Columnist Victor Hanson writes about the Islamic World forcing us into the Dark Ages. I think he has several good points, but I am sad to realize how one-sidedly we view this issue.

Hanson has ample, legitimate evidence of the wrongs of the “islamo-fascists.” But I keep thinking about what we’re doing to ourselves.

“First, the Western liberal tradition is fragile and can still disappear,” writes Hanson.

Fear can destroy everything. Terror requires a victim; it requires someone who will be terrorized and cannot overcome their own fears. Fear causes paralysis. Fear makes us incapable of thinking.

“Second, the Enlightenment is not always lost on the battlefield.”

Enlightenment can be lost in Abu Ghraib, Gitmo, and countless secret prisons. It can die under torture.

“Third, civilization is forfeited with a whimper, not a bang.”

Listen for that whimper in line at the airport when you surrender your 3.5 ounces of contraband and take off your clothes for the good of the homeland.

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There is no arguing against the claim that beheading is barbaric. Is it more barbaric than rape as punishment? Is it more barbaric than stoning? It seems our enemies have a spectrum of barbarisms. But, wait, our enemies? Our friends, the Afghans, practice rape as restitution (and keep us supplied with heroin). While our friends the Saudis may be above that, they do broadcast official beheadings on TV.

Regarding Iraq: proponents for the War Without End claim a democracy in Iraq will be a shining example for the region, the first big domino in a glorious sweep of liberation. We’re bringing freedom to the world!

In 50 years, the democracy of Israel has only pushed surrounding nations to extremes.

Now, tossing the royal family out of Saudi Arabia would surely create a shining example of a democracy (and, remember, Bin Laden and most of the 9/11 terrorists were Saudis). But that democracy might not be as reliable a supplier of oil, so, never mind.

I think the Simpsons see the future: our 51st state, Saudi Israelia. mjh