This across-the-board agreement among us here, who so often are as opposed as can be on many issues, speaks well for the Cause being fought for as Just in its own right.

With that in mind: the defense of liberty we undertake must continue past the defeat of the Taliban regime and the apprehension [or death] of bin Laden, the rest of Al-Quaida, and terroists of every stripe no matter where they hide. Personal liberty includes, at a very miinimum, basic human rights. We cannot, in good faith, turn a blind eye to certain violators because they have been allies.

The days of the Ugly America that propped up puppets like Marcos, Shah Reza Pahlavi and many others ought to be long gone. To really win the war against terrorism includes proving to the world at large that we practice what we preach.

If Dostum is a loose cannon, as he certainly seems to be, let him roll overboard. If he causes another to be crushed under a tank, put his head on a pike at the main gate. In the style to which the forces of warlords have become well accustomed, there is likely at least one underling waiting for his chance to be on top, anyway, who will be grateful for the assistance.

E'

PS: Anyone else noticing the growing similarities to Dune?