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will have been for naught. It is, to a great extent, what drove the Vietnam War. It is what perpetuates Americas failed "War on drugs." And it is the reason the U.S. military is finding it so very difficult to disengage from Iraq.

Despite the thousands of American deaths that have occurred there, the American people have been lead to believe that it is better to sacrifice the lives of more American Men and women, than to accede to the unthinkable possibility that that those who have given their lives for Justice, Democracy, and Freedom have died in vain,

Hell! Everyone who dies in war dies in vain!

No matter how great the cost in lives or dollars, failure to "stay the course" in the War on Terror is simply unacceptable. Incidentally, the total cost of the Iraq War to date is over $700 billion. That's enough money to effectively cut world hunger in half, and still cover the costs of life-preserving anti-AIDS medication, childhood immunization, and the clean-water and sanitation needs of the world's developing nations for almost three years.

But G.W. B. can't go there. No way! No how!

This is what he said to a safe audience at the United States Naval Academy. (Know your audience and how they will react.) His speech was carried by every American Radio and Television network.

"Today in the Middle East, freedom is once again contending with an ideology that seeks to sow anger and hatred and despair. And like fascism and communism before, the hateful ideologies that use terror will be defeated by the unstoppable power of freedom. And as democracy spreads in the Middle East, these countries will become allies in the cause of peace. Advancing the cause of freedom and democracy in the Middle East begins with ensuring the success of a free Iraq.

Freedom's victory in that country will inspire democratic reformers from Damascus to Tehran and spread hope across a troubled region, and lift a terrible threat from the lives of our citizens. By strengthening Iraqi democracy, we will gain a partner in the cause of peace and moderation in the Muslim world and an ally in the worldwide struggle against the terrorists. Advancing the ideal of democracy and self-government is a mission that created our nation, and now it is the calling of a new generation of Americans. We will meet the challenge of our time. We will answer history's call with confidence because we know that freedom is the destiny of every man, woman and child on this Earth."

Ending the War on Terror: One Possible Solution

So, how do we end the war on terror?
Capitalist Ingenuity

In order to save face for America, generate good will in the region, and ameliorate the high cost of this campaign, the logical course is to withdraw all troops from Iraq and move them to other locations throughout the Middle East. Specifically . . . you book large blocks of rooms at the at the Pyramisa Suites in Cairo for the Army Rangers, giving each of them a voucher for a Nile Cruise. Stash the Navy Seals at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa (they're used to tight quarters). Setup an early happy hour for the Special forces dudes at the Al Iwan in Damascus. Drop Airborne into the Tripoli Airport Hotel, sans weapons because the former "maniac" in charge there has turned into a world-class pussycat. You transport the infantry (in very large numbers) to the Esteghal Grand Hotel in Tehran (the overflow can stay in Esfahan with my ex-wife's family). Put the Marines at the Metropolitan in Beirut (a fitting holiday if ever there was one). And the CIA operatives can bunk four in a room at the Motel 6 in Kuwait.

Now, that's Freedom Democracy and Justice!

Learn more about this author, Alan Forray.
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