harboring terrorists

You may have thought that after George W's strong words, nations would shy away from harboring terrorists. Think again! What better way for warlords in poor countries to attract US funding than having a few rogue terrorists hiding in the bushes?

The beauty of it all. A terrorist can be anyone you don't like. Political rivals, religious or non-religious types, anybody anywhere who is not in charge but wants to be can become a terrorist. Especially if they have ever resorted to, or can be accused of resorting to violence.

Did you notice how quickly our friend Putin reacted to George's battle cry? He almost beat Israel to the punch and that is saying something. Those pesky Chechen's quickly became terrorists with links to Al Qaeda. And here is another benefit. Proving ties to Al Qaeda is as easy as it comes. The US intelligence machine even managed to link Saddam to Al Qaeda. Anyone and anybody can be tied to Al Qaeda. As a matter of fact, once you are labeled a terrorist you automatically qualify for membership in Al Qaeda.

Yesterday's guest at the NPR Newshour was quick to point out that the leadership in Yemen has every incentive to harbor Al Qaeda. Al Qaeda's presence means US foreign aid to Yemen's leadership. Once Al Qaeda is gone, Yemen would be left to its own (very meager) devices.

In case you think this is a new development, think again. Latin American dictators have played this same game with drug lords. Think Columbia. Where would Columbia's leaders be without cocaine? Left to fight their own desperate wars.

Even Afghanistan is making drug appeals lest the call of terror alone be insufficient. But they need not worry so much. The TAP alone will do the trick.