[truth_seeker]

The report does not directly criticize Islamic militancy and its effects on intellectual and economic growth, although Ms. Khalaf Hunaidi said this was implicit in passages that refer to a less tolerant social environment.

A "less tolerant social environment?" Try fanatical international murderers. In order for a report like this to have meaning, it needs to first be "honest" in language.

Islam itself is the problem. Islamist militant extremism/fundamentalism and TERRORISM is just one result of the severe shortcomings of Islam.

All of the other problems mentioned are the other results.

I will be pleased if by whatever means necessary, that TERRORISM is defeated. As for all of their other problems, well, let them solve them by themselves. Free access to our universities, and vast oil revenues have been squandered and wasted. We need give nothing more to them.

[dk/coro]

I found Samuel Huntington's book "Clash of Civilizations" quite helpful in sorting out where our respective Civilizations are pegged in this critical period of strife and transformation.

In my view, time does not bode well for Western Civilization...for many of the reasons implicit in the previous discussion. Our national frame of reference and collective will may be far too self-serving and inept to successfully wage the type of sustained deadly, dirty, ideological (and bloody) conflict over the decades required to prevail.

I hope so very much I am wrong, but, in any event, will not live to see the outcome of this incredibly critical struggle. I wish us well, but have deep concern relative to our Nation's will and commitment!!!

But, I can sleep at night, for I consider I have paid my dues.