Paris under attack

[*Wyche'sWarrior*]

(11-18-2015, 01:37 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: I don't think anyone on this board, and most people in this country that knew anything about the situation over there, would disagree that there need to be changes over in the Middle East, and a movement towards secularism and a greater concern for human rights. However, the issue is that our involvement in the region has pushed them away from that. I've mentioned before that Muslim, Arabic women enjoyed greater freedoms and equality than their western counterparts until about 150 years ago. The colonial activities of the western world pushed the region away from our ideals as we were seen as oppressors, invaders, whatever other word you'd like to use.

We can't jump into the fray and force change on them. It will produce more animosity against the west. The change will have to take place internally. Sure, we can do things like helping them with problems (such as ISIS, disaster recovery, or economic issues) and this can generate good will with the region. This type of thing promotes a better view of the west among the people than they have been dealing with for decades. When we do things like saying we won't accept Muslim refugees and what not, it promotes the agenda of the extremist. It validates with ISIS is saying, which is that there is a war between Islam and the West. That narrative is what ISIS wants because it brings followers into their arms. The people that say we are at war with Islam are helping ISIS and organizations like them every day. We can destroy ISIS and at the same time be compassionate to the rest of the region. If we show compassion for these people then it will make it that much harder for ISIS to be like another phoenix of Islamic extremism.

I agree....the outcome of WW1 has more to do with all of this than anything.  To me, the big issue in the Middle East, is a lack of strong government, and those that are strong seem to be nuts.  Another thing that irks me.....why isn't Saudi Arabia taking on some of these refugees?  What is Dubai's stance?