Originally posted by SwissGambitI don't see it. Hussein's and Bin Laden's religious dispositions were exactly the same when they were our friends as when they became our enemies. Clearly something other than religion was the causus belli.
There is more than one consideration, to be sure. But the religious one is undeniable.
Originally posted by rwingettHussein and bin Laden came up due to your question. While not related directly to the religious conflict, those two cases show the Arab world that friendship with us does not spare an organization nor a country if our interests change.
I don't see it. Hussein's and Bin Laden's religious dispositions were exactly the same when they were our friends as when they became our enemies. Clearly something other than religion was the causus belli.
Originally posted by SwissGambitRevealing that we are fickle allies fails to demonstrate that we are at war with a religion. The fact remains that we have had long-standing relations with several Muslim countries, and have certainly had no qualms about attacking numerous non-Muslim countries, over the years. US foreign policy is driven much more by commercial considerations than it is by animosity toward any particular religion.
Hussein and bin Laden came up due to your question. While not related directly to the religious conflict, those two cases show the Arab world that friendship with us does not spare an organization nor a country if our interests change.
Originally posted by rwingettRevealing that we are fickle allies counters your point that we can't be at war with Islam because we are friends with some Islamic regimes.
Revealing that we are fickle allies fails to demonstrate that we are at war with a religion. The fact remains that we have had long-standing relations with several Muslim countries, and have certainly had no qualms about attacking numerous non-Muslim countries, over the years. US foreign policy is driven much more by commercial considerations than it is by animosity toward any particular religion.
You like to bring up points and act like I am the one that made them in the first place. Hmm.
Originally posted by SwissGambitBeing at war with a couple Muslim countries is not the same as being at war with Islam. The fact that we have good relations with many more Muslim countries than we are at war with should demonstrate conclusively that we are not at war with Islam. Otherwise we would be at war with all of them.
Revealing that we are fickle allies counters your point that we can't be at war with Islam because we are friends with some Islamic regimes.
You like to bring up points and act like I am the one that made them in the first place. Hmm.
Originally posted by rwingettIt's not only 2. I'd count every one that Israel has fought and/or displaced - Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine.
Being at war with a couple Muslim countries is not the same as being at war with Islam. The fact that we have good relations with many more Muslim countries than we are at war with should demonstrate conclusively that we are not at war with Islam. Otherwise we would be at war with all of them.
Even in a war, only a very ambitious commander tries to overthrow every territory at once. Better to take it gradually, especially when the size of your military is smaller than before.
Originally posted by SwissGambitSo when do we get around to attacking Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Indonesia, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Djibouti, etc.? Ten years? 100 year? Never? This supposed war on Islam looks suspiciously like your typical wars for commercial gain.
It's not only 2. I'd count every one that Israel has fought and/or displaced - Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine.
Even in a war, only a very ambitious commander tries to overthrow every territory at once. Better to take it gradually, especially when the size of your military is smaller than before.
Originally posted by rwingettCut off the head, and the body dies.
So when do we get around to attacking Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Indonesia, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Djibouti, etc.? Ten years? 100 year? Never? This supposed war on Islam looks suspiciously like your typical wars for commercial gain.