[general_re]

I think the reason they want to destroy us is because we support Israel...

I'm sure that's part of it, but if Israel disappeared tomorrow, I think they'd still hate us and want to destroy us. I don't think we're too much in disagreement, in the end ;)

[normy]

they probably would want to destroy us unless we kissed much butt.

[Mr. Silverback]

I'm sure that's part of it, but if Israel disappeared tomorrow, I think they'd still hate us and want to destroy us.

Absolutely. First there's the religious aspect. The radical Islamists believe we are worthy of death, and it's not because we like "Da Joooooz" it's because we are not radical Islamists. Second, there's the distraction factor. In order to treat their populations the way they do and live high on the hog, Arafat and his fellow Arab tinpots have to blame their subjects' plight on someone. Right now it's "Da Joooooz" but if Israel disappeared tomorrow they would have to find a new scapegoat, and we're easily the most convenient one.