re: "Five Years After 9/11: What Needs to be Done?"

Be sure to read this recent article at FPRI by retired vice admiral Jake Jacoby, a former director of DIA.

Money quote(s):

"This long war will test our national will and resolve, and we are proving inadequate in conveying the magnitude of the threat to the American people and in generating the level of commitment it will take to win this war. This war will need to be won, and it is winnable."

"The fact that there have been no further 9/11s since is not enough to claim victory or the execution of a successful strategy. In fact, the enemy may actually be gaining strength.

. . . . Al Qaeda has transformed into a network of “franchises” that subscribe to the basic bin Laden philosophies and ideals but execute operations without his approval. This may be a more dangerous situation than the centralized model."

"Bin Laden and his principal spokesperson, Zawahiri, are beacons of near mythic proportions for the Islamic extremists. These leaders retain access to international media to broadcast and reinforce their philosophies and calls to arms. Their themes resonate with a sizeable Muslim population, far more broadly than just with the Al Qaeda organization and its franchises. The U.S. is the Great Satan. Its influence and culture and belief systems are a threat to Islam. It is the duty of righteous Muslims to participate in jihad against these influences to protect the faith. Those who are martyred in jihad will enjoy rich rewards in the afterlife. These are but a few of the themes."

"The enemy is dedicated. It rallies around a set of central themes; it is patient and persistent. Bin Laden understands us. He is open in saying the war will continue for generations. His goal is not quick victory, but rather to produce a massive movement based upon shared purpose that will unite true believers in jihad and eventual victory."

&

"The base from which the movement draws manpower is growing. There is a “youth bulge” in many Muslim nations, with significant portions of the population under 25 years of age. The group of young Muslim men who are trained in madrassas is growing. These schools emphasize rote memorization of the Koran and offer only a very basic education. Young people schooled in madrassas do not have the skills to be successful in the modern world. Their prospects for meaningful employment are dim. Their ability to meet the basic Muslim-dictated ability to care for a family is limited or nonexistent. Countries in Europe have sizeable populations of disenfranchised and unemployed Muslim youth. They are isolated in enclaves, rather than assimilated."

Read the whole thing.

And somebody please explain to me how this officer was allowed to retire.