Replies

BTW, when I talk about American lives, please understand that it comes from a force of habit. By stating it that way, my intention is NOT to slight the contributions and sacrifices of our coalition allies and partners who have sustained casualties and losses as well. The British, Poles, Japanese, Norwegian, etc., partners who have joined with us in this war have made great contributions and we really do appreciate yours and their efforts.

Dusty -

Point taken on 'American' lives and 'coalition' lives - I knew what you meant!

I also respect your view. What worries me about taking your position to its logical conclusion is that you seem to be saying that we have reached the point where 'east is east, west is west and never the twain shall meet'. We should wipe out all Arabs, as they will inevitably aim to wipe out all westerners given the power and means to do so. The logic seems to lead us on a path to genocide.

I simply don't buy that every Arab out there despises the west. There are a good number who would love to enjoy the opportunities, freedoms and standard of living that you and I thank god for. We have to identify, bolster, support and empower that group in the face of those who have their vested interests in sticking to a perverse interpritation of a religion to keep themselves in positions of corrupt power.

We are not at war with Arabs. We are at War with Islamic Fundamentalists. The ability to recognise this difference will be the difference between victory and defeat.