Terrorism as a Way of Life

Abstract

It has been a truism in politics that friends and enemies are never stable categories, and the ruthless advocacy of self-interest, which is not calculated to introduce idealism into political relations, is intrinsic to the logic of the nation-state. Great Britain, which wags it's tail when the master shouts, and has in consequence become an embarrassment to nations with even a modicum of pride, might appear to be an anomaly: it has long enjoyed a special relationship with the United States. In George Bush's joint address to Congress shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, Britain was described as America's truest friend. Ironically, the last attack upon the mainland United States was perpetrated by the British during the War of 1812. They sacked Washington and burned most of the city, including the White House and the Capitol, to the ground. In contemporary times, it is with shock that one recalls the mujahideen being welcomed to the White House by President Reagan as freedom fighters and...