True enough, but then again in 1900, few (if any) people ever thought that the warring factions /families in Europe would ever come together in peace within 50 years (2 World Wars notwithstanding).
The fact that the ME represents such a challenge should not preclude the world from trying to secure peace for the region. That is one of the reasons why I sincerely hope that Secretary Powell continues into a 2nd GWB administration (assuming that the President is re-elected) because I regard him as a champion for peace, as opposed to a purveyor of war.
Your points nonetheless are persuasive of the argument.
