Reasonable people can disagree, and it wouldn't be the first time my words have been misunderstood. Nor the first time they were just poorly phrased. All I meant was there are a variety of governments in the Middle East, some of whom have good reason to distrust us. And I didn't mean a loose cannon U.S. is their biggest fear. Their biggest fear, Islamic fundamentalism, is right there among them.

I trust this obscures ((c) John Hill).


>Perhaps I misunderstood your post then. Wouldn't surprise me one bit, I tend to do that at times :o) It is just my opinion (and perhaps a wrong one) that Arab governments are not muting their responses simply due to a fear of fragging from the U.S. I think they may be avoiding the type of outrageous comments typical of Iran leadership in order to avoid inciting riots, but I don't think it is out of fear from a U.S. retaliation.
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>>I am sorry to have disappointed you but don't think my point was ridiculous. IMO there is no invariant "Arab world." They are all over the lot in terms of wealth, opinion of the west, and jihadic tendencies.
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>>You don't think there have been mixed responses in that part of the world to our invasion of Iraq? I respect you too much to use any loaded words but I disagree with you.
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>>>You dissappoint me on this post Mike. That is absolutely ridiculous. Regardless of history, the Arab world has not mediated their comments in regards to the U.S. and its policies or actions concerning Iraq - they are not going to suddenly start doing it now especially since many are waiting to see the Iraqi citizen's response first before forming an opinion. There are also many out there that are not sure if the sentence was from U.S. pressure or the will of a responsible court in Iraq. If you filter out the crazies - it's running pretty equal for both sides right now. Could all change later today or tomorrow though - not unusual for the middle east. It's possible that some government individuals might refrain, but not the citizens of the Arab world.
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>>>>>John, yes or no....do you think Hussein got what he deserved?
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>>>>>" Deserves it! I dare say he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death and judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends."
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>>>>>Thanks for answering my question.
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>>>>>I'm not overly eager to deal out death and judgement - the eagerness comes from those trying to find fault with the 'process'.
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>>>>>If it was such a "sham", then why aren't other Arab nations (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt) raising all sorts of hell over this? Can anyone show any links where European governments and court systems are howling? Why aren't there any U.N. Resolutions protesting the trail? Hussein was judged and found guilty for actions against his own people, and met with justice.
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>>>>Kevin, if you ask that question about Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and to a lesser extent Jordan, I suggest you read up a little on Middle Eastern history and politics. I don't mean that as snottily as it sounds. There are just historic reasons why the objection from Arabic governments was muted. Not least that the U.S. is currently a loose cannon on the deck -- keep your head down and hope not to get fragged.