[Echo Talon]

The troops who have died have died doing their job, which is to kill those who are hostile to us and to prevent them from taking over the government of Iraq. Democracy is too strong a term for what we are, in a poistivly, trying to do. It is to set up a popular government with whom we can deal on the s....

But, aren't they Muslims? Whats the point of wasting our time helping them? at least thats the question i raise if you believe in the broad brush.

[RobbyS]

They will deal with us so long as it is in their interests. They will try to use us against their fellow Muslims. The pure fanatics are a minority and the majority will follow them only so long as they are successful.

[Revolting cat!]

Yoy are correct, it is a "broad brush". Another word for it is "historical view". Somebody has to be allowed to do it, no? While you're looking at the trees, she's looking at the forrest. Mark Helprin is another analyst who takes a broad view and makes strategic recommendations (duly ignored by the present administration.) I suggest that you look up his essays. On the other hand, V.S.Naipaul looks at the trees (he published two books about his travels among the Muslims) and reaches rather pessimistic conclusions as well.