WTC - Do we have enough to go to war?

Great Debates
1

A question, and perhaps a debate. Mods, if it doesn’t belong here, please move it. It seemed the most appropriate forum to me. Thanks.

I’ve heard lots and lots about such and such a terrorist being “linked” to OBL. Or that we have information that links OBL to the recent attack. These “links” have now caused even G. Bush to publicly call OBL a prime suspect. What exactly are these links? What is our proof? This is an honest question - does anyone have news links or other information they’ll send me so’s I can do some research on this? CNN’s stories are fuzzy and aren’t giving me the info I’m looking for.

My stance is this - I’m not sure that the many countries cautioning the US to have adequate proof before flattening Afganistan are all wrong. What sort of proof do we have? For example, back in the day, some members of my family were involved with Al Capone. Does this mean I’d be seized for my connection with Al Capone if that day were this? (I know it’s a poor analogy, but the best I could come up with. Work with me.) How strong is our proof? If it’s family members or something similar, I’m not sure myself that that’s strong enough. My brother’s in the Air Force - I don’t want an Afgani war if we’re not sure. Remember, Afganistan was Russia’s Vietnam.

OBL has stated that he’s not responsible for the attacks. No, I don’t believe him further than I can throw him, but are there other leads we might be ignoring? I’ve heard Saddam’s name tossed around in connection as well, but not much, and instead the media is concentrating on OBL, OBL, OBL. Have we really ruled out the possibility that anyone else is as fault?

Reassure me, guys - tell me that we’ve ruled everything else out. Remember Oklahoma and the Olympic Park bombing - the wrong guys were seized in both places just 'cuz they looked different. Tell me we’re not going to war on a hunch (not that OBL doesn’t deserve to be wiped off the earth) or on flimsy connections. Tell me we’re solid here - thousands of Americans, my brother, and I are counting on it.
Snicks

2

According to this CNN article, the probe is, indeed, extending beyond bin Laden. He may well be the prime suspect, but all leads are being followed. And the fact that there are other leads is probably why the U.S. has not acted yet - this is one instance where we want to be very sure we are getting the right people.

3

Snickers, the American public is not going to be privy to details concerning the investigation. Don’t think that becasue CNN doesn’t know something that the FBI et al aren’t closing in on the responsible parties.

As for ruling “everything else out”, I’m confident after about a week of investigation that much HAS been evidentially ruled out.

Notice the U.S. has taken no military action yet. That fact is very significant. We’re delaying reaction because we are assembling our facts and preparing a course with the blessing (and some assistance) of our allies.

4

Mods, please close this debate. Just saw the What if OBL is not the guy thread below. I think it has the information I need and it’d be easier if we just had on topic going. Sorry about the poor research.
Snicks

5

[Moderator Hat ON]

Locking duplicate topic thread at the request of the OP. To continue this discussion, please post in the What if OBL is not the guy thread.

[Moderator Hat OFF]