The type of changes I'm talking about only work when they happen gradually. In most cases people deciding to "do things" only slows them down or reverses them. The last decade is a good indicator of that.

As in all human endeavors it's a matter of leading by example. Show the benefits of secular logic and an embrace of science. Embrace the people that immigrate from the area and allow the benefits of a diverse and open culture to alter their perception of how humanity should exist. If there are criminal acts against us, mete out the justice against the individuals that commit the acts, not an entire culture or country. Be brave in your response. Don't sit back and lob bombs indiscriminately.

Of course there are huge risks of going slowly but it's suicide to go quickly. Everyone wants an assurance of safety. We keep forgetting that life on our planet will never be safe. Even if we figure out how not to kill each other, some super volcano might do us all in in a heartbeat. Bottom line is you can't fear the worst. You can only prepare as best you can to put the odds in your favor while not alienating everyone else.

The Taliban's biggest weapon against us and largest recruiting tool is pointing out our greed and hypocrisy. Our biggest weapon is to eliminate that advantage.

Art