1. I get the opinion that you regard 911 as more of a police action rather than a war with radical Islamist factions whatever their gang names. Not I.

I specifically said both a war and those responsible need to be brought to justice. Court or Hellfire missile, I don't really care.

5. We've tried to fix Israel/Palestine. Clinton to his credit literally did everything possible. The better course of action is ignore the Palestinian losers and let them stew for a while until they're ready to settle. Like an alcoholic needs to fall to the depths before being willing and able to do what's needed to begin recovery. In my opinion, that's what we're doing. I hope so.

Slight difference - I think both sides are as bad as each other. Arafat clearly a problem, Sharon also, though he seems to be changing tune a little with Gaza pullout. There are significant factions on both sides that would like nothing better than to see the other annihilated.
Ignoring the Palestinians doesnt seem to be working either. Cut both sides aid now. See how long it takes to get em back to the table.
Recent revolts against arafat possibly a good sign - surpised it hasn't been discussed more.

7. OK - man I just hate this reasonableness stuff
:-D
8. Don't think you'll get much economic reform without some strong political reform. I don't think I or the admin means a virtual clone of Western Democracies though. Some unique Middle Eastern cultural synthethis appropriate to the indigenous people's needs and comfort.

Agree completely. How to do it is another matter. We (US/UK) have been screwing around in the region for last 100 years - from Palestine to Shah to Iraq. Have we learnt from our mistakes yet? Or are we about to make new ones?

Oh P, we were so nearly in agreement........

9. Screw the arrogant duplicitous French & Brussels. My money's on New Europe and Asia.

Maybe you should change the neo-con point 8.
Francophone opinion of the US should not be a primary focus of American foreign policy.
(you basically get a three-fer)