Als Quote by Juan Cole
“To the extent that the (ISIS's) advance is a series of urban revolts against the government of PM Nouri al-Maliki, the US would end up bombing ordinary city folk. For the US to be bombing Sunni towns all these years later on behalf of Mr. al-Maliki would be to invite terrorism against the US.”
About This Quote
Source Article: “Iraq: The US and the Rise of ISIS” by Juan Cole, 2014
The quote warns that US bombing of Sunni towns to counter ISIS could backfire, turning civilians into targets and fueling anti‑US terrorism.
In simple terms: Bombing civilians may create more enemies.
Key Takeaway
Avoid civilian casualties to prevent backlash.
Themes
war
terrorism
civilian casualties
foreign policy
blowback
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- military interventions
- policy planning
- humanitarian aid
- media reporting
Key Concepts
counterinsurgency
ethical warfare
public opinion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can military actions protect civilians while achieving objectives?
- What alternative strategies could reduce blowback?
A Different Perspective
Civilian deaths can erode legitimacy and increase recruitment for insurgents.
![“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It…” quote by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/454/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya-10803_als_the-heart-becomes-sick-as-the-body-becom_66500.jpg)
