[Sabertooth]

The challenge for the Arabs is to see if the cadres of western educated young men can use their education to bring about change. They are opposed by formidable conservative opponents who allow no change at all.

The current situation is the result of the battle between the future and the past. This thought is the basis for the discussions between W and Bandar.

America and the West would not be well-served to educate cadres of young Arabs so long as Islam is a force in the Middle East and multiculturalism is a force in our universities.

We do not need to see the Industrialization of the Jihad.

[Valin]

America and the West would not be well-served to educate cadres of young Arabs so long as Islam is a force in the Middle East and multiculturalism is a force in our universities.

True, but if these people could change their society to one that leaves the middle ages behind it would be a very good thing.
Of course I am more than a little skeptical that they could get any ideas about freedom, progress, the marketplace of ideas,....at most American universities.

[bert]

"We do not need to see the Industrialization of the Jihad"

This statement indicates the complete misunderstanding of the forces of change that are underway. That is, a misunderstanding of the conflict and of the parties involved. The statement is an oxymoron.

Industrialization is already well underway and has been for let's say 30 years. Those who favor jihad oppose any change in the preindustrial status quo. They especially oppose an industrial society and all the sinful baggage that comes with it.

There are many American educated Arabs who are not Islamic zealots and who are attempting to use their education and Western contacts to improve their society at all levels. There are many who shun education and who have problems in a changing society because they can't compete. They respond by retreating to Islamic zealotry to stop the change.