I watched the new Homeland premier episode last night. In it CIA operative Peter Quinn is called into a meeting with the higher ups. He has been heading up a special forces team in Syria for the last two years. He explains that they prepare targets for US airstrikes – first against Assad, then al Nusra, and most recently,the Islamic State.
His Questioner asks: Assad is still in power, ISIL is still growing. Are we really getting anywhere in Syria?
Quinn: I said yes.
Questioner: You said a program should be renewed. I’m asking, is our strategy working?.
Quinn: What strategy? Tell me what the strategy is and I’ll tell you if it’s working.
Silence around the room.
Quinn: That right there is the problem because, they, they have a strategy. They’re gathering right now in Raqqa by the tens of thousands. Hiding in the civilian population, cleaning their weapons and they know exactly why they’re there.
Questioner: Why?
Quinn: They call it the end times. What do you think the beheadings are about, the crucifixions, the day of hatred, the revival of slavery – do you think they make this shit up? It’s all in the book. Their fuckin’ book. The only book they ever read. They read it all the time. They never stop. They are there for one reason and one reason only. To die for the Caliphate and usher in a world without infidels. That’s they’re strategy and it’s been that way since the 7th century. So do you really think a few special forces teams are going to put a dent in that?
Questioner: What would you do?
Quinn: Are you offering me a promotion?
Questioner: I’m offering you a hypothetical.
Quinn: Two hundred thousand American troops on the ground to provide security and support for an equal number of doctors and elementary school teachers.
Questioner: That’s no going to happen.
Quinn: Then I better get back there.
Questioner: What else would make a difference?
Quinn: Hit reset.
Questioner: Meaning what?
Quinn: Meaning pound Raqqa into a parking lot.
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2 Responses
Like, like, like!
Hints and glints of reality breaking in. Hope they keep it up.