I would argue, Steve, that it's hard, if not impossible, to reason with "radicals" of any religious, or political, persuasion. Radicals, or zealots, are convinced of their beliefs, without a shadow of a doubt. Radical Christians brought us the Crusades and the Inquisition, radical Jews recently fought to preserve settlements in Gaza. There are zealots in all religions, though I would agree that at the moment, radical Islam, is by far, the greatest threat among the major religions. I've seen no defense of radical Islam on this board.

On a somewhat related note, I'm in the middle of watching a 3 hour documentary related to the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians during Clinton's final year. It's fascinating, and oh so sad, as a deal would have been struck were it not for the coming to terms on how Jerusalem would be governed. In my view, zealots from both sides are fighting over real estate, and nothing more. From their perspectives, they are fighting over sacred territory that is worth dying over. It boggles my secular mind how hopelessly foolish, religious people can be, and, to my eyes, they are both radicals.

Peter T.