We’d prefer to create our own terrorists, thank you
by digby
Michael Cohen makes a good point in this column about the various myths surrounding the Paris attacks and US policy toward ISIS:
Myth No. 1: America Is Next
From the pages of Politico to the CBS news program “60 Minutes,” this argument has been made repeatedly since Friday night, and it demonstrates a glaring ignorance about the differences between the U.S. and Europe when it comes to vulnerability to terrorism.
The biggest difference is that the United States simply doesn’t have a radicalized Muslim population, as is the case in France and elsewhere in Europe. That matters a lot because foreign terrorists operating in the United States, especially in a post-9/11 environment, would need local assistance, safe houses, access to weapons and explosives, logistical support and more. In short, they would need Americans, or people who know American culture and who can operate in the country freely. Yet, in the 14 years since 9/11, there’s been no serious emergence of radicalization among American Muslims. The Fort Hood shooter and the Boston Marathon bombers are obvious exceptions, but exceptions nonetheless.
Europe is a very different kettle of fish than the US. They have large Muslim populations with long-standing social unrest and cultural alienation. It’s quite possible that the radicalization, at least among some of them, has as much to do with their own issues as Europeans as it has with their religion or solidarity with the aims of ISIS.
We have not had this in the US. But from the way the Republicans are acting, it appears we’re jealous and would like to get some. At the very least they seem petulant that we aren’t in the center of the fight. Treating Muslims like aliens and talking about closing mosques and rounding up and interning or deporting them is one way to get there.
Keep it up boys. This demagoguery may very well keep out Syrian refugees but if you want to create some American homegrown Islamic radicals you’re doing a heckuva job.
.
.