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Originally posted by Webby
turbo:
"There is absolutely nothing that can be done to remove the motivation. Someone will always be jealous of the US, or think that they have the perfect interpretation of their bible or what not. Defense and preventative measures are the only way."
Sorry - don't agree! As regards the "jealously" - that is myth - they are not "jealous". They also don't "hate the US", but they sure as hell hate the US Government to hell and back.
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Yes and no. Eliminating the motivation or at least lessening its impact is not impossible, but it will take years and years.
As far as not buying the "jealousy" argument, I see where you're coming from, but I've spent time in the Middle East and jealousy towards the West is a very real issue. It manifests in most people awe of the west. But to many it manifests in contempt. I met far more people who were in awe rather than angry, but they both exist.
America, being a very powerful symbol of the west, is the ideal target to channel one's anger/hostility towards the west. In the eye of many people there is no greater symbol of capitalism and military might than America. And what better a target?
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Just take a look at the US policies towards the Middle East over the last 20 years and the US track record will explain pretty well why there is some "animosity" generated in that region. What you sow, you will reap.
But yep, there will always be the "total nuts" who will attack "anyplace" - little answer to that kind of attack.
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Yes, America's policy (and that of our allies) towards the Middle East has been horrible and it has caused a lot of problems. The west has supported numerous tyranical dictators in the Middle East who oppress their people. Mubarak and Egypt are the second largest recipients of U.S. aid and of course Egypt record on human rights is reprehensible.
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No matter how much military power may exist, - that is not going to stop terrorist organizations. Defend as best as possible, but never believe that will be even 70% successful.
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Sad but true. Unfortunately any lunatic can be a terrorist. It's not like you can just stamp it out completely. How hard is it to make a bomb? Any idiot can do it.