[Editorial] Justification and Criterion of Attacks on Afghanistan

As the U.S. launched the military operation against the Taliban regime of Afghanistan, the whole world seems to be under war atmosphere. It is true that the U.S. attacks on Afghanistan to retaliate the terrorists and the power behind them is supported by most of the countries. This is so because there are enough justification and grounds.

Regardless of any ism or assertion, terrorist activities that destroy the human community cannot be rationalized. They should be eliminated for the peace and security of the global community. In this sense, the Taliban government should have handed over Osama bin Laden, who was pointed out as the power behind the terrorist attacks in the heart of the U.S. on September 11th, to the civilized society. The U.S. military attack seems to be justifiable retaliation against the Taliban regime, which has protected and supported the terrorists.

However, war against terrorism should be thoroughly progressed based on clear principle and criterion. First of all, the U.S. should be careful about minimizing the damage on civilians. If war against terrorism is done at the expense of civilians, the war cannot avoid the criticism that it is another terror. Although the U.S. military target is the military facilities of Afghanistan for now, it is highly likely that innocent people would lose their lives if the battle fought in pursuit of enemy continues. The support for the Afghanistan refugees, who are on the road due to the war, should be strengthened as well.

This war should not be developed as war between the Western world and the Islam world. Both groups that defend terrorists and anti-U.S. groups are exaggerating the anti-terrorism war as if clash between civilizations has occurred. Although most Islam countries support the U.S. position, there are many countries that have showed negative reactions to the U.S. military attacks. Anti-U.S. protests in every Islam world are not insignificant. The U.S. should draw active supports from the moderate Islam countries in order to maintain the world-wide support.

We hope that war against terrorism would not extend any further. However, it is possible that this war may fall into the trap of long-term war like the Vietnam War. The whole world may have to face repercussion. We are not excluded as well since we have international activities, such as the World Cup Game, to hold. We should thoroughly check not only security but also economic issues in preparation for the possible long-term war.