Obama on Yemen Attack

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonindependent.com/6201/obama-on-yemen-attack#more-6201

Obama on Yemen Attack
By Ari Melber 9/17/08 3:28 PM

Sen. Barack Obama just issued a response to the attack on the U.S. embassy in Yemen today, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including six attackers. No Americans were killed.

Obama’s condemned the attack and stressed his commitment to redoubling efforts to destroy Al Qaeda:

I strongly condemn today’s outrageous attack on the U.S. embassy in Yemen. I honor the embassy guards who defended the compound, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. While I am thankful that no American citizens were killed, I am deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives.

Over seven years after 9/11, this latest attack calls on us to redouble our efforts to root out and destroy Al Qaeda and its affiliates across the globe. This attack demonstrates the grave terrorist threat that exists from North Africa to Southeast Asia and around the world. This threat is made more dangerous by the sanctuary that Al Qaeda has in Pakistan, which has allowed the organization to regroup, retrain, and re-establish links with operatives and affiliated groups.

We must do more to strengthen the military, police, and intelligence capability in nations like Yemen that are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism. We need a Shared Security Partnership Program to build the infrastructure to deliver effective counter-terrorism training, and to create a strong foundation for coordinated action against Al Qaeda and its affiliates. This program will provide assistance with information sharing, training, operations, border security, anti-corruption programs, technology, and the targeting of terrorist financing…. This attack reminds us that we are all grateful for the Americans – troops and civilians – serving our country in dangerous places around the world.

Since no Americans were killed and the stock market continues to drop, however, this significant foreign policy news is unlikely to reverberate on the campaign trail.

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. And note the type of attack.

THIS is Al Queda. Car bombs, suicide bombs, and rifles.

No suitcase nukes. No anthrax. No small pox. No poison gas.

THIS is what Al Queda does.

[Igel]

2. But the actual problem wasn't mentioned.

"We must do more to strengthen the military, police, and intelligence capability in nations like Yemen that are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism. "

Not the problem. Well, perhaps "intelligence", if he has in mind CIA operatives on the ground. The problem is that the government sees no reason to side with the US against the local tribesmen, *as long as* the locals don't take on the government. Their interests and values aren't ours. We do not share a culture.

In other words, it's the same problem as in much of Pakistan. And the ME. It's not capabilities; it's will. Bribing works, short term and imperfectly. But removing the tribal, in-group/out-group mindset, the lack of dedication to a principle higher than one's honor group, is what's needed--*or* we have to "descend to their level", an arrogant expression if ever there was one, and deal with them in ways culturally appropriate for the area, however unpalatable they may be viewed from within our cultural perspective. And for that, Obama, McCain, or pretty much anybody else, is beside the point, because there's no way they can pull off the first or engage in the second.