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Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: ManyMoose who wrote (87439)	11/20/2004 2:39:24 PM
From: Lane3	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 793677

I think it is time for our strategists to rethink this policy, and start softening up the political costs that would be paid by judicious diplomacy. I agree that it needs to be rethought. And communicated. It's a knotty problem, though. I can make a sound and rational justification for treating mosques like any other building in this particular conflict. The basis by which we respect religious buildings just doesn't apply here, IMO, but there's a more nuance required to appreciate the point that can easily be communicated in a political environment not to mention the political environment of a different culture that is already emotionally charged. People will feel the way they feel regardless of rational arguments so we have to presume that our rational, nuanced argument won't sell. And that has consequences. I can't begin to gauge the impact of our disrespecting mosques. I can justify treating mosques like any other building to my own satisfaction. I'm pretty certain that I couldn't persuade the Arab street. I suppose one could argue that we should go ahead and do what makes sense and let the chips fall where they may. Whatever we do, though, we should be clear about it and communicate it well.