Thank you for your posts and perspective Rumlyne! I've always thought that despite the US's intentions and efforts, we just make a BAD situation even worse in the sandbox with our presence there. WE can't fix it....it's that simple imo....do we destroy OUR country trying..,.I dunno
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I'd pull out, then issue the "religious site" ultimatum if the terrorist attacks continue.
I equate this to some of the misconceptions regarding why many dirt poor southerners fought the civil war....it wasn't about slavery to many. Foreign troops invade lands your ancestors have lived on, YOUR homeland....and you fight like hell with any means necessary...it's human nature.