I do believe that those millions of "non-combatants" do have it w/in their power to quell the radicals and join the majority of the world in welcoming peace,
LTARogue
Rogue - with respect, I think you're being naive there. The silent majority are simply trying to survive. Right now, they have three choices:
1. Rise up in armed struggle against the crazies - but that would just perpetuate the violence.
2. Side with the government, or act as an informant for coalition forces - but God help them and their families if they are discovered.
3. Keep their heads down and try as best they can to get on with their lives.
What would you do - risk yourself and your family for little gain or just go with the flow and try to keep out of trouble? I've no doubt some of you on these boards would be in the 'have a go' camp, but I believe the vast majority of Americans - and Europeans - in a similar situation would simply try to keep out of the troubles.
Look at Northern Ireland - you could easily argue the populace there had it within their power to end the violence, but it took them 30 years to get there.