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Since 9/11, security in the US has been stepped up higher than it has ever been in peacetime and to date there have been no further attacks on US soil. But does this mean America is safe?

Far from it. Since that terrible day 6 years ago, attacks have been carried out by Al- Qaeda in many parts of the world. There was the attack on the London Underground, the Spanish train bombing, the Bali bomb to mention but a few. Each and every one of these attacks had one thing in common and that was they were targeting Americans and America's allies.

Since the end of the second world war the Muslim world has felt suppressed by America, from America's support of Israel and the loss of Palestine, to the energy crisis of the 70's, right through to the two Iraq wars, American foreign policy has always opposed Muslim interests, Whether this is accidental, or deliberate is immaterial, the point is every day young Muslims are taking up arms to fight this oppression. We can question their motives, we can revile their methods but we must be in no doubt of their resolve.

Lets put this in perspective, supposing there was a great nation doing everything in its power to oppose American interests (the Soviet Union for example?) wouldn't you want to do your part? Would you not want to protect your family from the seething hordes across the ocean who are just waiting to pour into your towns and villages, to subject you to their own political ideals and kill or imprison all who stand in their way? Whether Communism or Democracy is pointing the gun the instinct for self preservation will always remain.

The average westerner cannot comprehend what it is truly like to be a Muslim, there is a level of devotion to their faith that we as westerners have long forgotten as we have embraced commercialism and popular culture. As misguided and brainwashed as the individuals who carry out atrocities clearly are, we must never forget the lengths extremists will go in the name of Allah. Al Qaeda is an invisible army, they have no uniform or insignia, they operate as cells sometimes living within communities for years before carrying out their mission. They strike from nowhere will no concern for personal survival.

America is safe for now in its heightened state of security but for how long? Sooner or later the guard will come down as the perceived threat diminishes and thats when it happens. All the fighters killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, all those imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay have brothers, sons, and cousins. Half a century of being on the receiving end of America's will is not going to disappear overnight.

America needs to take a good hard look at itself and how its actions are perceived in the wider world. It needs meet the Muslim world as equals and mediate a solution for the common good. It needs to forget the wants of the oil lobbyists and be seen to act fairly on the global stage. Who knows, perhaps the forthcoming exit of the Bush administration will be an important first step on this road.

Until then, America will never truly be safe.

Learn more about this author, Saul Shackleford.
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