Frankly, you could turn that around and say that the terrorists are creating American soldiers (sailors,Marines, Air Force, etc) since they continue to sign on the dotted line and go to war.

Really, is anybody shocked, when we went to war with AQ and any who might support him, that “terrorists” were recruited and continue to join? Was anybody under the impression that AQ’s resources were finite at the moment of attack and we only had to attrit those forces to “win” against Islamic terrorism?

Was anybody confused by the post 9/11 celebrations in the vaunted “Arab Street” (quickly shut down by their governments) or the schadenfreude opinion pieces coming out of the Mid-East (and Europe and here for that matter) that we, lips pursed, perpetuated the attack on ourselves by our other (less war like) actions?

Or, hey, when Osama declared war in 1998 and then struck the big blow in 2001, did anyone imagine that the 1% of Muslims (10 million) who believe in Jihad wouldn’t send him men and resources? Or the 30% who believe in the Islamist state wouldn’t throw some money his way or men?

Osama and his movements have been recruiting and “creating” terrorists since the Afghan/Russo war. They re-invigorated it in 1992 and it’s been growing since then.

yes, war has probably precipitated a growth in Islamists “terrorists”, but it also precipitated a growth in people volunteering for our military. That is what war does.

And, speaking of Afghanistan, I also find the “creating terrorist” comment disingenuous considering the activities of AQ and Taliban recruiters in Waziristan, Pakistan who, every summer, sweep through the villages and pick up the out of school youngsters, bored shephards and unemployed college grads for some Jihad. Not to mention the Kashmiris, Indonesians, Saudis and other such folks that travel that way to take part in the big Jihad against the Christian Crusaders in Afghanistan.

One thing I don’t hear, however, is anyone making analogies about the creation of “terrorists” in Afghanistan or many suggestions that, since this is happening we should withdraw.

Seriously, can we not come up with a better argument?

My toast is to Victory….with a Pink Gin.

‘Made in the United Kingdom in the 19th century, a Pink Gin contains gentian and a dash of ‘pink’. ‘Pink’ referring to the Angostura bitters, a dark red extract of gentian and spices. This is typically an English way of drinking and enjoying gin.

Also called Gin and Bitters, the Pink Gin cocktail was created by the Royal Navy. They created the drink in order to make Angostura bitters more enjoyable. The Royal Navy used the bitters to treat medical conditions in sailors; furthermore, it was also used to treat seasickness.

The Recipe
This recipe serves 1

* 1 measure gin [Bombay Saphire, of course]
* 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

Coat the sides of a chilled martini glass with the Angostura bitters, add chilled gin and serve.’

First round’s on me Byron. Having made all the appropriate toasts with a proper gin, we shall then retire to the strategists’ table for some honest brews and hard-won wisdom.

Oh and for anyone who is wondering, I like Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Coke…with a lime.