[syriacus]

There is an inherent tension between the type of system that America represents and the type of system that the Islamic terrorists want. If only because of America's cultural influence, there is bound to be conflict on some level, and likely one involving actual warfare.

I agree. The crux of the problem is a shrinking world where people with competing outlooks (Western - Muslim) have to bump shoulders.

Muslims don't even want to see our women's bare shoulders, much less bump into their bare shoulders. They like their women under wraps.

Don't worry. I realize I'm oversimplifying the problem.

[MadIvan]

I don't think it helps either that the Muslim foe thinks still that they hear the word of God on the wind. This element of religious certainty about the "infidel" means peaceful co-existence is really not possible. Much like the Communists and the Fascists, they have a single faith in mind, and those who disagree or oppose it, are marked for extermination.

I realise this is a view of an extreme minority, but that minority seems to be larger in the Islamic faith than in say, the Catholic one.

Regards, Ivan