[1] It is a year since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, and the United States is still in what could be called a war spirituality. Forty billion dollars has been shifted to military spending, not including special appropriations for the cost of the war on Afghanistan, special appropriations for Homeland Security, and appropriations to the Department of Energy to develop new, useable nuclear weapons and to prepare to resume nuclear bomb testing in violation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Money has been shifted away from programs for education, colleges, the needy, health insurance for children, and other human needs. State budgets are in deficit, so states are making more severe cuts in education and healthcare. Worship, teaching, and discussion in many churches, synagogues, and mosques have been narrowed their focus, influenced by the shift in the culture, except that some have reached out to Muslims, thus creating that specific broadening of focus. Many still live with fear on their minds. At the time of this writing, the administration is building momentum for war with Iraq. The government has shifted its Mideast policy, supporting Ariel Sharon's military actions to suppress Palestinians more, and Palestinians' demand for dignity, justice, and a viable state less. Other nations express distress at U.S. unilateralism and withdrawal from treaties.

[2] Is it time to begin discussing initiatives that can decrease the resentment and anger that drive people towards terrorism? Is it time to turn to just peacemaking theory for help in suggesting preventive initiatives?

[3] One power reality is the unrivaled military power of the United States. The U.S. military budget is larger than the next eight nations combined. This combination of overwhelming military and economic power makes it difficult for other nations to provide checks and balances against U. S. actions that they consider to be unwise or erroneous. Furthermore, the spirituality of nationalism that has resulted from the shocking attack of 9-11 polarizes the national spirit and disinclines many from questioning the drift towards violence, in a way analogous to the polarization in Israel after far more, repeated, terrorist attacks.

[4] Just war theory or pacifism understood simply as the restraint of war are not likely to provide satisfactory answers. What alternatives does just peacemaking theory raise for discussion, and for Christians to support and advocate?

Nonviolent Direct Action
[5] Arab and Muslim anger over injustice toward Palestinians, injustice they perceive as supported by the U.S. government, is the greatest source of widespread resentment, and a major factor in causing terrorism. More Palestinian leaders could call for a switch to nonviolent direct action instead of terrorism, like Sami Awad of Bethlehem, who spoke recently in a forum at Fuller Seminary. Israel could choose one city where nonviolent direct action is being organized such as Bethlehem and reward it by giving the self-rule that the Oslo Accords promised. Israel could then expand self-rule, step by step, wherever nonviolent action has some advocates. (Since I wrote this, Israel and Palestine have begun doing taking exactly these initiatives; either my email is being bugged, or just peacemaking theory's initiatives strike others as realistic and much needed also. But it is crucial to keep the process going; presently it is blocked by hawks in the Israeli government. The U.S. needs to push firmly.)

The Strategy of Independent Initiatives or Trust-Building Measures
[6] What independent initiative could be taken now? Arafat did call effectively for a halt to terrorist attacks in December 15, 2001, and violence dropped to 20% of its previous level for almost two months. Sharon, however, did not reciprocate, but instead attacked in retaliation for the terrorist acts which did occur. The U.S. could press Arafat to take this initiative again, and this time the U.S. could act swiftly to ask firmly for Israeli reciprocation.

[7] Palestinians say that more and more Palestinian land is being occupied by settlers, more and more Palestinian orchards and homes are being bulldozed, there are more and more bypass roads that Palestinians cannot use, a trend enforced by Israeli military, so that Palestinians can hardly travel in their own land and the map of their land looks like a case of the measles. These settlements are lavishly subsidized by the Israeli government, making them attractive destinations for Israeli settlers. Realism says peace will not come until these settlements are reversed. Polls show most Israelis know that and would support it. But realism also says that Ariel Sharon is not going to agree to give up the settlements: his nickname is "bulldozer," he himself is responsible for the settlement policy, and his political power depends on some parties of the right that are committed to the settlement policy. This is a classic vicious cycle of distrust.

[8] The U.S. gives Israel several billion dollars each year. It should earmark a portion of that aid for buying settlers' homes at something like twice their value, thus reversing the financial incentives which draw people to the settlements, contingent on the settlers returning to Israel and investing the money in housing there, ensuring Israel would benefit from the investment. Not all settlers would sell, but polls indicate most would. Palestinians would finally see the momentum shifting toward reducing settlements rather than continuously proliferating them. With such a process progressing, why push terrorism? Politicians need political support before they take initiatives. Here is a role for faith-based groups who want to push for specific and realistically possible peacemaking initiatives.

Conflict Resolution
[9] Conflict resolution is instructive for relations with Iraq--another major source of anger against the U.S. The U.S. and U.N. demand has been for unhindered inspections for possible weapons of mass destruction, and ongoing monitoring thereafter. But achieving that requires affirmation of the interest of the Iraqi government in its own survival. The Clinton administration, however, has stated that even if inspections were successfully carried out, it would still seek to topple Hussein. The U.S. blocked talks about easing the economic sanctions. That removed the incentive for Saddam Hussein to allow inspections in hopes of a happier future. The Bush administration has intensified the counter-productive demand, insisting on regime change and vetoing talks regardless of Iraq's request to talk about resuming inspections. Conflict resolution says the U.S. should offer peace if Iraq allows unhindered inspections and ongoing monitoring afterwards.

Justice: Support Sustainable Economic Development, Human Rights, and Democracy
[10] Poverty with little hope for improvement and dictatorial governments with little hope for peaceful change, are major causes of resentment , anger, and successful terrorist recruitment. President Bush has advocated a $5 billion increase in economic aid worldwide. That increase is a step in the right direction. It needs to be implemented in Afghanistan yesterday. The U.S. is presently the lowest per capita of the 20 richest nations in giving economic aid. The U.S. should encourage the pro-democracy forces in Indonesia, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt rather than pro-military and pro-authoritarianism forces. Effective combating of terrorism requires deeper thinking than only pushing military repression of terrorism. Police action, yes; preventive action, definitely yes.