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1) Identify and isolate the enemy. A War on Terror? Let's make it a War on Terrorists instead. Define terrorism (the US government's current definition is so vague as to be useless as a definition, but very useful in applying to whomever you feel like that day). Define terrorists. Apply universally, and uphold the standard yourself.
2) Identify and highlight your allies. Respect their situations and be ready to assist them in the ways they need it, not just the ways you may want to. Make sure the mission is clear and that they are on board with the goal.
3) Engage in quick, effective attacks against the identified enemy. Do not get into protracted conflicts. Do not allow your forces to be diverted to efforts that do not make sufficient progress towards success. Pursue constantly and effectively to prevent the enemy from taking his liesure.
In short, isolate those who engage in such acts as rogues and out of acceptable norms for not only our society, but any society. To do so takes a commitment on our part to making violence only acceptable as a last resort, not a solution of convenience. So long as we allow violence to remain an acceptable option when diplomatic or other efforts are frustrated, then we will have to face violent threats.
Those who we detain should be expeditiously exposed to our justice system. Those that are guilty will serve their sentences and those who are not will be released, which is the least any human being arrested for something they are not guilty for should have the right to expect.
Making up vague or indiscriminate definitions for terrorists or unlawful combatants or whatever and not employing ourselves directly serves only to muddy the waters, cause questioning of our moral authority and enhance options of our enemies.
We must neutralize terrorists and their organizations. We are not doing well at all at this right now, and the sooner we change our tack, the better.
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