Thank you Edith,

Islam was established in the 7th century. In a short time, Islam not only increased its followers in huge numbers as it conquered a big part of the world, but it achieved high cultural standards, not yet known at that time to the rest of the world. Over time the wheels of history turned and what we call now the "Western " world took over. Most of the Arab countries succumbed to colonialism and were degraded in many ways. Their standard of living today compared to Westerners nations - first and foremost the U.S.A. - is miniscule. The population is mostly poor, low-educated, have no say in government and impeded by dictatorships and archaic laws. If not for their oil, their achievements for mankind are close to nil.

The Islamic State's wealth in oil does not trickle down to the population. They have no freely elected parliament where just solutions can be found, so the only comfort they could find, is in the mosques. This Godly religion, combined with expressions of free people could catapult Islam into the 21st century. But the people are not free to act and God needs people to fulfil His commands. And so false prophets, who promise the greatness the people long for, pervert God's laws. The ways to act are given to them by God - they claim. Straight into their dirty hands and confused minds.

In the aftermath of WW II, after abandonment of colonialism, many new independent states with Islamic majorities were created. At the same time, as Islam gained independence, the dream for old greatness awoke as well.

The first steps of these newly free nations were to look for a "Saladdin," who could lead them to the old glory. Many volunteered and fought to become the Great Leader, to name a few - Abdul Natzer, Khaddafi, Khoumany, Saddam Hussein, Assad and today it is the great Osama bin Laden. The events of the 11th of September will go into Islam-history as victory against the Great Satan and made most of their people proud. Some pay lip service by words of condemnation, but in their heart doing damage to the west is sweet victory.

I heard today, how Americans living and working in many countries of the world are hiding their nationality. There are still proud, not ashamed, but afraid. And here at home, we are afraid too, in our own homes. The great help America had bestowed upon so many countries in the world has met with greatest ingratitude.

The world made a great mistake by not having the foresight to act wisely, that one ounce of prevention is better than a pound of medicine after the sickness hit. Israel's constant fight against terror was neglected, downplayed and even criticized. The forced and paid coalition will disintegrate as the power in the Islamic streets grows. One of the mass-demonstrations showed a picture of their hero and the title said: "Every Moslem is Bin Laden."

It may not be every Moslem. But, with the determination of theWestern nations, it is not so great either. The real coalition the USA can count on are Israel, England and yes, Germany.

Winston Churchill used to say: "The Americans always do the right thing... Eventually." Let's hope also this time.

I am Barry Cohen

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