Our Options Are Limited

Islamo-Nazis have continued their world-wide attacks in the midst of U.S. elections, forcing Americans to choose one of three approaches toward our deadly enemies: negotiation, isolation, or confrontation. Obama stresses the negotiation option – suggesting we can reach understandings with anyone. But how can we compromise with stateless killers who seek our society’s total destruction, and won’t come out of hiding? Ron Paul supports the isolation option – arguing that pullback from international engagement and Muslim lands will force Islamists to leave us alone. But when the West attempted this strategy in Lebanon and Gaza, it produced more violence, not less, and withdrawal inevitably resembles retreat and surrender. Finally, there’s the McCain strategy – maintaining the offensive against terrorist cells and jihadist ideas. As with the Cold War against Communism, victories won’t be quick or easy, but stalwart commitment against Islamist fanatics is not only the right course but by far the safest alternative of the options before us.