PMB, I think you have demonstrated why we cannot really win the war on terror - you demonstrated this truth with your MEMRI link and the Saudi man on the street survey as to whether any of them would shake hands with a Jewish person. None would. These attitudes are the product of a seemless world view propagated by every Saudi institution - from the 'Royal' family, to schools, universities, all media, every statement from every pulpit, every pronouncement by every 'expert,' professional, lawyer, doctor, etc. It is a world view of hatred which although it focuses on the Jew, you should not think that Christians occupy a substantially higher status in their eyes. Ask the average Saudi whether he condemns 'suicide' (homicide) bombing of innocents in Israeli Pizza Parlors or busses and he will tell you there are no 'innocents' in Israel - not even children. Saudis have been selfless in their use of petrodollars, generous with that money to fund schools, Islamic centers, mosques, all over the world to spread ths world view of hatred, malice and lies to the faithful.

Ultimately, if the war on terror is to be won, it must be fought by Muslims against Muslims. Although these Saudis were unanimous in their refusal to shake hands with a Jewish person, and if asked, I'm sure each would have said he would be glad to kill any Jew he came across, it was not widely reported, but Alawi, the acting PM of Iraq shook hands with the Israeli ambassador to the UN after Alawi's address to the General Assembly. This must have outraged Kofi Annan, but demonstrates that the change of regimes in Iraq, brought about by US force of arms, has resulted in at least a tentative and symbolic shift in the Arab world. A small first step, but every journey starts with nothing greater.

Last edited by 2x6spds; 09/30/04 06:03 AM.

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