I would have to say from reading this thread that none of us have a very deep understanding of this part of the world. But that does not make anyone here stupid, just that we are typical Americans. A paragraph's worth of info will suffice for a conflict that is historical, monumental and multi-faceted.
I am not the last word on the subject, but I do know that some serious reading is required before being able to discuss it intelligently. Don't fall for the bumper sticker version.
