[jyl]

Terrorism doesn't just "exist", it has causes.

The fewer causes, the fewer terrorists.

Let's ask a hypothetical. If there never had been an Israel and hence no Arab-Israeli conflict, then today would there be nearly as many unemployed radicalized young Muslims in the Middle East who see the United States as a hated enemy and are thus potential terrorist recruits? Clearly not.

Another. There is an Israel and there was a conflict. But if, 15 years ago, the Arabs and the Israelis had peacefully resolved their conflict and the Palestinians were today secure, hopeful and prosperous, today would there be nearly as many such recruits? Most likely not.

Finally. If, in the next 10 years, the Arabs and the Israelis peacefully resolve their conflict and the Palestinians become secure, hopeful and prosperous, then in 25 years will there be be nearly as many such recruits? Probably not.

We're going to have to control terrorism in many different ways. Increased border and domestic security is one. Pressure on governments that fund and support terrorists - stating with our friends the Saudis - is another. Law enforcement and military operations, international if possible, unilateral when unavoidable, to disrupt terrorist activities is another. And a part of this should be, must be, to attack the causes of terrorism. That will very likely mean pressuring the Israelis and the Palestinians to reach a sort of peace.

It is difficult and costly to find and kill terrorists. The fewer reasons people have for becoming terrorists in the first place, the better.

By the way, and this is directed not only at bryanthompson, how about if we try to be a little less aggressive and personal in these discussions. Throwing around put-downs like "elitist drivel" (or, for that matter, "dumb hick") is getting pretty close to simple name-calling.