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  Saturday  September 22  2001    10: 59 AM

unintended consequences

All the talk is about going in and getting Osama bin Laden. Aside from the questions that have been raised as to whether he directed these attacks and the questions that have been raised about being able to find terrorists (if it was that easy the British would have shut down the IRA years ago) there are the questions of unintended consequences. Ignoring the unintended consequences is part of the reason we are where we are in Afgahnistan. We supported the Islamic fundimentalists in overthrowing the Soviets and then just walked away and let the country devolve into today's situation.

Getting tough with terrorists is fine as far as it goes. What thought is being given beyond the military solution? What thought is being given to picking up the pieces after bin Laden is gone?

Afghanistan facing humanitarian disaster
Famine Hunger and disease could kill millions, aid agencies warn

thanks to Red Rock Eater Digest

If Taliban fell, who would rule in Afghanistan?

If a U.S.-led force were to attack Afghanistan and the ruling Taliban became the latest in a succession of regimes to fall, it would stir up a cesspool of drugs, guns and terror that could only be avoided if the country's political future were mapped out as carefully as the targets of war, experts here warn.

thanks to Red Rock Eater Digest

And what are the Russians going to do when the US is done and leaves?

Russian troops and armour mass on Afghan border

The Kremlin is pouring troops, tanks, and military equipment on to the border with Afghanistan in anticipation of an American onslaught on the Taliban regime.

thanks to Red Rock Eater Digest

And don't forget...we have our home grown terrorists.

U.S. Measures May Incite Domestic Terror

In the wake of terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the U.S. government is moving quickly to create a new Cabinet-level agency for homeland defense and ease restrictions on law enforcement agencies. But while these measures may prove effective against foreign attacks, they may also lead to increased domestic terrorism.

Just wondering if any of our fearless leaders are thinking beyond the end of their gun barrels.