[saywhatagain]

Interesting point. And that is what makes all of this fascinating. We as a country, are entering a whole new arena. Was not that many years ago, the political doctrine was never ever enter into negotiations with terrorist states.

We have current laws that do not allow aid to go to certain countries IF, there are human right abuses or the government is a dictator.

I am living in such an example. Thailand is under dictator rule. Yet it is very strategic that several months ago, US Navy conducted war games with Thailand Navy. and and many other examples.

For me . . . we have to respect human rights isssues. Number 1 no doubt about it, yet we have to deal with the practical matters at hand and gently lead the way.

Yeah I know, show me an example of it working . . . none :(

[Innovative]

” yet we have to deal with the practical matters at hand and gently lead the way.”

I think you made an excellent point.