U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye expressed caution today about a Bush administration strike against Iraq, saying war in the Middle East would lead to more acts of domestic terrorism that Americans are not ready for. Iraq policy could spell
more terror, says Inouye
By Tim Ruel
truel@starbulletin.comInouye, who three weeks ago voted against a congressional resolution that authorized the use of force against Iraq, used the recent sniper attacks and the bombing of a Bali nightclub packed with tourists to make the point that Americans have lived relatively safe lives.
Inouye said he was shocked by the fear he saw in Washington, D.C.-area residents during the three weeks of sniper attacks that began Oct. 2 and ended with arrests Thursday. Inouye, who fought in World War II, said he never saw such fright exhibited by Americans, away from the battle field.
"I very seldom get startled or shocked by anything," Inouye said.
Several counties closed schools during the sniper attacks, and many students did not show up at those that were open, Inouye said.
In comparison, over the past three weeks, Israel has had an average of two bombings a week. "Their schools did not close. Their outdoor events were not canceled," Inouye said.
If the U.S. attacks Iraq, Saddam Hussein's first response would be to strike Israel, Inouye said. That would force neighboring Arab nations to pick sides, most likely in opposition to Israel, he said.
But even worse, acts of terrorism would occur, not just in Indonesia and the Philippines, but in Europe and America, Inouye said. "It'll all come in different sizes and shapes," he said.
What will Americans go through if domestic terrorism becomes more common, Inouye asked. The sniper attacks prompted the work of thousands of law enforcement officials to find the shooters, who were arrested peacefully Friday.
Inouye gave his comments this morning in a keynote speech at a convention of travel writers at the Hawaii Convention Center. Inouye urged the writers to act as a balance against the national media, to avoid overwhelming the public with coverage of the recent attacks. Writers can make or break tourism, Hawaii's largest industry and an important economic driver for the United States, Inouye said.
"Someone has to counter what appeared in the media all that time," Inouye said.
