[Moses]

Let me start by saying I am not in favor of the military excursion in Iraq. Nor am I a lefty apologist who thinks America is responsible for most what's wrong in the world. We are still a superpower, and everywhere we go leaves a bigger footprint.

Here's how I see it; The Mullahs and Imams and Saddams have one thing in common. They cling to power with the tenacity of a pit bull. To keep power, they imprison and murder the political opposition, even relatives. Some are religious hardliners, some are secular power brokers. They may not fear death, but loss of power is unthinkable.

Why not announce to the world that we intend to establish a covert-ops superfund. Tell the third world that we intend to infiltrate every level of government, buying and stealing secrets in an attempt to thwart terrorism. If our clandestine research reveals credible evidence that your nation has knowingly supported, harbored or sheltered terrorist organizations, you will be removed from power. There will be no invading army or occupying force. No attempt at nation building. Your leaders will simply disappear. Perhaps in the middle of the night at the hands of a team of specialists, perhaps in a single blinding flash of a cruise missle as your government assembles. Whatever new leaders arise to fill the leadership vacuum of your departure is of no consequence to us. We will deliver to them the same message you just received; we will not abide the sanctioning of terrorists.

Perhaps with the proper "motivation" the Saudi royal family and the Mullahs and Imams might actually police themselves.

Just a thought.