It's excruciatingly painful to assist a tribal population to move out of tribalism and into a civic political mode. It can't be done 'overnight'. After all, tribalism is based on obligations and expectations from bloodlines, from hereditary kin. You don't throw those out as you would a vote in a civic parliament.

But, it has to happen. The populations of the ME after the World Wars became too large for a tribal system of organization - but the suddenly oil-enriched tribe-in-power had no intention of giving up its years of power and enabling a modern new middle class to develop. The result? Islamic fascism, which was exported to the West, to 'get rid of the anger' which ought to have been internally directed at those oil-rich dictators.

So, it will take time, but it's vitally important. You can't have a global world with some parts operating in the 7th century and other parts in the 21st century; that's a recipe for disaster, as any biologist/chemist would tell you.

We have to thank the US for its courage in pushing Islamic fascism back into the ME, where the people there realize they don't want it; they want modern economies and societies.

The Al Qaeda fascists will turn to openly criminal activities (drugs, kidnappings) as their ideology crumbles.

We have to be vigilant that we don't allow multicultural isolationism in the West to continue, for that enables Islamic fascism to develop in the West.

After watching the last dog & pony show in September, my feelings go out to the General for having to sit there and play target to the pompous arrogant blowhards that are doing nothing other than feathering their own political nest. I feel for the Ambasador too but at least he is used to dealing with political leaders that are idiots. I'm sure Gen Petraeus sometimes wishes he was back where the only snipers shooting for him were the enemy.

Speaking of "pompous arrogant blowhards that are doing nothing other than feathering their own political nest", I see Hillary is now calling for the US military withdrawl from Iraq to begin.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080408/Petraeus_congress_080408/20080408?hub=QPeriod

I guess one of the prerequisites for being a 4 star general is the ability to keep from strangling the crap out of ignorant presidential wanabees who have never even thought of putting on a uniform.

Funny how 4 short years later, the Presidential candidate's military record (or lack thereof) is no longer an issue. Kerry was somehow a hero, what with his band-aid purple hearts and stylish 'nuance' and metrosexuality.

To the MSM, McCain is never referred to as a former fighter pilot. In thier eyes, he's only a former POW. (Plays well with the MSM's anti military stance).

Meanwhile, here in Canada, dreamy-eyed leftards will once again pay huge money as the philandering disbarred lawyer Clinton embarks on his second cross country 'speaking tour'.

Did anyone notice the general behind Petraeus looks like he was ready to bite off Carl Leven's head! Ha... Maybe Levin, and that Canadian guy who hangs out in mens bathroom stalls, can get together someday! Oh well, quoting from a SDA blogger: "And the guppies who bob in our media fishbowl will simply blink, gulp, and swim on!"

CBC's Henry Chimp says.. "A lot of people are unhappy with general Petraeus's answers!"

Meanwhile a New Toronto Drama is unfolding. Guns and gunshot victims all over the place ... police following blood trail through "quiet" neighbourhood where falafel shops and ethnic grocers abound!
David Miller expected to be on TV withing minutes to demand that banned guns be re-banned!

Obama wants a timetable for success in Iraq or the troops will come home!! How do you set a timetable for a war??

Save the free world from this imbecil.

******Save the free world from this imbecil*****

do not be bad mouthing imbecils!!!!!!!

One can not miss how clear and articulate Obama can be expressing his views.

Always calm, never shrill and surprisingly respected by his more senior opponents.

Just saying, one has to admit HE is the contender. Goodbye Hillary. = TG

The related link to Michael Totten has this gem

"Women make up slightly more than fifty percent of the population in Fallujah, but they are perhaps only two percent of the visible population."

Imagine being ashamed of your women.

Are there any Vietnam vets that post here? Just wondering.

Is there any reason to believe Petraeus's testimony? What makes you think that he is doing anything other than his job and putting as happy a face as he can on the situation?

The surge, after all was temporary - and now permanent.

The occupation itself was supposed to be over in 2003 with no nation building.

He just says whatever he's supposed to. That's why he's the spokesman.

Ken:"Is there any reason to believe Petraeus's testimony?"

You forgot to include in your comment that nifty rhyme with "betray us!" that you like to sing in the shower. Also, judging from the rest of your comments don't forget to pick up your white cane. A guy as blind as you could get injured going out in public where you could accidentally get in the way of hard facts.

"Martin B." of "hard facts":

What hard facts? Or are you just the new PC police? Question the government and you must be blind! Huh?

I've got some Florida real estate you might like to consider!

mjh. that imbicel is reflective of a very large portion of the american and canadian population. aint that scary.

Ken, do you believe the US government is ultimately responsible for 9-11? Do you believe that World Trade Center Tower 7 wasn't brought down by terrorists? Do you believe that Bush doesn't care about the price of victory in Iraq? Do you believe that Al Qaeda terrorists will just leave us all be if we play nice? Did you buy carbon credits to offset your last vacation?

This is a blindness test and to be honest I'm not expecting much of a score. Your knowledge and acceptance of hard facts (or lack thereof) will determine if you're worth continuing any kind of intelligent discussion. Again, I expect you'll give the usual lazy one sentence factless pseudo-indignant response common to tinfoil hat wearing moonbats, but hey, surprise me.