so it isn't just b/c they are poor or b/c the US is randomly attacked, it is b/c we forcefully occupy arab lands and threaten to attack more arabs.
You might apply the SAME LOGIC to those Islamic Militants who have sworn, and are PURSUING a global Jihad against ALL non-Muslims.
These Religious Militants have different priorities than pursuing economic development and they don't have much regard for inter-faith cooperation and tolerance (unless it's strictly on their terms.. ie: Dhimmitude).
They ALREADY BELIEVE we're occupying lands that belong to Allah.
if the roles were reversed, you'd be fighting to avoid being occupied, correct?
The roles ARE reversed. We're not pursuing an agenda of forcing Muslims to convert to Christianity or Judaism.
Yet, in Gaza we have Hamas leadership pledging to conquer not only Israel, but Rome, Europe, and the "Two Americas".
That's a bit more of an agenda than just defending what they perceive is their territory.
the point being - the more we fight and occupy, the more people will attack US interests.
No.. the point is that NO MATTER WHAT WE DO THEY ARE STILL GOING TO SEEK TO CONQUER AND SUBJUGATE US. It may take decades, if not centuries, but that's their game plan.
But from my perspective, all I seek is that they practice secular democracy so that their governments are accountable to the needs of their people (and those needs are great, if not insurmountable).
Accountable governments are less likely to engage in outright aggression without some international legal basis. Accountable governments seek to better the lives of their citizens, NOT SACRIFICE THEM ON A RELIGIOUS JIHAD/CRUSADE.
It wasn't too many centuries ago when Christianity was twisted and manipulated to justify wars of conquest/reconquest and it was heresy to question any decision by the Pope in Rome to wage a "holy war". That's no longer the case and few of in the West would submit to such a renewed call for a Crusade to "Christianize the heathens".
Islam is struggling with it's own version of the Reformation and Enlightenment. We have a vested interest in making sure that the moderates and progressives ultimately win.
it is a great feedback loop for people who get rich via killing in war.
As it would for the Jihadists seeking to control the world's largest deposits of oil.
Hawk |
