[Askel5]

Well, Pipes is not someone with whom I've much in common but the facts and reasoning he lays out still are valuable where -- as here -- they are on point and valid.

[TapTheSource]

PS Don't worry, your position on Israel, whatever that might be (you are still being oftly cagey about this whole thing), does not threaten me one bit. If you are afraid to speak the truth as you see it on this forum, isn't that itself a form of pragmatism? I don't envision a flame-fest complete with insults and ad homonym (and if anyone joins in and starts veering the debate in that direction, I propose we cease the debate immediately and pick it up somewhere else). I see both of us as honest people who just happen to disagree in one or more areas (but who agree on a whole lot more). Of course, I also maintain that you are objectively WRONG, and I am objectively RIGHT. But it would seem I am confident enough in my position to risk having it knocked down by you, whereas you keep your position a closely guarded secret. State your case in plain English, and let the debates begin!!!