"In this struggle with radical Islamic extremists, no part of the world is safe from those who bomb, maim and kill in the service of their twisted vision.
This war – and that is what it is, a war – is not, as some have said, a clash of civilizations. We are not at war with Islam. This is a war within Islam, where a small minority of violent killers seeks to impose their view on the vast majority of Muslims who want the same things all of us want: economic opportunity, education, and the chance to build a better life for themselves and their families. The reality is that al Qaeda and its affiliates have killed scores of innocent Muslim men, women and children.
The reality is that Muslims from Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Afghanistan and many other countries are fighting Al Qaeda and their allies today. But this will be a long war, and it will require far more than just military power to prevail. Just as we did in the Cold War, we will need to use all the tools at our disposal – hard and soft power. Economic development, public diplomacy, educational exchanges, and foreign assistance will be just as important as the instruments of military power."
You can’t stick your head int the sand and say “we are not at war with Islam”.
If Islam is at war with you, you are at war, no matter what kind of pudding you have in your head.
That’s why we were “surprised” by the Cole bombing, Twin Towers, etc, etc, etc.
Islam is at war with those that will not submit. That is what “Islam” means - Submission. Or Die.
Why do you think you can “win” someone over with rhetoric after they have been on the march for 1500+ years with the same philosophy?
Not only are you out of touch with reality, you are out of touch with 1500 years of history.