btw, a realistic War on Terror update:

Afganistan is no longer a base for Al Quaida and in 2 years time have taken large steps towards having a gov't that is not represive and representative of the people. And bin laden is on the run in Pakistan while we have captured or killed many of his top liutenants.

Iraq's former first sons are dead and countless numbers of former Baathist Party members have been arrested after 6 months. A provisional government has been formed leading to the creation of a democratic government in Iraq...one which is not oppresive.

Thanks to America finally standing up and saying enough to terrorism and its sponsors the world is a lot safer place than it was 2 years ago!

 

Assuming it is the terrorists that you believe we should find a "middle ground" with, how can you expect reasonable negotiations with groups whose members strap on explosives, blow themselves and innocents to smithereens, all in the name of their God, among other things?

 

People still don't understand terrorists don't listen to reason, don't follow treaties, could care less about anything but carying out their mission. Which is why it is up to us to get them first. I hate to keep reminding people that this isn't the good ole days when our enemies were empires, armies, and rulers. It's crazed lunatics without regard for anything or anyone. The way they see it, it is their mission to die. Either die trying to kill thousands, dozens, or one. So the only way to eliminate terrorism is to eliminate the terrorists and their sources. That's the only way to stop them.

 

How can you try and negotiate with people that blow up the UN compund in Baghdad and the Jordanian Embassy as well as the Iraqi infrastructure? The UN is there to help the Iraqi's rebuild after the war, the Jordanian's are a fellow Arab country they attacked, and blowing up oil and water pipelines does nothing but hurt ordinary Iraqis. They do not listen to reason...all they are is a group of uncivilized, crazed lunatics.

 

Well, DVPGSR and Fastball, I know that YOU knew the answer, I just was curious to see what "18" had to say. All the wrong stuff happens with my questions...sheez, I'm still waiting for sxecrow to respond to my last ones. Take care...

 

Sorry if it came out the wrong way, but I was agreeing with you. The attack on the Iraqi UN headquarters may finally...... finally be (unfortunate no doubt) what the rest of the world needs to wake up to the problem of terrorism. It is not just the US they are after..... they are after anyone who believes in our rights as humans granted by a higher power to be who we are, and not what others say we must be. To believe in who or what we wish, to dress how we wish, to have the friends and family and make our life whatever we want. The UN is the global representation of the union of nations with that commonality, and it is now time for the UN to show it's vallor (yes, even you, France and Germany). Let's see the UN take charge united and throw the bickering out the window.

 

No issue here, Fast...mine could have come out the wrong way. Truth be told, I was chuckling to myself as I was writing it.

 

Dave,

I was in 100% agreement with you...just elaborating with my thoughts.

 

Tom,

No big deal. To a certain degree, I was asking rhetorically (to those that know better) and specifically to "18." Now, I'm just having fun with you guys. Either way, with the above questions, and those I posed to "crow," (which I'm sure you noticed he "overlooked") I REALLY would like to see what these guys have as possible answers. Unlike many people here, they simply throw darts without giving any possible solutions. I'd like to know what alternatives they have...and we'll go from there. Regards.

 

Not overlooking, I dont feel like answering. It's gotten so far away from topic that it's pointless to argue it anymore.

Fact: we wanted war because of WMD
Fact: they havent found any

Now your presumptions (might be true, but not facts YET):

1) they sold them to terrorists (hope not)
2) we'll find them ... I guess before the elections, right?

Heres the problem, fact and presumption are 2 different things. Bush went to war on the hunch they had WMD ... well where are they? Thats all I'm saying. American and Iraqi lives were lost and there's nothing to show for it. Oh ... we saved people from a dictator, but that's not our business, nor was it our reason to go to war in the first place. We might find them, and if we do ... so be it, war was justified.