That's like saying all Christians do not preach full emersion baptism of adults. Some branches of Islam clearly do preach hate. The version brewed up in Saudi Arabia, Wahabism (SIC) and exported to other places in and outside the middle east clearly does preach hate for Jews, and in some cases Christians and pretty much everybody not Muslim, regardless of Koranic instructions to respect the "people of the Book". Christianity had and has such sects too, but not many of late, and those control insignifigent numbers. The Saudi devolved version probalby wouldn't either if not for all that oil money. That version also preaches hate, or at least fear and loathing, of half the human race.
Regarding the Chinese PLA, I wasn't discussing transportation of forces. We were discussing simply the general attributes of various military forces. If the PLA walked into any adjacent nation, including Japan, the force would occupy successfully. Certainly Taiwan is at major risk at this point and the presence of front load shipping in Shanghai should show it.
About Arafat, although you may feel that Arafat is so important as to require our CentComm, I disagree. If Arafat is a simple criminal, as you suggest, then our FBI should handle this matter and DOJ should seek to extradite him. If he is tied to such crimes, can you explain why extradition has not occurred under codes for criminal conspiracy?
About Mideast leadership selection, the impact of religious cultural beliefs on the structure of government is obvious. This is as much true in Europe or America as in the MidEast. My point was that the existing regimes in the mideast have no historical legacy greater than 90 years.
I continue to contend that the Israeli's should let the United States solve this crisis. Israel's interests are secondary to the United States interests. For this reason, Israel should stop requesting our military transponder codes. IDF does not equate to the US DOD. They are separate and distinct forces for good reason. IDF needs to let the US handle things at this point. If IDF interjects itself while our units are operating, the US forces should be informed to fire on any units not with us. Because frankly, if our guys are spending time trying to figure out if the other unit is IDF or arab, we're wasting time that can kill our guys. IDF needs to stay out of our theatre (just like the US always stays out of the IDF theatres).
Plus, from a strictly strategic standpoint, why mix forces? IDF is capable of handling itself and the US can certainly outclass any opponents in the Middle East. Divide the strengths and use the strategically in order to advance the end game (creation of a long-term peace around Israel).
Regarding your view of Wahabi Islam, your view is inconsistent with my experience. Most of the muslims I have met do not espouse the views you suggest. I hear more Jews and Christians attempting to characterize Muslims than vice versa. I have not heard any American muslims preaching to kill Jews or Christians. Do you have evidence of such preaching in Mosques in the US?
About military spending, you should clarify that it was the Clinton Administration who structured our national defense planning for the last 10 years. We are only beginning to see the Bush Administration changes taking effect.