I can understand the need for Bush to do SOMETHING, I just hope that massive military strikes against a Muslim country doesn't further the cause of these terrorists.
I think it is reasonable to expect that Bin Laden would welcome such a response from the U.S. If Bin Laden were to be captured or killed I am sure he must have already put in place arrangements for the terrorist activity by his network to continue, maybe even on a stepped-up pace. Bombing the crap out of the Afgans or any other Muslim nation will surely provide immeasurable motivation for the terrorists who are part of Bin Laden's network to continue on their bloody rampage. I'm sure Bin Laden is counting on that.
I think that since terrorists operate in the shadows, anti-terrorist operations must also operate in the same covert manner. These terrorists already know how mighty the U.S. military machine is. Amassing troups and deploying military equipment in a showy display of military might may look impressive, but I doubt that it's going to scare terrorists into abandoning their activity. Remember, being killed in a "Holy war" against who they perceive as "Satan" is considered an honour; and they have demonstrated abundantly to the rest of the world that they are not in the least afraid to die...
I sure wouldn't want to be in Bush's shoes for I'm sure he realizes he may be in a no-win situation. If he does nothing he will be seen as weak by the rest of the world and more importantly by his own citizens. If he strikes against a Muslim country, he may just be providing additional impetus for increased terrorist activity.
I think that increased funding and cooperation by friendly nations for special forces to operate covertly may be the only reasonable course to take.
I really hope I'm wrong about all of this, because if I'm not, we are in for more anguish than we can imagine...
And I also hope, for the sake of our British friends, that Bush's ringing endorsement of them doesn't turn out to be the kiss of death.
Jrig