As one of the most important battles in the war on terror rages in the Taliban stronghold of Marja, Afghanistan, another battle is being fought on American soil over the fate of suspected terrorists.
Namely, the case of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, self-proclaimed mastermind of Sept. 11, has gained much popularity in the media.
While some believe that Mohammed should be tried in civilian court, others think of him as a military combatant and therefore only fit for trial in a military court.
Then there are those who believe the mere presence of Mohammed within our borders is enough to spark Armageddon.
It isn’t a matter of the American justice system or what court this mad man should be tried in. Just pure, instinctual fear.
It’s exactly what terrorism calls for: an unbridled fear that sends people into a panic.
That panic often leads them to think and do irrational things.
But what are people afraid of, and what does the fear accomplish?
There is no doubt the threat of terrorism is real, but at the same time it must be put into perspective.
Terrorist attacks do not occur in this country on a daily basis (though I’m sure the 24-hour news outlets would love to see the ratings boost from all the coverage).
In the almost nine years since Sept. 11, attacks have been foiled on people like Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab who, even with thoughts of 72 virgins waiting for him in the afterlife racing around in his head, could not wire a bomb to properly explode from its hiding place in his underwear.
If attempted attacks on this country are numerous, they are about as well thought out as that last minute idea you had for a party in your dorm freshman year with your RA sleeping in the room next door to you.
Sept. 11 itself stands alone as a wholly tragic fluke in our history.
So, to imagine that one man in custody of the U.S. government could wreak such havoc is quite preposterous.
But if terrorism is really just a mind game, then it appears that Mohammed may have some American citizens beaten.
The question for the remaining, rational Americans is: What do we hope to accomplish with the trial of the Sept. 11 mastermind?
A civil trial for Mohammed has its inherent problems. Evidence obtained from torture cannot be used in court.
However, a civil trial for such an evil man is more like a testament to American rule of law for the world to see.
Though spreading democracy and the American way of life are immensely pompous ideologies in foreign affairs, the power of equality under the law, a country’s moral compass to a large extent, is a policy worth preaching.
In addition, it gives us the chance to show our enemies we’re not afraid of their bully-like tactics. Terrorism only works if it causes us to live in complete terror.
Eric Tegethoff is a biology senior.
