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>I disagree with the Bush administration's policies on almost every issue. I wish I were smart enough to come up with something better. But I feel safe in saying that "If we only understood them better" isn't that something better.

Well I think I have a basic understanding of their "desires".
I think they want to be left alone to have cultures with Muslim influences be totally uninfluenced by "western" ways.

We need the oil that lots of Muslim countries have. The U.S. has lots of $$$ so they buy the contracts for that oil. Then they want to have 'their people' oversee the operations (which makes perfect sense to me). But these are big cheeses who are used to their cognac and wine, as well as entertainment not customary in such places. Including cocaine and marijuana and other drugs.
In some places, too, they convince the U.S. government that a force ought to be present to protect their investment, and they conspire with the leaders of the countries to buy a military presence (or use other means of "persuasion".

My understanding is that they **HATE** the western ways of things, especially when their own customs are always criticized by the outsiders.

The war in Iraq is THE prime example of how corporations "EXTERNALIZE" any costs they can. If the oil companies selling the Iraqi oil had to pay the FULL COST of obtaining that oil and assuring it's continued supply I guess it would be several hundred dollars PER BARREL.

By the way... if automobiles or guns cause thousands of deaths each year, why worry so gravely only about terrorist plots that may kill comparatively few people?

cheers