So far, at least, the killing by police of an innocent Brazilian immigrant living in London has generated a muted response amongst the British public and politicians. No doubt the British are still in a state of shock over the recent wave of terrorism, a normal human response. Perhaps a few more innocent men whom the police deem to be acting "suspiciously" will need to be shot eight times in the head (not just five, as originally reported) while lying on the ground before the Brits wake up from their stunned state and begin to question the entire Bush-Blair strategy for the "war on terrorism."

As I suggested in my last post on this subject: These are heinous acts, masterminded by heinous people, but carried out by young recruits who have been convinced to give up their lives--an act of courage and conviction no matter how murderously misguided--for what they believe in. This is what we must now contend with, understand, and counter, which does not mean to condone or excuse it. Those who refuse to try to understand the roots of terrorism, and who criticize those who do, are helping the terrorists. And those political leaders who refuse to accept that injustices real and/or perceived help the terrorists recruit suicide bombers are less concerned about the lives that are lost than in maintaining the political status quo, whether it be in Iraq or Israel. All of the hot air from Bush and Blair about "defending our values" will not stop terrorism. I speak as someone who was in London just after July 7 and had to take the underground, and as someone who will be traveling to Catalhoyuk in Turkey--where three terrorist attacks on tourist venues have occurred during the past month--at the end of this week. Am I worried? Yes, how could I not be. But the "war on terrorism," as worthier political commentators than I have repeatedly pointed out, is making us less safe every day.