We must face the truth..

In this world we have forces we cannot defeat with shear military might.  Those same forces can destroy life, and can topple governments using the same systems we have established to foster good government. The war is thought. We might be able to kill and maim the body, but to win, we must win the hearts and minds. In this area we are losing to the Hezbollah and to Sadr in Iraq. Where we have lost sight of the real goals, these groups have mastered the hearts and minds of the people through kindness and good deeds. While we bust down doors and humiliate people, they provide comfort and aid to the poor and suffering. No, our approach is going to be our downfall. I see the rise in what is termed by the West of 'radical Islam' as the people of the region see us as the devil and see these organizations as their saviors. 

What we must do is establish a dialog with these forces. No, we don't need to resort to name calling or labeling of these groups as evil or terrorist, but real dialog. We need to find a way to exist in their world. Understanding my allow us to live in peace, with mutual respect, with a degree of understanding that we differ but that we respect that.

War Talk..

It seems the word in the press overseas, and in Israel is that Israel may 'go it alone' against Iran. After 34 days against Hezbollah, you'd think they would learn. I don't think we need Israel going off against Iran, because we'll be caught in the middle.