What is greed??

[30ashopper]

Devout belief that yours is the only truth can encourage radicalism or desperation if society doesn't conform to your belief. Wouldn't you agree that both can be contributory? There's nothing wrong with devout belief, but I've no doubt that intolerance of others beliefs inspires radicalism.

Sure, but in terms of what the major factors are that influence radicalism - poverty, oppression, lack of opportunity, I think are the real culprits. Radicalism in enlightened societies is usually much more constructive.

 

[Alicia Leonard]

Sure, but in terms of what the major factors are that influence radicalism - poverty, oppression, lack of opportunity, I think are the real culprits. Radicalism in enlightened societies is usually much more constructive.

So, would one think that through our occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, that many of the occupants of those two countries view our presence as oppressive, and that would fuel the extremist factions we are dealing with?

 

[30ashopper]

So, would one think that through our occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, that many of the occupants of those two countries view our presence as oppressive, and that would fuel the extremist factions we are dealing with?

Two different cases I think. The Northern Alliance had been active since the early 90s trying to get the United States involved in Afghanistan. They finally got their wish - too bad we didn't pay closer attention sooner. A majority of Afghanis sided with that group. The Taliban was perceived as an invading force.

In Iraq I think short term we have seen both opposition from the party of power and from transplanted radicalism. Long term - democracy, if it holds, and Iraq’s immense wealth reserves will hopefully yield freedom and prosperity for the population. That should be very effective at combating radicalist views. I’m optimistic about the prospects. But in the mean time, obviously, we are seen as an invading, oppressive force. I'm not sure that is still the case with all our troop pull backs now though, I think that period of coming to an end. The decrease in violence seems to indicate this is the case.