Imperial Hubris

Michael Scheuer likes checkables, or as most of us would say lists. I thus submit a list of lists.

Al Qaeda is described as a determined an almost invincible enemy in Michael Scheuer's Imperial Hubris.
Bin Laden's foreign policy goals are clear and have been announced many times;
- The end of US aid to Israel and the elimination of the Jewish State
- The withdrawal of all forces from Saudi Arabia and other Muslim states.
- End of US involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- End of repression of Muslims by Russia, China and others
- Restoration of energy resources to Islamic owners
- Replacement of Western leaning Islamic regimes.

Because the US stands in the way of the achievement of these goals it is hated, not misunderstood.

The questions that the US needs to answer;

- Does it serve the national interest to protect Israel?
- Is John Adams correct when he says America must be the "well wisher of freedom and independence to all but the champion and vindicator only of our own"?
- Can the United States overcome the oil lobby to become energy independent?
- Does the United States need bases on the Arabian peninsula?
- Should the United States install secular democratic systems in countries that do not ask for them?

He also questions whether anyone can rule Afghanistan.
- Pashtuns will rule. Minorities will only temporarily control Kabul.
- The Afghans who matter are Muslim tribal xenophobes.
- Afgans cannot be bought.
- Strong governments in Kabul cause war
- Pakistan must have an Islamist, Pashtun dominated regime in Kabul.