storm,
63% of Pakistan population backs taliban regime & attacks on U.S.
2/3 of Turkey (a NATO nation
) population is against any form of rataliation against a muslim country.
India/Pakistan conflict is not rich vs. poor people, but a religious one. Still they are fighting. Cachemir region has been India region. Pakistan claims is their because its muslim population.
In normal times, I would give them the benefit of the doubt, and doubt they really want to destroy free economy, or TV watchers, etc. Now, it's time to ask the other way. How many of them are not ready to do it? I think your quest's focus would be right on the spot this way.
Ultimate goal of muslim fanatics is not attacking U.S. It's not only liberation of holy places and fighting crusaders. It's not only throwing Israel people to the Mediterranean sea. It's about Islam prevalence and world domination. As simple as that. They want to either convert the infidels or kill them. Go ask people jailed in Afghanistan, accusation: Christian proselitism. But they need to get muslims united, and thus the killings and hate. Once they get this done, they will carry on. Their goal is more far-reaching.
Islam is a humanistic/tolerant religion. But it's widely interpretative. And it has no single head. No one in particular can say his interpretation is the "right one". You can't count on a moderate interpretation. Too much hate in there for that.
Yes, Afghanistan is a useless, valueless, military target. Islam as a concept (or a religion) is not the target. But there are lots of islam interpreters who are, because we are their own. Stated loud and clear, white over black by themselves. The ones that would kill you for the mere reason you are not muslim. How many of them? Where are they? Are they the only ones? Read the newspapers. See the tv. Read books. Listen to things. It's so evident.
Of course military is not the only solution. But it's an important part of it. The financial side is, at least, as important. Then the borders policy in western countries. Then the suppression of certain organizations/governments/people. In the meantime, you can talk and negotiate. But the baseline is very clear, If you want to see it. You have to deal with people willing to kill you. And ready to do it if you give them the slightest chance. As per Toad's: "Get it through your heads".
If moderate muslims can cope with demagogic fanatic leaders, and we are able to provide some solid ground under their feet, maybe (and I say maybe because it might well be too late) we don't have to face a generalized conflict. My personal feeling is that we are hands and feet at war. Like it or not.
[ 09-20-2001: Message edited by: Pepe ]
