He probably won't change their thinking but he might be able to get the more moderate Arab leaders to feel they are part of a diplomatic process rather than being "spoken to."

 

That worked out well for Anwar Sadat didn't it?

That worked out well for Anwar Sadat didn't it?

 

I think that's a poor thought. We could say the same about Lincoln couldn't we?

 

Sadat tried to create a peace for the sake of his nation and the region. He gave his life for that.

 

Rabin did the same but then again, like Sadat, it was the radicals in his own country that did him in.

 

Sorry, All Tell, just because things don't always end as we want doesn't mean the route of peaceful discussion, diplomacy and discourse is not the first and best option.

 

Time will tell.

Appeasemet is also a propaganda tool for the militants as evidenced by the Hamas reaction to the Israeli cease fire in Gaza. They are claimimg it as a victory.

 

And they were certainly using the attacks as propaganda as well. However, one of those tactics is more effective than the other in recruiting extremists: killing their family, friends, and neighbors or economic development? And I am speaking generally here, beyond the Israel/Hamas dispute.

I'm glad that we are not continuing on with the "you are either with us, or against us" mantra. The truth of the matter is that the extremists are smaller in number than most believe and the ENTIRE arab world are not terrorists. Far from it. I'd much rather work on securing them as allies than pushing them into the arms of those that are terrorists. I, personally, would rather their numbers turn into talleys on the "ally" board than add them to the terrorist ranks.

Not all Arabs are terrorists, not even close. I think some of you need to take a step back and be a bit less fanatical. If we want to address the root causes of terrorism we need to start with engaging the developing world. Sabre rattling is merely better propaganda for the extremists.

 

If Sabre rattling is merely better propaganda for the extremists, what is suicide bombers?

If Sabre rattling is merely better propaganda for the extremists, what is suicide bombers?

 

Those who bought the propaganda.

Not all Arabs are terrorists, not even close. I think some of you need to take a step back and be a bit less fanatical. If we want to address the root causes of terrorism we need to start with engaging the developing world. Sabre rattling is merely better propaganda for the extremists.

This would surprise quite a few folks. :sssh:

He probably won't change their thinking but he might be able to get the more moderate Arab leaders to feel they are part of a diplomatic process rather than being "spoken to."

 

:thumb:

 

There's nothing you can do with the extremists...they'll manufacture hate if necessary. Where some real progress could be made is making inroads with the rest of the Arab world...

 

The thing is, there are a lot of Arabs who sympathize with the terrorists, even if they don't actively participate in acts of terror. I would imagine these types of people provide a fertile recruiting ground of extremists organizations. If Obama could turn that around, and make these people realize that the terrorists are the bad guys and the roadblocks to peace and prosperity for everyone, especially their own people...then its possible you could isolate terrorists on an island and get the rest of the Arab world to participate in putting an end to it.

 

Now, do I think that will ever actually happen? No. But, I have my own reasons for thinking that. I don't think our current efforts will work either. So, I can't criticize Obama for trying a new tactic. Although, I think there is a fine line to walk when dealing with these people...

The us vs the world mentality is much more likely to have you wearing a tuban IMO.