Isn’t this a contradiction? In general the strong (the radicals) will over power the weaker (being the rest). With this being the case it’s unlikely that moderate Muslims will come to power. They are not willing to kill all who stand in their way and blow themselves up. There are exception Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon but they tend to be the exception.
Do you think after a showing like 9-11, that ISIS, AL-Qaeda or any number of extremist organizations wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to set off an atomic bomb in the US? The delivery would be on a small scale say suitcase sized bomb.
Full scale involvement - occupation, etc. seems to only give the US a black eye, this I agree with. As for airstrikes, drones and small scale special forces operations for humanitarian or strategic interest needs are required I can see.
It is doughtful that Belgium has the military hardware needed to take on such missions. However with the present state of affairs they should move in that direction.
The strong ARE NOT the radicals. The moderates represent 90% of the Muslim population and they are ones that need to fight these radicals off.
Sure they would jump at the opportunity to set off a nuke in the US. However, I don't think we are the first on their list to do so, especially if we stop meddling in their affairs. A simple desire to do something does not mean they can do it. Miniaturizing a nuclear weapon to suitcase size is an extremely difficult task and easily traceable. Then you have to get it to where you want to hit. It is far more likely they would hit Israel or Europe due to less travel restrictions, much more access, and less chance of security forces intervention. They know the second they have their hands on a nuke, it is a matter of time before they are tracked down and the nuke nullified.
I also don't think they are so stupid as to not realize them successfully getting one off would galvanize the ENTIRE WORLD against them and the cumulative military efforts of every major power would be working to exterminate them. Further more, Islamic governments would also be forced to start cracking down on them in detail because undoubtedly, western governments would threaten and follow through with direct military intervention. Which we all know is no good for anyone.
The radicals getting a nuke off would be the worst thing they can do PERIOD. It is likely one of the very few single acts that will force the hand of the hit country and her allies to retaliate with ridiculously overwhelming force. Which would likely mean the culpable groups extermination.
It is almost impossible for nation states to aquire nuclear weapons anymore let alone non nation states. And again, simply having a nuke doesnt mean you can effectively deliver it. Fortunately for us, every practical way they could deliver it is easily interceptable. Every non practicle way of deliver is not easily concealed.
In other words, anyone who really thinks nukes are a realistic option for radical Islam is very gullible and anyone spreading this fallacy is fear mongering.
My comment about footing the butchers bill was also directed at the rest of western europe as well. Except of course our greatest of REAL allies over there, the Brits and the Danes.