[nikos1121]

I did not see this posted today, unless it was under a different title.

I have seen many postings here along with the recent comments by people like Michael Savage, whom I agree with often, calling for Bush to attack Syria and Iran.

This article poignantly points out that this is time for creative diplomacy and knowledge of what is going on. It is an opportunity for us to be true to what we started three years ago, ie...pushing for democracy in the Middle East.

It is a time for patience. It is time for looking at all options. It is not a time for jumping in and bombing or committing troops without thinking.

Condi Rice I think understands this, as her trip to Lebanon indicates that she is thinking along the lines of this article.

[Tailgunner Joe]

Death to Baath socialism!

[Tzimisce]

For Later

[Natural Law]

This is developing into an internal conflict within Islam between the Sunni and the Shi'a. The vast majority if Muslims are Sunni and these make up the traditional "Arab countries. The Shia are predominantly Persian and Iraqi. The Sunni Arabs, the traditional enemies of Israel, do not want to see the the Shi'a gain prominence in the region.

[The Great RJ]

I think several factors are in play. First the establishment of an elected democratic government in Iraq has been noted in the Arab world and that such an alternative can exist is sparking new ideas in the one party rule Arab states.

Second, the Iranians are making many in the Arab world nervous. The Iranians are espousing more than the anti-Israel bombast that has long been common in the area and are seemingly serious about using WMDs against Israel in some kind of apocalyptic scenario to bring about a world Islamic state. I think the leaders in Damascus and Cairo realize that Iran using WMDs against Israel would mean a nuclear holocaust that would likely include them or at least the overthrow of their regimes.

Lastly, the Hezbolla and similar radical groups have worn out their welcome in the international community and like North Korea are pariahs.

[dalereed]

Be real friendly, send Damascus a free nuke on the end of a missile

[rightazrain]

New tagline:)

[Old_Mil]

This article poignantly points out that this is time for creative diplomacy and knowledge of what is going on. It is an opportunity for us to be true to what we started three years ago, ie...pushing for democracy in the Middle East.

Is democracy in a region where people celebrated the events of 9-11 by dancing in the streets something we actually want?

[NutCrackerBoy]

Hopefully our diplomats will be clever enough to see the contest in those geopolitical terms and not enter the fray believing that they will have achieved final success if they broker some kind of ceasefire. For Hezbollah, “ceasefire” is just another word for “reload,” and Iran has plenty of ammunition. -James S. Robbins

Keep cutting off Iran's tentacles.