Philo / Big Fish,

What a logic!

So it is OK to kill civilians because Saddam was killing them anyway?
Number of casualties in the western media is different than the local estimates when you read other news in other languages. The truth is always in between.

The US is the only super power in control of the Middle East since British and French colonialism moved out of the region.

Let me give you an example of history I lived (not 60 minutes on the ABC, BBC or XYZ): Until 1952 Egypt was a British colony with a monarshy. There was seven different parties and government elections. Nasser came to power with the support of the Americans and eliminated all sorts of democracy. They even supported the nationalisation of the Suez Canal in 1956.
You need to know or understand the facts as people who lived there see it not as you would like to interpret it.

It does not matter whether you are right or left wing of the politics 'chicken' as long as you investigate multiple sources.

Some very relevant quotes by world leaders - how silly do celebrities look now?

Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war. ~Donald Rumsfeld

Our enemies...never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we. ~George W. Bush

Our nation is somewhat sad, but we’re angry. There’s a certain level of blood lust, but we won’t let it drive our reaction. We’re steady, clear-eyed and patient, but pretty soon we’ll have to start displaying scalps. ~George W. Bush

Terrorism is the war of the poor, and war is the terrorism of the rich. ~Sir Peter Ustinov (the late celebrity)

I don't see a problem with those quotes planetgenet.

"Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war. ~Donald Rumsfeld"

Stating the obvious. The carnage that is an inevitable result of military action in itself inspires horror. This can detract from the greater good that can result from the use of military force.

"Our enemies...never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we ~George W. Bush"

Unintentionally poorly phrased. Their enemies are always inventing new ways to harm them, they do not let this fact escape them.

"Our nation is somewhat sad, but we’re angry. There’s a certain level of blood lust, but we won’t let it drive our reaction. We’re steady, clear-eyed and patient, but pretty soon we’ll have to start displaying scalps. ~George W. Bush"

Post S11 Americans were angry and keen to avenge their attackers, as you'd expect. Despite this he was intent to deal with the crisis in a level headed manner. Eventually though the attackers would need to be brought to justice.

As for Ustinov comparing the intentional slaughtering of civilians with war which can be purely in defence of your territory, what was that clown smoking?

OLT is losing its credibility through the posting of journals such as this

Radical Islam is using Iraq to defeat the West, as civillians drive cars laden with explosives into the new Iraqi police and armed forces. Yes radical Islamic civillians are the enemy of democracy in Iraq. They do not operate as an identified army, they operate as civillians. They are the enemy of a free Iraq.

Oh boy here we go again. The lack of clarity in this world…

Fellow_Human. I will respond.

OK to kill civilians. Mmmmm. Please point to where that was said? And please point to where US military philosophy have deliberately aimed to kill civilians. In fact in Fallujah (spelling?) I believe that the US warned the civilians to get out despite some terrorists obviously slipping away in the people leaving. War is not pretty but sometimes there is no other way? Article I think is trying to say that some people should realize this.

Number of casualties. People take what can be easily obtained and the UN seemed reasonable source. How many again are by the terrorists? Can never get that number?

US - in control of the Middle East? Well they are controlling it very well as we can see, Syria, Palestine, Iran etc obviously bow to the US. And if you do think the “locals” do not control their own destiny that is, well, almost racist thinking. They are as capable as anyone and can make informed decisions. Unless you think they cannot. Why is that?

History lesson. Knew that. So, Even Ms C. Rice has admitted that mistake? Cannot change history only learn from it. And where was the interpreting anyway? Back to the present and the article. Some people just do not think logically enough about this. Listen to what people say not what you think they say.