[Vermont Lt]

You asked...so please dont take this as me defending them.

I watched a show on Islam last night on the History channel. They actually rules from Spain to China in the middle ages. The Ottoman empire was a pretty big deal for a while too.

Long story short, the Arab world kicked butt for a long, long time.

But then again, Frank Gifford looked good in the 60's and I could kick his butt now!

Remember, you asked.

[roses of sharon]

I'm talking about RECENT history.

It is true that they were once great, I always loved reading about the Ottoman empire. It seems to be a rather romantic history.

It is to bad they have sunk to current levels, it is a lesson for all.