The “War on Terror” does not exist. It never has. We only perceive the West’s current conflict, against Islamic Fundamentalism, as a “war on terror” because it has been framed as such. The very language we use to discuss this conflict—the terms, the definitions—was chosen by U.S. political leaders. The language was then adopted by every media outlet in America. And it has therefore structured every imaginable discourse since—from debates on the nightly news, to coffee shop arguments between co-eds. It has also informed, shaped, and driven almost every US domestic and foreign policy since 9/11. And as such, this horrifically false vocabulary has completely distorted reality for the entire population of the United States. Our politicians and citizens, thus, have been debating an illusion. But this illusion was necessary, from one perspective. To name “Islamic fundamentalism” as the enemy was not only seen as implying a US Holy War—but, also, to do so could potentially force American society into social collapse. And this may still happen.
The False Language
Let us start with the terminology. The very concept of a “war on terror” is nonsensical and self-contradictory. War, itself, is terrorism. Remember the minimal definition of “terrorism” is this: the use of fear and intimidation to psychologically paralyze an enemy into submission, in order to achieve strategic and political ends. This phenomenon has been implemented by the US, through one means or another, in every war the United States has ever fought. Terrorism is a tactic used in any war. And it need not even cause deaths—as long as it achieves “fear and intimidation” in the enemy. Thus, the American military’s own “Shock and Awe” strategy, in the 2003 Iraq War, is a perfect example of terrorism. In the end, to declare “war on terrorism” is as absurd as declaring a “war on air power”.
http://newageislam.com/the-war-on-terror-does-not-exist/war-on-terror/d/2075
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