West Won Tactically Against Bin Laden But Lost Strategically, Analyst Argues

Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, the West's strategic balance is complex and concerning, according to an analysis by Dr. Eitan Lesri. While the democratic bloc achieved significant military and intelligence successes, including crippling Al-Qaeda, eliminating Osama bin Laden, and degrading ISIS, it has lost confidence in the justification for its actions. The paradox, Lesri argues, is that the West won tactically but is losing strategically by failing to combat the ideology that fuels terrorism.

Lesri contends that the West has become overly cautious, fearing accusations of Islamophobia, and has neglected to confront the ideological underpinnings of radical Islam. He contrasts this with Israel's approach, which recognizes that terrorism involves a complete chain from ideology and incitement to operational execution, and that dismantling only the operational arm is insufficient.

Europe is highlighted as a prime example of Western weakness, where the failure to integrate millions of Muslims has led to the creation of alienated, socially isolated enclaves where radical ideologies can flourish. Lesri criticizes the lack of strict integration principles and the reluctance to enforce core democratic values, calling it "defeatism" rather than tolerance.

The October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel are presented as a moment that shattered Western illusions, exposing the brutality of Islamist enemies. However, the subsequent reactions in parts of the US and Europe, which Lesri describes as a "shattering of the Western moral compass," are criticized for blurring lines between victim and perpetrator, and framing terrorism as "resistance."

Lesri argues that Western universities and social media have become battlegrounds where values are collapsing, citing instances where Jewish students feel unsafe and justifications for civilian massacres are heard. He concludes that Israel cannot afford to emulate Western naivete or embarrassment and must act with operational and ideological resolve, defending its values and existence without external validation. Israel, he posits, stands as a beacon against defeatism, a "star" that must ensure its light never goes out.