Rumsfeld: Battle of Ideas Graded 'D'
By the Editors on 28 March 2006
Today the Associated Press reported on a recent public appearance by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, during which he said out loud what has been obvious for some time but rarely acknowledged officially. When it comes to countering the message of Islamic extremism, "we have not found the formula as a country."
"Rumsfeld: U.S. Failing on Ideology"
The Associated Press
Mar. 28, 2006CARLISLE, Pa. — The United States is faring poorly in its effort to counter ideological support for terrorism, in part because the government does not communicate effectively, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Monday.
Rumsfeld made the remark in response to a question from a member of his audience at the Army War College, where he delivered a speech on challenges in fighting a global war on terrorism.
"If I were grading I would say we probably deserve a 'D' or a 'D-plus' as a country as to how well we're doing in the battle of ideas that's taking place in the world today," Rumsfeld told his questioner. "I'm not going to suggest that it's easy, but we have not found the formula as a country" for countering the extremists' message.
He said the al Qaeda terrorist network and affiliated Islamic extremists are the most brutal enemies the United States has ever seen.
Earlier in the day he stopped at Shanksville, Pa., to see for the first time the place where hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field Sept. 11, 2001, killing all 40 passengers and crew shortly after hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The government's 9-11 Commission report said the hijackers crashed the plane as passengers tried to take control of the cockpit.
In brief remarks, Rumsfeld said he wanted to pay his respects at "the place where America really started to fight back."
A significant part of the mission of IGE is to contribute in practical ways to improving America's grade in the battle of ideas. While there is of course no 'formula' for guaranteeing a successful engagement with Islamist ideology, IGE's relational, patient, and holistic methodology is proven and respected by both Muslim and U.S. government leaders. To read more about our unique engagement strategy, browse our article archive.
Last updated 12 January 2009