[Rome2000]

I mean, we're being told that the Saudis are friends but Iraq is so much worse? That doesn't make sense, for the vast majority of the terrorists were Saudis

Is is painfully obvious that a lot of people are clueless about diplomacy and geo-political relationships. Iraq is the linchpin of the Islamic cabal, removing him and WESTERNIZING THE MIDDLE EAST is the ultimate goal of our foreign policy.

Once Iraq becomes civilized, the other states will follow or be isolated or dealt with militarily as well.

The Islamic nations will never be allowed to threaten the USA's survival, as long as the GOP is in power.

Saddam violated the terms of the ceasefire, case closed.

[FreedomFriend]

They can't be westernized, as they aren't western nations. Sure, individually, there may be some success, but do you generally think that an entire country with hundreds and thousands of years as a non-western country will turn around? I mean, they're not a Christian nation, thus it hardly possible. The only chance is for most of them to become Christians, and do you really think that is going to happen?

Furthermore, why didn't you comment on what has happened since September 11?

[Burkeman1]

So- we go after Iraq when you admit they had less culpability than our own "allies"? What message does that send to them and their own radical Islamic groups in their countries? That they are paper tigers at the tit of the USA? That they are just as Hezbollah and Al Queda say they are- puppets of the USA? You are a genuis on foreign policy. Yeah- that is great. This whole war thing against Iraq is bogus.

[Phillip Augustus]

Westernizing the Middle East? Are you serious? That's an impossible task; nor it is a task that we are obligated to perform, if it WAS possible. Let them stew in their own juices; we are not the world's policeman, nor hammer of democracy.