[lavrenti]

To the contrary. We know very well who are enemies are and are in the process of slowly and patiently eliminating them. What I mean by my statement is that once the smoke clears (whenever that will be, this, again is a long war), who remains?

Seriously, Radical Islam demanded a clash of civilizations. So while denying it we are engaging them and winning. We are in the process of utterly devestating their base in Afghanistan. Next possibly is Iraq, then likely it is Hizbulluh. Then probably assist the Russians with the Chechens and the Algerians with their beasts (if anyone can be more evil than the Taliban, the animals who make up the "Islamic Opposition" over there are the poster boys; their activities are a laundry list out of Hell). Perhaps Powell can pull of the impossible and get a comprehensive peace deal in the Middle East, at the very least efforts can be made to bring Hamas to heel (especially if Hizbulluh receives the Taliban treatment).

And, yes, we do create our own enemies—in this case due to opportunity. Under Clinton we coddled every Islamic dirtbag, from Albanian squatters to Fatah thugs. We left the impression to bin Laden that we were chumps, stupid ones at that.

Anyhow, W. is fixing the problem.

I'll ignore the insult, since generally your posts are more thoughtful. The experiences of living through 9/11 and its aftermath; having to work five blocks upwind from GZ has mellowed me out. An experience such as standing on the corner of Sixth and Bleecker with my six-year-old daughter, watching the north tower fall, changes a man.

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

we do create our own enemies—in this case due to opportunity. Under Clinton we coddled every Islamic dirtbag

I think I have likely misunderstood you, based on the italisized 'we' above. I must confess that I never considered anything X-42 did as something 'we' were involved in.