American local news stations are known for focusing on regional and national news, and then devoting a small segment to news elsewhere. In some cases, this segment is actually called 'The World Minute.'

Many Americans make a great effort to keep themselves informed of what goes on in the rest of the world. But it's not the same as actually being somewhere else, seeing America through other eyes. And, of course, there are also many Americans who don't make this effort and are kept ignorant of much of what goes on by the poor quality of American mainstream media.

Most Americans don't realize that America has helped the Taliban in the past and is in part responsible for the strong position the Taliban now enjoys in Afghanistan. Without knowing all the facts, many Americans will form opinions about recent events that are based upon emotion and ignorance.

I would except most of those who post to this board, who are very well informed and do an excellent job of keeping up on world events and American policy. Here, at least, can be found people whose views are based on knowledge as well as politics.

So let me second Ed's request that you continue to contribute your views. How else are we going to learn how America is seen by the rest of the world, how the words and actions of America's leaders are perceived beyond US borders?

By the way, I agree with your comments about Bush's speech and use of terms such as 'God is not neutral' and 'crusade.' That is only throwing fuel onto the 'holy war' fire. Something that neither America nor the world really needs.

Also, I believe I have seen someone else on this board make a suggestion similar to yours. (Maybe it was gbaikie?) The US should seize this opportunity, if possible, to push for a comprehensive peace in Israel. We are all so used to the prospects for this appearing to be impossible, that the notion of peace there now seems ridiculous. But it isn't. All things are possible when determined men are willing to fight for them. This tragedy and coming war provide a perfect chance for the US to state it is just as opposed to terror in Israel when carried out by Israelis as it is when carried out by Palestinians. Bush could seize the day and carve his place in history as the man who finally brought about an Arab-Israeli peace.

I almost always read any post you submit. Thanks for being willing to take the other side of the issue and post another point of view.