One German analyst said, “the American preoccupation with terrorism is perplexing.” Perplexing? Apparently the Madrid railroad bombing, Theo Von Gogh’s assassination and the 7/7 attack in the United Kingdom did not leave a lasting impression. This German went on to note “that there is nothing you can do about terrorism since we (Europeans) reside in open and therefore vulnerable societies.” Nothing you can do? These four words represent the significant difference between the U.S. and the E.U.
Europe has seemingly resigned itself to a future fate of subjugation. It knows how to enjoy freedom, but not how to defend it. It resents the United States, that despite ideological divisions, is intent on fighting back, on using its intelligence apparatus to apprehend jihadists and creating fronts in the regions where terrorism thrives.
The spirit of Neville Chamberlain lives in European capitals as capitulation and appeasement now dominate intellectual circles. Even if the Europeans were to change course and adopt a posture President Bush has proposed, they have neither the budgetary requirements nor the military strength to deal with the challenge.
What they do have is the ability to criticize the resister. From an arrogant perch, they condemn the actions of President Bush. However, the Europeans may be surprised whey they get what they now desire: a Democratic president. For whether it is Hillary or Obama, the American public is mobilized to fight back. Our national impulse demands it; 9/11 was merely a reminder of the threats that exist on the world stage.
The question that Americans rightly ask is who is listening to whom. We saved Europe from destruction several times in the twentieth century. Must we do it again in the twenty-first century? Perhaps it’s time the Europeans listened to us.
Herb London
Herbert London is president of Hudson Institute and professor emeritus of New York University. He is the author of Decade of Denial (Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books, 2001).
Be the first to read Herb London's column. Sign up today and receive Townhall.com delivered each morning to your inbox.