Talk to enemies

Under the title, “The Illusion of Security,” from the Friends Committee on National Legislation, consider the following quotes: “The U.S. military ... has nearly 800 military bases ... outside our borders,” plus drones “in Yemen, Pakistan, and elsewhere.” American “security assistance,” (largely guns, planes, bombs) totaled $14.6 billion last year, most of it to the Middle East and central and southern Asia. Yet, “In 2013 ‘terrorist’ attacks increased by 43% over the previous year,” suggesting that we may not be stopping extremism but encouraging it.

“Responding to violence with force may feel effective, but it does not create the conditions under which peace — and true security — can flourish.” We should instead, “address the reasons why people turn to violence in the first place ... economic injustice, scarcity of resources, political disenfranchisement, corruption and unemployment.”

Peace has never come from violence. “Bringing people together to create healthy, resilient communities is the best way to prevent violent extremism.” President Obama, responding to criticism for making a deal with Iran, said we are already at peace with our friends. If we want peace, we have to talk to our enemies (Iran, Cuba).

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Talk to enemies."