"And the use of political and diplomatic force to correct the legitimate greivances which bred many of the fanatics in the first place..."
Miles i must disagree with you.
Have you ever tried negotiating with individuals that are so set in their ways, and believe them so firmly that they are prepared to blow themselves up for the 'cause'?
How is it possible to use political and diplomatic force against individuals that currently live in Islamic dictatorships ? Where is the leverage?
The problems in my view:
- An unequitable distribution of oil wealth between the leadership, and the people. - A fundamental belief that the Koran is god's word, literally. - An educational system that discourages individual thought and expression. - Dictatorships.
These factors can not be changed from outside. Fundamental change needs to take place within - an age of awakening for Islam.
The US are trying to speed up this process by attempting to bring democracy to Iraq. Sure, there are significant costs in the immediate term, and little visible benifits. But will this be the status quo in 15/20 years from now?
Will we look back at the invasion as a benificial thing, borne of vision beyond its time, or as a strategic blunder?
Make no mistake, the US have gained control of the distribution of Iraqi oil (although not the majority of revenues - which will be of benifit to all Iraqis) but the cost to them in terms of lives lost, and the financial cost far outweight any benifits they have gained. The fruits of their actions will be shares by all the world's citizens in the years to come. The same people that have today turned their backs to the yanks.
