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I appologize for being tactless. See I appologized whilst the president did not :-)

But, seriously, it came out wrong. It is I who might be utterly wrong.

But, I am a Norwegian, and it is also my birthright to speak my mind, and this birthright comes from a higher authority than the CIC.

But, I concede that I might just as well be utterly wrong. I must admit that I felt a bit odd writing that other post, because it whiffed a little bit of appeasement.

Yet, I think calling the presidents strategy appeasement is wrong. All muslims are NOT the enemy. Not yet. Do I think that Islam is a healthy religion? No it is cultish, silly, and quite often evil. It wasn't for the evil part it would actually be quite funny. I read a discussion on a Norwegian-Pakistani board where they discussed the Koranic verses regarding wife beating. I think the "moderate" interpretation of Islam at the moment regarding this boils down to that the man can gently poke his wife with a toothbrush!!! :-)

But, all of islam is not yet the enemy. And if anything, I think arab culture which off course is intertwined with Islam is also a huge problem, but we do have allies. Just look at the pools coming out of Iraq. Even the recent negative ones.

In a way there is already democracy in Iraq. In the southern parts of Iraq there has been many local elections this spring. In just about all cases (to my knowledge: All cases) secularist, modernizers actually won, and the clerics were kicked out.

Now, I half suspect that these development at the polling booths is why al Sadr decided to attempt his power grab.

I believe the president is speaking to THESE people, not to the fanatics. And, I also think it seems like a good strategy. The way I read the situation, it seems like the current "neo-con" strategy is ALL about forcing change on Islam. It is taking on Islam right in its heartland. But, no one should be fooling themselves about the task. It is unlike anything ever attempted. It will take more than one generation.

What do you suggest the President do?

As for Europe, I think we are in for a bumpy ride. I have to admit that I am terribly worried about the situation, but I am not just ready to discount my continent just yet.

Cheers.

I think I posted a couple of times that I suppose what I thing the President is trying to do is worth a try. I am not hopeful, but you are much closer to the action then I. I know very few Muslims and what to keep it that way.

We will see how this plays out.

Re Islam, my take is that all Islam is radical, some muslims are just less vocal then others, particularly when around westerners. Hope I am wrong and would be interested in your opinums.

You don't seem to be the typical America sucks european poster. Happy you are here on FR.