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Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Suma who wrote (42784)	4/15/2004 3:19:36 PM
From: Skywatcher	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 89467

WHY IS HE STILL FREE!? ASK GEORGE! CC

To: Suma who wrote (42784)	4/15/2004 4:42:45 PM
From: lurqer	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 89467

INTERESTING Yes,it is. When I see the children in the madrassas reciting verses from the Qu'ran, with that constant rocking motion, I always think of what it is doing to their brains. Lifetime neuronal tracks are being created. Tracks that will be between difficult and impossible to change as adults. How much of OBL early "learning" was similar to the madrassa training? Coming from a wealthy family, he probably had broader influences. But Wahhabism permeates the culture of Saudi Arabia. The final result is clearly a religious fanatic. He sees himself as a "Holy Warrior" fighting the enemies of those persecuting Muslims. Look at the history of Al Qaeda. This "Base" has been founded and refounded several times, as his focus has changed. Originally the anti-Muslim enemies where the "godless communists" in Afghanistan. With the defeat of the Soviets in Afghanistan, Al Qaeda was reformed/transformed into an organization opposed to secular Muslim governments. Later still, it under went a third metamorphosis, to become an international organization focused on "outside threats" like the US bases in Saudi Arabia. It is this last incarnation that we now face. I have no doubt that OBL believes that, if the infidels would just leave Muslims alone, he would be peaceful. But I suspect he would always find some "wrong" that needed to be addressed. It's what gives his life meaning. Moreover, consider that given modern transportation and communication, Arab culture will continue to be influenced by "outside ideas". It's part of that "emergeng world culture" that Mead discussed. Neither the Wahhabies nor OBL want this. One of the best ways to minimize these effects is to stir up anger against the "outside". Religious fanatics are doctrinaire ideologues. That means they are easy to outsmart. Our problem is we have two religious fanatics, who play into the hands of each other. JMO lurqer