[Rockitz]

Sorry, Patrick and numerous others on this forum just don't understand the president's motivation in calling Islam a "religion of peace." While I would agree that Islam is the true enemy (as I'm certain the president does), I also realize that we need to limit the size of our enemy until such time as we are capable of dealing with it, which is why the president has, time after time, painted this conflict as a war against terrorism and NOT a war against Islam. To as much extent as possible this includes using other Islamic nations in the battle against "terror" such as Pakistan, Turkey, etc. Divide and conquer!

The president is a pragmatist and a diplomat and to that end will prayerfully guide us in a manner that minimizes losses for all concerned and seeks to changes hearts and minds, not destroy them eternally.

[savagesusie]

"Sorry, Patrick and numerous others on this forum just don't understand the president's motivation in calling Islam a "religion of peace." "

Yes, the President is a pragmatist and diplomat. The reason he can call it a "religion of peace" (and not cross his fingers) is because Islam DOES want peace! You have to give their definition for peace though: Peace is when all the infidels are killed and only Islam is practiced on earth.

[cwb]

I absolutely agree. In fact, the very choice of Iraq to continue the WOT was smart precisely because Iraq was not a Muslim theocracy. The president is not a dummy...and for those who may think Saudi or Iran should've been taken out first, just remember that Saudi is the home of the Islamic Faith, while Iran is the first Islamic Republic. Cries of the Crusades and "Remember Mecca and Meddina" would've echoed throughout the world...especially as the liberal media would've made a point to remind our Muslim enemy that our president is devout Christian, with dillusions of Godly grandeur.

This war is an extremely sensitive matter that unfortunately does require as much political skill as military might. With our diminshed forces through years of cutbacks...and a European community that is on edge because of their own Muslim populations, some discretion at this point is needed. Especially since we still need the external resource support from our European allies...and these other Muslim countries, who are at least providing invaluable intel.

As much as we want reform in the countries like Saudi and Iran, both of them are swaying on very precurious edge. Iran could move in our favor because of their own internal problems, as a democratic movement has taken hold. Saudi on the other hand, is having a different problem, where the so-called more moderate factions are in jeopardy of losing control to the Whahabbi hardliners. Too much perceived aggression could make both these situations worse for the USA...especially with a hostile media that would take joy in fanning the flames of discontent.

I've always believed Iraq was the perfect choice as it gives us leverage we never had in the Mid-East...without waging war on the entire region. Reading an old MERI report from one of the Saudi Interior Ministers indicates their concern for our presence in Iraq because of our access to Iraq's oil reserves...which could damage OPEC and Saudi's economy. Saudi may be a Muslim country, but the Royal Family needs US oil revenue to fund their lifestyles...and more importantly, protection from their own extremeists.

With US troops in Afghanistan...and now our presence in Iraq, Iran is literally feeling the pinch without the neccessity of war at this time. Our presence in Iraq also gives us a geographical advantage as the other terrorist haven (Syria) is now also being pinched...as Israel is situated on their other border. There are things being done under the guise of the war in Iraq that are effecting the entire region without waging a Holy War. Time will only tell if it will work out...but at this point we don't have the resources to wage war on mulitple nations. At least this gives us time to prepare...and perhaps, may even work without having to go to that last resort.

[rebuildus]

Thanks, Rockitz, very good points. I do understand that the President is not always in a position to be truthful. But that doesn't mean he needed to call Islam a "religion of peace", an extremely damaging lie. More importantly than worrying about what the President will say (after all, as I wrote, he's already made his statement and will not be changing it), it is up to us who know the truth to pound it home, regularly. Islam is a fraud. It's time to speak it without apology. In due time that truth will be its end.

[Jim Noble]

While I would agree that Islam is the true enemy (as I'm certain the president does), I also realize that we need to limit the size of our enemy until such time as we are capable of dealing with it

And how is the President leading us to become stronger, so as to be able to fight the world war that is coming?