[WHBates]

I agree with your overall ideas. But they really only understand strength. Maybe it's a religious thing?

[Law is not justice but process]

If they understood strength there would have been peace in Israel long ago. I don't know what the key is for convincing the Islamic World of the moral bankruptcy of Osama, Arafat, Saddam, the Iranian Mullahs, etc.. If I did I would be on the phone to the White House instead of having debates on Free Republic. I do know that we cannot exterminate 1.1 billion people. The only way to win is to turn enough Muslims toward democracy and modernity so that they will take over and win the fight against terrorism.

Bush has presented us a plan and put it in operation. He wants to try to set up Iraq as a democracy with respect for the rights of all and, ultimately prosperity for all. Success in this endeavor would give all Muslims a preferable alternative to living in squalor under leaders like Osama, Arafat, etc..

The only two alternatives I have heard are (1) Kill them all, and (2) pull out of the Middle East (I call that one the "Escape from New York" Scenario after the movie of the same name). I do not believe either of these alternatives is workable. Number one is cruel and UnAmerican (and also brings to mind a verse about "reaping the whirlwind"). The other one would lead to a thousand September 11ths. I, for one, will support Bush's plan, imperfect though it be, until someone comes up with a better alternative.

Any ideas?