Don’t cut and run in the War on Terror

On the eve of President Bush’s major address tonight on the status and prospects of the War on Terror, the Center for Security Policy released a new "web ad" warning that there is no way the United States can safely follow the advice of Mr. Bush’s critics who would have us cut and run from Iraq and Guantanamo Bay.

The ad, which can be viewed at https://erdb1.eresources.com/cspvideo/Title01_high.wmv, points out that setting a timetable for withdrawing from Iraq and/or closing the U.S. facility for detaining unlawful combatants at Guantanamo would unmistakably convey weakness to our enemies. The result would not only be more bloodshed abroad but quite possibly renewed attacks in the United States, as well.

Center for Security Policy President Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. noted, "President Bush must make the case in his remarks tonight for staying the course, not just in the Iraqi front of this global conflict, but everywhere we confront Islamofascist and other enemies bent on our destruction. As the Center’s new web ad makes clear, we have no choice but to prevail – and the American people require now more than ever clear, convincing and steady leadership about the consequences of our failure to do so."

The web ad’s script reads as follows:

Since 9-11, most Americans know the world is a dangerous place. Islamic terrorists hate us for who we are and what we stand for.

Some people seem to think, however, that if we retreat our terrorist enemies will leave us alone. They say we should close Guantanamo, where captured foes are kept from waging war against us. They say we should get out of Iraq even though democracy is just getting a foothold. They seem to think we’ll be safer if we cut and run.

But our enemies will see this as proof of our weakness. They’ll be more convinced than ever that murdering Americans advances their cause, and they’ll try to do so again here at home.

The next time someone suggests America should cut and run from the War on Terror, ask them – run to where?