No, we could have said that there was a "moderate" German that we could have used to defeat ideologues such as Hitler.
There are "moderate" ideologies within Islam. To claim that there are none is similar to claiming that all Christians have to be supporters of the Spanish Inquisition.
Our strategy is, in part, to help create an Islamic reformation. To claim that we are at war with all of Islam is exactly what Osama Bin Laden wants. It empowers our enemies and is counterproductive.
First of all, it is not use who can help create an Islamic reformation.
Any reformation needs to come from within Islam and to have the most effect needs to come directly from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is the caretaker of Islam's holiest shrine and much of the Islamic world finds themselves following Saudi Arabia's lead.
And secondly, as I said before, don't underestimate the affinity that all Muslims hold for each other.
Blood (for lack of a better word) is always thicker than water.
Despite the millions of dollars in reward money, don't you find it a bit strange that these Muslims who want peace aren't falling all over themselves to turn in OBL?
"Our strategy is, in part, to help create an Islamic reformation. To claim that we are at war with all of Islam is exactly what Osama Bin Laden wants. It empowers our enemies and is counterproductive."
and
"What he says is true. The majority of the people are not hate-filled madmen. They're actually very warm, generous people and they frevently desire peace and freedom. They hate the violence and they're tired of war."
Very, very true --- and all this and more are foundations of President Bush's Liberty Doctrine: a definitive statement describing what is occurring, and laying out how this next century will progress (unless we succumb to terrorism).
For motivational material, look at:
President Bush Delivers Graduation Speech at West Point
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/06/20020601-3.html
The whole strategic approach FReepers ought to be at least somewhat familiar with is here:
The National Security Strategy of the United States of America
http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/nss.html
I've printed the PDF and bound it for studying and to show friends.