I've lived in Arab nations. The reality is their fringe groups are truly extreme. Dying for these groups is considered a good thing. Their mullahs distort the K'oran to make it sound that heaven and vestal virgins await them for dying for the cause. The K'oran does say that dying for your religion in a JUST war will be rewarded. It also says that killing women and children will get you sent to hell.

Whether we step up or not, they loathe us and with good reason -- we've supported some pretty despicable people for our own interests. They are a patient people and truly believe in revenge. 9/11 was bound to happen. Another attack is bound to happen and one that will more than likely make 9/11 look like a gentle slap on the bottom.

I truly doubt we can ever make things right in the Middle East. Look at the wars between the Arabs and the Jews. They are part of the same tribe. They have the same prophets, the same history. Yet, the hate is palpable. Their war is one that will be fought over and over. It will have different excuses but the bottom line will be race hatred.

As much as many Arabs hate the Jews, their hatred of America is far worse. Also their fear of us. We do have the power to totally destroy their land. We've shown that we are willing to use that power to keep despots in control of them, to fight for their land and their oil. Terrorism is, to them, the only way to let us know they don't want us in the Middle East. Not supporting Israel, not making treaties with rulers, certainly not fighting on their soil. America has done too much damage to their pride and egos. I truly doubt we'll ever be forgiven.