Achievement Quote by Noam Chomsky
“Immediately after 11 September, the U.S. closed down the Somali charitable network Al-Barakaat on grounds that it was financing terror. This achievement was hailed one of the great successes of the 'war on terror.' In contrast, Washington's withdrawal of its charges as without merit a year later aroused little notice.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on U.S. Foreign Policy, 2002
The U.S. quickly shut down a Somali charity over terror claims, then later dropped charges without scrutiny, showing selective enforcement in the war on terror.
In simple terms: U.S. actions were inconsistent and politically driven.
Key Takeaway
Question inconsistent and political.
Themes
politics
terrorism
accountability
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- human rights advocacy
- academic research
Key Concepts
foreign policy
legal standards
media narratives
Questions to Reflect On
- How do political motives shape counterterrorism actions?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability in such decisions?
A Different Perspective
The initial closure may have been based on weak evidence, and the later withdrawal lacked transparency.
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