Yes, but...

Submitted by Brian (United States), Apr 20, 2004 at 22:47

A powerful and persuasive argument, and a useful reminder of the fact that Islam has not undergone the changes experienced by Western Christianity after the Wars of Religion.

My concern is that there is no solution. As the Arab countries continue their descent into fascism, poverty, and complete economic, political, and social failure, resentment and hatred of the West is inevitable. Marrying such hatred with modern killing technology and the willingness or even desire of Islamic fanatics to massacre infidels will lead to terrorism on a much grander scale.

What are we to do? If we cannot change their culture, must we destroy it in self-defense? Must we continue to bribe fascists and corrupt royal families to keep their people in check? In so doing, don't we risk destroying our own values?

I still have some slim hope that some Iraqis recognize the value of some form of democracy and economic modernization. If I'm wrong, I can only feel sorry for my 4 year old daughter, who will be fighting against Arab-Islamic hatred and terror long after I am dead.

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