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Originally Posted by Ustwo
So we are to embrace "moderate" Muslims and tone down our reactions, even though they are really powerless to make a difference where it matters? Really a 'pro-peace' type of rally would be nice, Islam is in need of some PR that doesn't include 'bomb', 'riot', or 'woman charged' in the head line.
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So the question becomes how do you proceed with millions of young men, taught to hate, and who's governments foster said hate for various reasons?
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First off, I don't think military action on its own is going to solve this. There may be cause to use military action but not without a very healthy dose of diplomacy and engagement.
I think we need to have closer diplomatic and business ties to these nations. The US currently has no official voice in Iran, for example. If the Iranians are going to claim to be a democracy, diplomats should be there on the ground to call them on this. At present there is little to know voice of support for the reformists on the ground in Iraq.
Looking around the world at places like India/Pakistan and China/Taiwan I can't help but think that potential conflicts in these areas have been prevented by their being part of the global business supply chain. Not too long ago India was ready to go toe to toe against Pakistan with nukes. When it was noted that India is the back office of much of America and that to go to war would not only close that business down for the duration of the war but most likely forever, the leaders made a choice to support their economy over increased sabre rattling.
Similar things can be said for the Taiwan/China issue.
Countries that have a vested interest in growing their economies through International trade have an increasingly internationalist point of view (i.e. more cosmopolitan, more open), have a vested stake in maintaining good relations with their trading partners (i.e. if they are not a stable supplier of their promised goods and services, the clients will go elsewhere and fast) and in order to take part in this form of trade they must develop their population rather than just their natural resources (i.e. education and development of the populace leads to less influence by radical elements).
I think these is much truth to holding your friends close and your enemies closer.
Engagement at all levels is essential.