so you're asserting AQ would moderate if we removed our troops from the region? Why didn't we see these effects in 2003, and how does that reconcile with thevartious AQ opperations that have nothing to do with that point of interest?
I don't know if I'd go as far to say that they'd (al-Qaeda, specifically) would moderate towards the US mainland, but it's certainly possible that a concession could have yielded positive results in that perspective. I cannot say exactly how bin Laden would interpret a US withdrawal from Saudi Arabia. I suspect though, that he'd take it as a victory. Might say that the US is retreating. Something to that extent. Depends on the date.
The War on Terrorism was well and away raging by 2003, so maybe bin Laden had more important things to think about? The Middle East was engulfed in War. I would believe, though, that Muslims in general would rejoice if the United States made certain concessions in foreign policy decisions. The alternative, is mad, upset Muslims that do stupid, moronic things. Right? Look at your hands, do the weighing out motion. That's what our foreign policy is like. On one hand, it is good for us, but, on the other hand, it is bad for someone else, somewhere in the world. That obviously and naturally upsets people. What
really upsets people is when the offense revolves around religion. Knowledge of this anger would have pre-dated bin Laden's '96 fatwa.
After 9/11? When? During Bush's administration?
While I'm highly critical of our current relationship with Israel, i'm sure my views on the topic are not compatible with AQ's and highly doubt yours are either
No, I don't wish for the destruction of Israel, and I don't hate Jews. I dislike the situation between the Jews and the Palestinians very much though. I too, am critical of our relationship with Israel. The totality of our relationship bares crucial examination, in my opinion. It is complexing though, given World War II.
1) you're, again, equivocating the demands of AQ and the Arab world. Despite the Arab world have very real issues with fundamentalism and extremism, AQ isn't very highly regarded in the region
I'm just of the opinion that having lily-pads in Saudi Arabia is bad for business. I guess when I know that terrorists like bin Laden have attacked our country because we've had bases in Saudi Arabia, it doesn't make me want to keep the bases in Saudi Arabia. 9/11 was beyond creative words that can encapsulate the horror, tragedy and terror. And among the chieftain reasons, was because we had bases in Saudi Arabia. I suppose that if our country, and some of my fellow compatriots want to hold on, and continue to wave an American flag in Saudi Arabia... I guess that's their prerogative.
2) Yes, **** the extremists who have demands that are completely unreasonable, outside their sphere of legitimate control, and that we have no pressing need to cater to.
I dunno. I suspect that if we didn't have such an awesome military, and WMD to protect us, that more of us would have a deeper appreciation for things that a larger percentage of the world holds dear in their hearts. I suppose that I just have humility and that I put myself in other people's shoes more often, man. I could hardly imagine a foreign country invading us, telling us what to do, etc. But, we've got a
long track record in doing just that and expecting people to simply tolerate it. So I am bound to be more open-minded about our military engagements. I certainly can see the benefits that it brings
my country, but I have enough of a heart to recognize the pains it causes others.
