I may chew on this one and comment later. But for now, Thank YOU, Susannah.

Funny how history repeats itself. Some of the same critical thoughts on how we are running the War on Terror (I challenge you to read the book Shadow War: The Untold Story of How Bush Is Winning the War on Terror, by Richard Miniter, for a good overview of this) and what's happening in Iraq very closely mirror how post WWII and our actions in Germany were criticized by short minded reporters, etc. How we were wasting our time building the country up while remaining supremists were still killing off our folks over there, POST WWII.

Before anyone personally comments on my thoughts, I have to tell you that I think about these exact things every single day. Open mindedly, looking from every view possible. I meet very few people willing to do that, look at sides that may not be comfortable for them.

My husband just got back from a year in Iraq, we have many friends still there, and many who have just left to go to Iraq. I have personally challenged myself as to what we are doing and why, every day wondering why my hubby was there, is it worth him dying for leaving me alone with three little boys. Although I'm not 100% sold on every single action we've taken, through my readings (Republican, Democrat, liberal and conservative), I do agree with what we are doing in the Middle East as a whole. My opinions are also based on hearing personal stories of soldiers who have lived and worked every day with the folks there. Not from reporters or others who have visited several times, think they are experts on what is going on in Iraq.

It's very easy choosing a "side" and arguing/defending it. It's not easy for somone to take a step back and put themselves in someone elses' shoes and think about a topic from totally different perspective.

--Karin