Jihad vs. McWorld

The Bush administration’s tired refrain to explain terrorist acts against the U.S. continues to be that they hate us for our freedoms. Invasion and occupation of rogue nations will lead them out of their darkness and bring them U.S.-style democracy. But will that truly put an end to terrorism or create a cycle that only begets more terrorist acts? The U.S. seems to be following Machiavellian principle in dealing with our global world, in that “It is better to be feared than loved, more prudent to be cruel than compassionate.” But as Milton said, “Where no hope is left, is left no fear.”