Thinking About the Next Sept. 11

From The Heritage Foundation:

This morning, a series of explosions struck London's subway system and a bus. According to early reports, a group calling itself "The Secret Organization of al-Qaeda in Europe" is claiming credit, saying that the blasts are retaliation for Britain's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The British shouldn't take the bait. In a recent column, defense and homeland security expert James Carafano considered likely responses to another terror attack. It would be a mistake, he argues, to identify with the rationale that "we deserved it" for waging the war on terror.

"No nation is perfect, but our country strives to be a force for good in the world. Some may not like American politics or policy--or our pop music, for that matter--but nothing the United States has done justifies terrorist acts aimed against innocent people." The same can clearly be said for Britain.

Carafano also cautions that an attack is not evidence that we're on the wrong course. "In all wars we witness advances and setbacks, victories and casualties. Every incident is not a call for change."

As we mourn those killed in London, we must not forget that we are engaged in a just and long war.