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The party line is talk talk talk. When do you run out of breath.
Meanwhile, the Somalia pirates are killing civilians, the Iranians
are going nuclear, and yesterday the 2 opposition leaders in Tehran
were taken from there house arrest homes into custody somewhere.
N. Korea says they are a hair from going to war and making more nukes
while their people starve.

[quote author=kydsid link=topic=7920.msg42206#msg42206 date=1298983271]
Espionage != Diplomacy

Or do you just mean we have to have effective intel and really try to be diplomats? 
[/quote]

Yes. Effective intel.  Throw cash around.  Shoot people when necessary.  I am not a dove.  I just don't think we should always come down firmly on every situation around the globe when we don't even know how such intervention will play out.  There are legitimate concerns about the impending power vacuum in Libya for example.  We COULD air-strike Tripoli ala Ronnie.... but how would that effect the transition to the next government..... complicated questions.  Better to work behind the scenes.  Assess the players.  Throw cash and weapons.  Etc.....

[quote author=khomeinist link=topic=7920.msg42265#msg42265 date=1299007373]
Better to work behind the scenes.  Assess the players.  Throw cash and weapons.  Etc.....
[/quote]

Exactly what the U.S. has been doing for decades. It doesn't seem to always work, does it?

Hell, nobody knows what's going to happen in Egypt, now, either.  Except for the "[i]predominantly secular[/i]" Muslim Brotherhood.  They'll be playing a 'larger' role.  But hey, nothin' to worry about there...

 If the middle east was a powderkeg before, perhaps now that fuse has been lit.  Scary times.

To the article...my answer is that the fella has already apologized for the US being the US repeatedly.  What's there to fear from someone who's always making apologies for the country we live in.

With regard to N. Africa not liking us.  Who gives a shit?  They can join the club, and that club can go to hell as well. 

There's a shit ton of countries that hate us, but they sure do love the money we send em....this isn't high school and a popularity contest.  The US doesn't have to be prom king here.  BTW...there sure are a lot of folks that keep on coming over here....risking their life and families....yeah....the US is just atrocious.  What a hell hole.  ;)

^^^^^^ What he said.  ^^^^^

The Dems are good at smiling at your face while stabbing you in the back.

The Pubs excel at pissin in your face while everyone watches, sharpening their knives the entire time.

Up to you which is more effective or desirable.