[onewhippedpuppy]

The only difference is, with the exception of the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, our troops were in place in the interest of those country's domestic security, aka protect the oil. Still, in most cases they wanted/ needed us there. I agree that in some ways this war may not be winnable. The only way we will have a chance is to promote change from within arab countries. If we can win the proverbian hearts and minds, it may be the key to reversing the hate of our culture. Otherwise, if those people aren't convinced that freedom and democracy is the way to live, as soon as we do pull out, another militant islamic regime of some sort will again take hold. Plus, if we hang them out to dry now, they'll just hate us more.