Samuel Francis

About the author: Samuel Francis is a conservative syndicated columnist.

Most media accounts and editorials have described the September 11 attacks as acts of war against the United States. The truth that has been obscured in media coverage is that the United States has already been at war with Middle East nations and organizations for years, dating back at least to 1991 when America launched and led a war against Iraq. That war and subsequent economic sanctions have killed thousands of civilians. In addition, former president Bill Clinton launched bombing and missile raids against civilians in the Middle East and Afghanistan to deflect attention from his domestic scandals. The attacks on Washington and New York were payback for American actions.

"We're at war," the young waitress, her voice...