Hearts & Minds: Economic Development and the Global War on Terror
I was thinking the other day. If terrorist's countries of origin had more developed economies--that is, people could live a middle-class lifestyle with TVs, 2 car garages, nice family and cushy food, would terrorists be as successful as they are now? IIRC, (and I don't purport to know) something that helped pacify Iraq was to pay insurgents to fight for the U.S.'s side--that is to say, they were given a double incentive. Money, and reduced risk of life.
This is all premised on the idea that people are rational and want a cushy life. There will always be fringe idealists who cannot be swayed no matter what. However, I really am curious though. If extremists/terrorists had a strong economic incentive to lay down their arms, would they? Would this lead to reduced insurgency?
Thoughts?
|