Ok, makes sense. I don't agree with all of it, but I understand.
I believe that at least part of the reason is the hold of these radical Islamic schools that, I believe, warp the Koran and tenets of Islam (we can argue whether the message is warped or not, but for the sake of argument let's agree that the message being taught in these schools is hateful and murderous). Then, the question becomes: how do we change that?
Unfortunately, some of the regimes that shield this 'hate training' are our 'friends' (well, at least allies). The US has a terrible history of turning a blind eye on the faults of our allies, even when those faults hurt us directly.
The neocon theory is sort of a reverse domino effect: topple a totalitarian regime, show the Muslims the value of democracy, and the rest will tumble over time. Unfortunately, some equations are not reversable. While there may be validity to the communist domino technique, as demonstrated in post WWII Eastern Europe, the key point of that technique was the subversive forcing of communism on the population. Democracy, by its very nature, cannot be forced; it must be embraced.
So, like it or not, the Muslims will have to come to their own conclusion that democracy is right for them. They may only settle for a more authoritative evolution of democracy, due to cultural differences.
I do believe that the Israel/Palestinian issue should be solved, with the Palestinian state becoming a reality. I think the Palestinians need to have their own state to realize that they must take responsibility for the actions of their citizens without a menacing force to threaten them. |
