Are we sleepwalking toward another conflict in the Middle East ??
83941
More thank likely another conflict in the Middle East is very likely.  \n\nThey are comparing the president of Iran to Hitler when it comes to anti-semistism.  I was reading somewhere, I think it was an article on CNN, where someone was saying that back then people just dismissed Hitler's anti-semtic stance as just rhetoric or empty speech and if they acted they could've prevented the Nazi Regime.  Well that person said that they should not dismiss the president of Iran's speech as rhetoric, empty speech, and pursuit of nuclear enrichment, but they should "act" this time around.
1092819
I think we are unchartered waters on this one.  We have never fought an enemy of this nature before so where to draw the line and how far to take it will depend on the world's willingness to stop the terror attacks.  As we saw with Spain, not all countries view this war the same.  But, unless there is a concerted effort on the part of all governments that value freedom to destroy the terrorists throughout the world we will never end this.  Afghanistan and Iraq are the tip of the iceberg.  The Islamic terrorists, and make no mistake that that is who this war is directed at, have the ability to travel all over the world and use the tools of cowards to continue their jihad.  Since we are not fighting a standing army, and I doubt that our estimates of people involved in terrorist oganizations is close to accurate, we cannot know when we "get them all".  The ultimate solution will have to come from a coalition of world governments being willing to root out these organizations on their soil and drive them into a corner where they are considered, and please forgive the use of the term, lepers.  Once they are seen as un-touchable (in that no one wants to touch them or allow them safe haven) then we can talk about drawing lines.
735660
Right now Hezbollah is being directed by it's mentor, Syria to destabilize the Lebanese government, who they believe is sponsored by the US.  Hezbollah has made some serious threats against this government, and it certainly is in know bodies best interest, particularly Israel, to let this happen.\n\nNow, this is the same Syria that some dumb sh it in American politics has suggested we ask to help find a solution to the Iraq problem.  Also, this is the same Syria the is keeping Hezbollah, and the Islamist jihad equipped with arms, ammunition and jihadists to keep up the fight.  This is also the same Syria that is demanding a timetable from the US regarding it's troop withdrawal from Iraq.\n\nAre we totally out of our minds, that we would do anything to trust these dirt bags?  Has our whole damn political system fallen apart?  Is this an example of how the democrats operate?   Damn, now I'm really worried!
631857
no. and i hope not. \n\nits not a pretty sight having wars. and its not just the headlines every country is affected.lets cross our fingers itll not happen.\n\n"WARS doesn't decide who is RIGHT, ONLY whose LEFT."
320685
One sincerely hopes that a war between Iran and the US never breaks out. But judging from the way things are turning out, war is a very real possibility. If war does break out:-\nThere will be heavy casualties on both sides. However, Iran will have to eventually concede defeat, or be wiped off. Though Iran has a large military force, it is largely antiquated and their might is still nowhere compared to what the US and its allies can bring to bear. All Iran's confident rhetoric and talk is only for public consumption and is actually to pep up their own troops and countrymen. Though it may have acquired weapons and delivery systems through its clandestine programme, their true capabilities are still suspect. Remember, both Saddam and the Taliban also behaved with similar over-confidence and arrogance before the conflicts began and in the initial stages.\nAlso, the US will not be alone. They will have allies as most of the developed nations consider Iran a rogue state, and will either back the US or at least tow their line. While many think the entire Moslem/Arab world will unite behind Iran, I feel that may not happen. Remember Iran is not an Arab nation. Deep down, there are significant differences simmering between the Sunni Arab states and largely Shiite Iran. While there will be rumblings of opposition to US action, I doubt any Arab state will cast their lot with Iran when it comes to taking up arms and actually fighting. Some independent militia groups might though.... Also, commercial considerations carry weight and siding with the US or being mute spectators is best for the Arab world in the long run. For the US, the key is to keep Israel out of the conflict. Iran will surely strike at Israel and if Israel retaliates, then Arab nations may offer support to Iran. Therefore, Israel should be kept out of action and protected from an Iranian strike at all costs. \nOne thing is certain, a war like this could escalate into a global one and any war there will alter the geo-strategic and economic balances in the region. \nThere will be a realignment of Moslem/Arab nations. The oil sector will be most radically affected.
737628
He has a good point. We're not really targeting the key players, we're not making it difficult for them to recruit by killing the enemy in large numbers, and we're not saying, "HEY! Moderate Muslim dude, tell your fundamentalist neighbor to quit blowing people up!"\n\n\nNo wonder we'll eventually lose this war and the Middle East will become a degenerate, ignorant sinkhole.
803614
The problem with the Middle Eastern conflict is that it is not a single force the American military is fighting: It is a culture, a religion. Though many people, have many opnions on the matter, here is mine. \nThis administration does believe that victory is possible, where it is completly improbable. The major factor in this, is the divisions of the area, between country, clan, and religion (Clan, as in sect of religion, family lineage, etc.), in which shows no mercy for those whom  attempt to change their traditions. The current Administration is pushing democracy upon a culture that has rejected such for over two millenia... No matter the strategy, withdrawal is the only option to cease bloodshed, yet keep a strong home defense incase of a counter-incursion.\n\nEdit: Correction, it is not the only option. As Celtic Rebel said, equip our troops bloody properly, and perhaps we can tough it out, and settle the more... radical of the lot in the sandpit over there.
965489
that is exacly what we are doing.  every terrorist we kill by being in iraq is one less terrorist that could be waging war in Lebanon or any other country they wish to fight.\n\nIts kind of like the line from "good morning vietnam"  What are you doing to kill the enemy.   Well we go around and ask them are you the enemy and if they say yes we shoot them."\n\nthey are not just out in the open Its an urban war where we cant go to where they are, they are all over.  We fight were we are untill they stop fighting back then we will go somewhere else until they stop fighting their too.
151723
One could say that we are in WWIII right now, although most unlike WWI and WWII.  Seeing so many violent protests throughout the Muslim world over the cartoons of Mohammed published by Danish and other European newspapers, I can't help but think that the conflict between the Muslim world and the Western world has been escalating for centuries, and will soon erupt into a much larger scale conflict.  It's not about the war on terror, Bush trying to take over the world, Oil-rich capitatlists trying to manipulate the government, but an age old conflict of political ideology, religous beliefs, nationalistic pride, etc.\n\nBut if you refer to an all-out conventional/nuclear war between the most powerful countries of the world, i.e. America, Britain, France, India, Israel, vs. Russia, Iran, China, Pakistan; then my answer is no, thanks to globalization.  No matter how precarious relations between the world's most powerful and/or influential nations may be, most politicans will realize that such a large scale war is economically stupid, when even unsound peace is economically preferable.
461416
Just look at whats going on in this country & the Middle East.\n\nMy mind's already made up; it's time for a change.
54059
We are in a global war on Terror. \nWe are taking action.  \n\nUnfortunately our president thought it was best to "Sell" this war piecemeal "war in Iraq, followed by war in Afghanistan" etc.\n\nHad he been more forthcoming, more people would be in support. \n\nThe truth is: we are in a global war on terror that will last decades or until every Islamic country has a stable government that can police their own fringe radicals.\n\nIt needs to be done, and it is being done.\n\nThough I'm not so sure it is being done the right way.  I'm a bit more cynical.  \n\nI say:\n\nInstall friendly dictators in every nation that poses a risk (They know how to deal with these problems) Democracy is beyond the abilities of most of the populations we're talking about.\n\nDevelop an alternative form of Energy and embargo all mid-east oil.\n\nGive Israel free reign to defend themselves as they see fit. \n\nYou'll see a mid-east that begs for our presence, our moderating effect on Israel and our $$ !
106532
One thing's for sure, US won't go for another war, it already has too many on its hands.\nAfter being referred to UN Security Council, pressure will be placed on Iran. \nWith no country coming to its rescue at this point, let's see whether Iran buckles under the pressure or not.\nMost probably, it won't. Because developing a nuclear capability is more of a pride for each nation, even if its only a deterrant.\nBut, only time will tell!
124845
All things are in place for the 100% fullfillment of end time prophecy according to The Word of God, The Bible.  Before The Gog Magog War mentioned in Ezek 38 & 39, I believe that there will be a mid east war (Amos 1 & Isaiah 17) that will change the demagraphics of the middle east very quickly.  The likely soon confrontation with Iran; could very well be that spark which allows the roman anti-christ to rise up suddenly and confirm a 7 year peace treaty with Israel.  ... and there is one who has authored a 7 year peace treaty, and is about to confirm it by Jan. 1st at the latest!  He has come into power by Recommendation 666.  For more info, see my sources below.... those who do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, accept Him into your life, right now, and don't delay!  He loves you!
737244
Not really. In fact, the current occupation of Iraq doesn't have anything to do with the reason we went over in the first place.\n\nWe're doing nothing more than baby-sitting the country, and acting as its local police force, while it's in the middle of a civil war. There is no evidence, none, that says anything we're doing there has any effect on global terrorism. It's purely politics and empire-building.
590798
I think you have a point, but there is another alternative.\n\nThere are *different* interpretations of Islam.  Right now, the "let's kill anyone who we think is in our way" is winning in most circles, and (obviously), this attitude isn't going to lead to peace in the Middle East or anywhere else!\n\nIslam isn't going away.  It is probably more realistic to hope that the more moderate voices are heard (before they're killed off by the extremist elements).
701723
Yes. Bush further destabilized one of the most important regions on the planet. Big time. And the Middle East will stay in chaos for decades. Until we leave and the Iranians with their nuke take control of the region.\n\nThe dumbest unilateral US foreign policy move ever. And we ain't seen nothin yet.
765222
Kinda, yes.  If the military was used to its full potential, the Mid East would be a wasteland by now.  It is limited and hampered by political interests.  In terms of power, our military is unstoppable.  If we were to ignore all political interest, our military is frighteningly powerful.