[waterstraat]

I would like to know how many believe the shootings have a direct link to ME terrorism

There is good news, and bad news if this is terrorism.

The good news: If it is terrorism, we can stop it completely by changing our foreign policy. On the other hand, the bad news is that as long as we continue to meddle in other countries affairs, terrorists acts will continue forever.

George Washington gave good advice.

[Lion's Cub]

If you wish to become islamic, feel free. The rest of us are going to fight like hell. And I guarantee you it won't be the muslims left standing at the end of the day.

[texasbluebell]

If it is terrorism, we can stop it completely by changing our foreign policy.

The jihad on America has nothing whatever to do with our foreign policy, but everything to do with moslems' desire to convert/submit us to islam.

[afraidfortherepublic]

If it is terrorism, we can stop it completely by changing our foreign policy.

Are you delusional? Have you ever known any Middle Easterners up close and personal? These folks are fighting battles that stem from the Crusades! USA wasn't even around during the Crusades, battles that occurred before North and South America were even discovered.

I remember long conversations with a Lebanese friend in the 80s who blamed the wars in Beirut, and the taking and torture of Western hostages, on some policy promoted by Bobby Kennedy in the 60s. Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by a Middle Easterner in the late 60s, still in jail for the crime, if you remember. I know Middle Easterners and their American symmpathizers today who bitterly blame the USA for the establishment of Israel in the 1940s and claim that that is what is causing the trouble today.

We could turn foreign policy 180 degrees and stand it on its head, and our enemies in the Middle East would trump up some other reason to target America and Americans. Educated Middle Easterners are astute students of history. They savor it and twist it in the retelling. Americans who slept through what little history they were forced to take in school are no match in a debate with an impassioned Middle Easterner, or one who has fallen uder their spell.

[tomkat]

you go ahead and side with the goathumpers if that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy,
but when/if the day comes that your guys and our guys face each other across a field,
there's a good chance that i, or someone just like me, will be the last thing you see on this earth ...

[eno_]

You are correct that returning to an earlier foreign policy stance would sharply reduce, if not eliminate terrorism. That policy is mutual assured desrtuction. And it should be applied to Islamic nations who have used WMDs in the form of bioterror (anthrax and/or WNV). It would take less than 1/3rd of the Trident fleet less than one hour to implement.

[ExSoldier]

See post #74 I was going to say the same thing...only not as well.