COUNTER VIEW
Victory Iraq Will Curb Terrorism

Politics may be the root cause of terrorism, but finance and sanctuary provided by other nations are the fertilisers. Genuine democracy may provide a long-term solution to the grievances that incite terrorism.
But that will take a long, long time. To begin with, it is vital that terrorist activity be curtailed. That is where the US invasion of Iraq could make a positive contribution. Not because Iraq was itself a major exporter of terrorism, but because America has sent out a clear, unambiguous signal that it is fully prepared to act, unilaterally if need be, against those who sponsor terrorism. Syria has already been put on notice by the Bush administration. But the message, ‘clean up your act or face the consequences’, is also aimed at Jordan, Libya, Saudi Arabia and other countries suspected of providing sanctuary to terrorists. The fact is, terrorists can’t thrive in a vacuum. They need their patron-states — rogue regimes that provide training camps, arms and ammunition, much-needed money, and safe hide-outs. Such aid and comfort acts as the oxygen which fuels the terrorist fire. If this is cut off, terrorists will find it increasingly hard to function. Few governments will want to confront the sole superpower. If they are told to go easy on helping terrorists, the chances are they will comply, at least to some extent.
It should be noted that fears of an upsurge in terrorist strikes on the West if Iraq were invaded have so far been belied. Also, whenever the US leans on General Musharraf, cross-border terrorism in India does decline. Yes, the US may not have been able to capture Osama. But Al-Qaida has been unable to mount any significant operation in recent times, because its top leadership is perpetually on the run and does not have the luxury of time to plan a major strike. India can justifiably complain about US double standards when it comes to Pakistan’s support of jehadi elements. But that’s only because America is focused on West Asia right now. Eventually though, Washington will have to turn its attention to Islamabad. The day it does may well mark the beginning of a process that will finally bring lasting peace to the subcontinent.