Was the Sept. 11 attack on the United States like Pearl Harbor? The media was quick to say yes. During the initial reporting, all the news could say was, “Pearl Harbor 2001.” How very far from the truth they were.

Dec. 7, 1941 Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, killing thousands of U.S. soldiers and citizens. The attack was brought on by America?s embargo of oil and natural resources to Japan due to the Japanese expansion in East Asia. With their power in the Pacific at an all-time high, Japan decided to open the door and invite the United States to the war. The attack on American soil was quickly answered by a declaration of war on Japan and the Axis powers they allied with, thus entering the United States into World War II. In the case of Pearl Harbor, we knew what we had to do. We knew who attacked us and why they attacked us. The government was clear on the next step and acted accordingly. Everything was on the table.

What happened in New York leaves everything to question. Who attacked? Why did they attack?

We as a nation are in shock over this blatant act of terror. We want resolve, and we want it now. Bomb something, anything. In 1941 we knew what to do, and there was a feeling of great confidence and security. Now we are up against a “faceless” enemy that has attacked us from within our borders. We are left scrambling for answers. These are scary times.

When the perpetrators are identified, what next? Obviously we are dealing with a terrorist group that has a large constituency and endless resources spread throughout the world. Do we bomb every country that harbors these terrorists? Talks from the Pentagon point toward yes. If this is the course of action the United States decides to take, we will be going to war in numerous countries.

Osama bin Laden has been named the leading suspect of this dastardly act. Reports show that he has followers not only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but also in Manila, Canada and the United States. Are we prepared to land troops in all of the above? We have been dealt a new type of war. The military is faced with writing new scenarios to combat an enemy that is an enigma. No longer can we expect an up front attack like Pearl Harbor. We have been forced to anticipate actions we cannot possibly fathom. The Sept. 11 terrorist attack leaves a plethora of questions unanswered, many of which have never been raised. With the expeditious manner in which our government was able to identify the highjackers, we can be confident that this horrible tragedy will be resolved quickly and with extreme prejudice.

At a time like this, we as a nation need to come to grips with the reality that is war. The attack on Pearl Harbor took place thousands of miles from our shores. The surreal images of commercial jetliners piercing the World Trade Center happened in our backyard. Times have changed. War has changed. The United States of America will prevail.

Andy Fegley is an English major. He can be reached at [email protected]