[Michael81Dus]

I have later explained that we should find a third way in the middle. It´s a problem, but no obstacle for good relations between us. I think I ´ve said enough on this thread, forgive me. :-)

[TChris]

I have later explained that we should find a third way in the middle. It´s a problem, but no obstacle for good relations between us. I think I ´ve said enough on this thread, forgive me. :-)

No forgiveness necessary. I don't condemn you for having your opinion, but I do disagree with it.

There is no "middle way" in a war. You either defend yourself against an enemy intent on destroying you, or you get destroyed. Since we are at war, we would easily be within our "rules of war" rights to simply kill everyone detained at Gitmo instead of holding them. They should be grateful that they are held safely and fed and clothed and given medical treatment.

There's no way to take the hell out of war. It just is.

[Southack]

"I have later explained that we should find a third way in the middle. It´s a problem, but no obstacle for good relations between us. I think I ´ve said enough on this thread, forgive me. :-)"

The global Left was attempting to use the Iraq issue to "put the U.S. in its place."

Now Schroeder's gone. Hussein is in jail. Martin's government has collapsed in Canada. Chirac has tumbled to 23% popularity in riot-ravaged France.

Meanwhile, President Bush was re-elected. Poland re-elected a conservative government. Koizumi won Japan's recent elections. Howard won Australia's last election. Blair won a record 3rd term as the UK's Prime Minister, etc.

In short, the global Left lost everywhere except in Spain. They picked an idiotic side in an idiotic fight and they lost convincingly.

That being said, if Germany's new conservative Chancellor Merkel wants Guantonamo closed, then I'm all for closing it merely to give her a domestic victory.

The U.S. has plenty of bases around the world. We can keep terrorists jailed in Guam if we want. Or in Iraq. Doesn't really matter.

And while there is nothing wrong with continuing to use Gitmo, it's also smart to give our fledgling allies important domestic political victories in areas where we hold all of the cards.

Let Ms. Merkel show her European constituency that constructive dialog, rather than open antagonism, works wonders with U.S. foreign policy. For that, sure, I'd be willing to close Gitmo down.

It would make for a heck of an insult to Schroeder, and that alone is reason enough to do it.