Thank you Edith,

The history of mankind in the short past went through hot wars, cold wars and settled relaxed into the soothing embrace of the all over strengthening Democracy. But the historians of the future will describe the present era as state of confusion, the severe consequences of which, are yet unknown to us. President Bush recognized the severity of the situation correctly when he stated that the fight against terrorism would take a very long time. The question is, what has and what can be done in this period of time? And this nobody knows. It was always easy to fight sword against sword, man against man, gun against gun. One could recognize not only the border, but the flag and even the uniform of the opponent. In case of injury, the physician could easily amputate a limb, or a wart from the nose, but how does one extricate even a miniscule cancer cell from the inside of a body? And the body may be our own body or the body of the terrorist, who may be our own friendly neighbor.

Since September 11th, we heard more statements about Islam as peaceful religion, than ever before. And this is right, nobody should judge this, or any other religion in a derogative way. But fact is, that some if Islam's laws command and still practice the fight against other believers till death. To complicate matters even more, there are not only individual Moslems, but also secular Arab governments who are afraid for their existence from the scorch of extreme fanatics. In these countries losses of life and freedom are enormous. Algiers, Sudan, Egypt, Somalia, Syria and Iran are just a few examples. The rulers of these countries watch their streets with concern and play, as they see fit, the tunes of radicalism and or appeasement. These forceful seesaw tactics exclude the possibility of democracy ever to take hold.

As a vivid example we notice the dysfunctional relationship with the House of Saud. This country, as it is perceived a moderate state and friend of the USA, likes American Dollars and a shield against Iraq. But bases against terrorists on Saudi soil are forbidden. The Saudis finance with huge amounts the "Wahhabis," who are teaching the most radical fundamentalism all over the world. By assisting the radicals, the Saudis and other Arab governments try to safeguard themselves from the rage of the street.

The Arab masses that in spite of the richness of oil are still neglected and underprivileged are easy prey for false prophets and promises. Many Moslems take the evil misinterpretations of the terrorists and accept them for their true religion. They also see the successes of the terrorists as a sign of ordained victory, which strengthens them in their ill-chosen belief.

The greatest importance of America's victory in Afghanistan was not the partially elimination of Taliban and al-Quaida, but the demonstration of power and determination to use it. If this would not have been the case, America would have lost all respect and encouraged even more the world's merciless opponents.

The same goes also for Israel in its deadly struggle for survival. Israel, who has enough strength to eradicate all aggressors, pussyfoots around the murderers, shoots at empty buildings and hopes ridiculously for understanding and acceptance. Israel has to dare to face the truth. Israel has to believe in its right, its strength and its God - and act accordingly.

I am Shlomo Fleischmann

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