But I would give the most credit to the effect of classical culture (and the resulting values that developed) than the warfare.

This idea has been distilled down--probably a bit too much philosophically--in the policy that supporting the creation of democracy and human rights in the Middle East will do the most to combat the environment that breeds terrorism.

Obviously, the jury is still out on that until we see what actually happens, but it's a valid concept.

I'm not sure we have several centuries for Islam to play out this kind of moderation mechanism. For one thing, cavalry and artillary are much more destructive these days.

I just wish we only had to deal with cavalry, artillery, jets, and modern field weapons. Our troops would have been home a month after the war in Iraq started, and the World Trade Center would still be there.

We're on untraveled ground here as far as warfare is concerned, and still learning things the hard way.