Re:Diplomacy needed (Score 1)

This is true, to an extent.

I'd wager, however, that the majority of these religious fanatics started out as ordinary, moderate citizens that because of despair, hardship, etc. turned to Islam for solace and then were twisted by anger at some of our actions to determine "that the USA is pure evil". It is not that big a step for a Palestinian on the West Bank to become angry at the US for what appears to him an inexcusable willingness to sit by, if not outright aid, while Israel prevents him from joining the modern world economy.

Certainly, economic aid to these countries will not convince bin Laden et. al. to lay down their arms and make nice; they will need to be hunted. But judicious aid to the region will prevent many more future terrorists from replacing him just as injudicious military action will cause many to flock to bin Laden's banner.

This is not a war for territory; it is a war for mindshare in the moderate populations of the Middle East. The ball is in our court; advantage western civilization; do we ace or do we fault?