January 18, 2006
Terrorists and Smugglers
Some weak-hearted souls left of the political center have taken issue with this post, in which I stated that the civilians killed in the CIA Predator Hellfire missile strike on a compound in Damadola Pakistan were hardly innocents.
New information about the strike confirms that the compound destroyed in the attack had been used as a meeting place on more than one occasion by "significant terrorist figures" in the past and that "there were strong indications that was happening again."
Leftists, simply appalled that several children died, are unlikely to point out the fact that this stronghold belonged to a smuggler of gems and precious stones, not a "jeweler" as some news outlets have reported. Nor are they like to mention that the area was under the control of the militant Mamond tribe and a Taliban stronghold from which al-Zawahiri had married one of his wives.
Pakistani officials confirm that Egyptian aides of terrorist Ayman al-Zawahiri were killed, with conflicting reports of 4-12 terrorist bodies (Ed Morrisey presumes them to be the high value al-Qaeda members) being removed by unnamed people after the strike. In addition, four bodies that could not be readily recovered in the wake of the strike (presumably trapped under the structure) have been identified as terrorists.
Smugglers, terrorist supporters, and high-ranking terrorists died. I'm sorry about the kids, but I'd call the strike again all the same. Their deaths are regretable, but war often is.
Update: Make that terrorists, smugglers, and an al Qaeda chemical weapons expert/master bomb builder. (h/t Jim Lynch at Bright & Early)
I have to wonder if the Surrender Monkeys would care if this had happened while Kerry was pres. I would be the answer would be no.
I would also bet that the only reason the SMs care is because Bush is President.
Posted by: William Teach at January 18, 2006 02:57 PMOne of the problems with the enemy we face here is that the ability to exploit any weakness, real or perceived, combined with a lack of squeamishness regarding "collateral damage" creates a situation where children and innocents will be deliberately put in harm's way in order to frustrate our efforts to take out terrorist targets. While I do not condone the deaths of the innocent, at some point the liberals might want to recognize that the terrorists are intentionally placing innocents within the zone of danger in order to further their illegal purposes.
Posted by: The Random Yak at January 18, 2006 03:16 PMThe SMs will argue that that is exactly the reason that we shouldn't be in Iraq, creating more terrorists, or, BCT's. Why we should understand the militant mind, and pull out of Israel.
Posted by: William Teach at January 18, 2006 03:44 PMLooks like we a nailed a biggie there, the "master bomb maker" was killed according to ABC. It's on Drudge now, so I think this undercuts all the lefty pissing and moaning about dinner time with Al Qaeda. Maybe they shouldn't have invited the world's worst terrorists into the house where the women and children were hanging about.
Posted by: Stormy70 at January 18, 2006 04:13 PM
