How about dealing with the middle east at arm's length and quit unfairly
backing Israel?

I used to feel exactly that way, John. I just couldn't figure out why we
supported Israel, and didn't give the Palestinians a chance.

But, time has gone on, my world view has evolved, and I have seen how the
"Palestinians" (which, I've come to learn, don't actually exist as a people)
and radical Muslims truly have no interest in peace or democracy (or, for
that matter, our survival), and I've come around to the view that Israel is
truly a tiny democratic lifeboat in a sea of violence and despair.

In fact, without our long-standing support of Israel, I can't imagine what
the Middle East would be like today. I suspect it would probably be one
giant, unified, Islamic republic -- living under the law of Sharia (with all
the horrors that entails) -- and the world would be a much more dangerous
place.

I can only thank our elders, who obviously foresaw this and paid no heed to
the rantings of my youth.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"