A rose might be a rose if one subscribes to the Bard’s philosophy, but what about the current conflict?
It seems the Department of Homeland Security (DHS is a DoD brainchild) has urged a shift from current fave, the often used “war on terrorism.” This change has been discussed for some time by U.S. military leaders, government officials, members of congress, those who have hit the presidential campaign trail, and U.S. allies.
It has been reported two memos cite the issue: The DHS “Terminology to Define the Terrorists: Recommendations from American Muslims” and the National Counterterrorism Center’s titled “Words that Work and Words that Don’t.” One suggestion, “A Global Struggle for Security and Progress,” has been deemed a losing substitute.
Regardless of direction, officials say it is important no reference to religion is made. Makes sense, though it seems one presidential candidate is fond of the term “Islamic Terrorism,” which seems accurate. Similar terms sometimes have been used to describe other groups in the U.S. that have a religious basis for their criminal actions. (Not all Italian Catholics are bad.)
Putting this great debate aside, it is difficult to argue with history, and “war on terrorism” seems to have some classic staying power. It seems it first appearing in the New York Times in 1881. (Who knew?) Chances are it was not in reference to Islamists.
What is a super power to do? It seems a contest to “Name this War’” might turn up some good ideas. Given the money being spent and the expansion of the armed forces, something a catchy seems in order. Song titles might be the best way to go, but we thought we’d start it off movie titles and some literary works. They don’t have to make sense; they just need to sound good. Here are some suggestions that could capture the essence of the entire conflict. Some might be better suited for individual operations.
Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge over the River Kwai, A Bridge too Far, The Dirty Dozen, War of the Roses, The 100 Years War, Fatal Attraction, Zulu, Gallipoli, A Long Day’s Journey into Night, Much Ado About Nothing, A Street Car Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Get Smart, Get Shorty, Fantasia, From Here to Eternity, Goodfellas, Robin Hood, Miracle on 34th Street, Dirty Harry, The Longest Day, Apocalypse Now, Stalag 17, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, The Alamo.
We’ll forward our ideas to DHS.