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# Bush hides behind terrorism
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/bush-hides-behind-terrorism-editor/
- Published: 2007-08-31T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T02:45:08.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Ron Lowe Santa Monica*

Which of these statements is true? President Bush’s actions and policies in Iraq played a part in creating the disaster we now find ourselves in.

Bush and the Republican-led Congress waged a pre-emptive war on a country that had not attacked us (and posed little threat), thus creating a breeding ground for terrorists where none had previously existed.

Expanding terrorism can be traced to specific causes. In the last five and a half years, the United States has invaded and occupied two Muslim countries.

Unilateral military efforts will not put an end to Islamic extremism; they only make the problem worse.

Instead of a military surge in Iraq, we should be addressing the root causes of extremism. Delivering vital services and promoting human rights will do more good than bombs and bullets.

Bush and his Republican supporters saying that “we’re fighting them there so we don’t have to here” is utter nonsense.

The Bush White House has continued to use fear of terrorism since 9/11 to justify its war in Iraq.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 31, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/083107.pdf?ref=smdp.com)