What always amazes me is that if we hadnt shown them what they have they'd still be trading dates and honey.
The ME has failed to develop any alternative economy to the oil based one. Can you imagine how poor theyed be with out the oil?
"It is imperative, and also desirable, that we too contribute to the promotion of justice and virtue. The Almighty and Merciful God, who is the Creator of the Universe, is also its Lord and Ruler. Justice is His command. He commands His creatures to support one another in Good, virtue and piety, and not in decadence and corruption. He commands His creatures to enjoin one another to righteousness and virtue and not to sin and transgression."
He talks the talk, but I am not so sure he walks the walk.
The notion of 'peace' in the world has eluded us for quite a while now. Although I am not certain along which lines 'peace' would ever be achieved, meaningful dialogue never hurts. There will always be more radical elements opposed to any form of compromise, and these represent the 'terrorist elements' who will always be at odds with US and in the minority. Even so, the prospects of continual warfare is not in the best interests of humankind in the 21st century.
At what point in reality is "us versus them" confront the reality that "we are all in this together?"
'Radicalism' dies out sooner or later under its own 'fanaticism,' if the US can hang tough, we can hold our ground, but some sort of minimal compromise is needed to save face against the absurdity of the denial of our own imperfections.
Live and learn. "Trust, yet verify."