If we can also force the corrupt inbred house of saud to end their theocratic tyranny, and allow all of saudi society to enter the 3rd millenium, we will be even better served.
Ed

Everyone will be better off, Ed.

As we all know, the problem goes back to religion.... that is dated 600-700AD and is taken to the extreme by the masses, often without regard for the religion itself, but to empose tyranny and control, etc. If they could see or even let themselves be led to see the truth.

It's hard to embrace your neighbors while you're trying to wake them up from a nightmare. At the moment, Afghanistan is the luckiest one in the region...IMHO at least they now have freedom and a promise for a better tomorrow. They also display a great sense of pride and they have my respect because they know when to say (politely), 'that's enough (military) help now, thank you' (I'm referring to when recently, the Brits and several other allies offered to give military/police assistance). They have taken some additional help now though. I hope they'll make it... they seem to want a Democracy and know the difference between economics, politics and religion. I hope they will be strong and vigilant in keeping the tyrants away (Taliban/Al Quaeda mob).

What does that have to do with Iraq, Syria and Jordan? Syria and Jordan have some internal mob problems and so does the rest of the Arab world, but Iraq's tables may turn in that the people may just turn on Sadaam. Best scenario and end result there.

Marcia