bin Laden and other extremists too, since to sustent themselves thess organizations need to have a base of public approval where they can rally ressources and people to their cause. Bin Laden's as all interests to make the US as hated as possible in the world, because it then makes it a lot easier for him to fight them... By forcing the Us to act like stupid bullies (and i have to say it doesn't take much to do that), fundamentalist group polarize the opinions, making it all the more easy for them to attain positions of higher power.

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By Rosine, Header at Aug 25, 2004 16:40 PM
The only people who stand to benefit from the scenario you describe are Bush himself, the old guard who pull his strings, and big business interests. The main worry attached to an attack between now and the elections would be the suspension of elections and a nationwide state of emegency. Regarding promotion of fundamentalist groups to greater power and/or state control, I fail to see the same success you mention - the Taleban was in control of Afghanistan, playing a dangerous ransom game with the trans-Afghani pipeline. They are now out of (political) power, and the pipeline they promised, withheld, and received US money for in summer 2001 is now completed. The Bush/Blair administrations are the provocateurs in today's increasing global anxiety/creation of a malleable public, rather than any (other) extremist groups. The military activity we currently see around the world is aimed at securing and controlling energy supplies: Cheney, London 1999: “Oil is unique in that it is so strategic in nature. We are not talking about soapflakes or leisurewear here. Energy is truly fundamental to the world's economy. The Gulf War was a reflection of that reality.” :smirk:

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