Of course, Saudi Arabia would be the easiest . .

Post #11,645 by Andrew Grygus 10/3/01 9:43:21 PM Reply	Of course, Saudi Arabia would be the easiest . . . . country to occupy. There's hardly anyone there, and most of those that are are foreign workers being abused. It would also give us the leverage of holding Mecca hostage. [link\|http://www.aaxnet.com\|AAx]
Post #11,647 by Ashton 10/3/01 10:04:44 PM Reply	It would be GOOD for us next to do something totally unexpected. Not lethal - in fact, at risk to ourselves - taking great pains not to create even One new martyr: Like, occupying Saudiland as you suggest. Our shield? A few rather large mortars aimed at that little tent in Mecca. (Suitably publicized). Thus: aim-at the same sort of Icon as ... our destroyed Icon of Unrestrained Capitalism. Tit for er tat. This last - to disabuse any of the locals, fresh from training class, of seeking Murican-style Fame. Can damn well bet the Sheikhs aren't about to do a Saddam and torch the oil fields, just to Show Us. Lose all those AC-equipped Mercedes? Then we talk turkey, 'negotiate' a binding stable 5 year oil price schedule - time enough for us to get off asses, discover hydrogen... and a few other items no one wanted to pay attention to last quarter, when money was free. Yup: Surprise! there's the play wherein we'll catch the conscience of the Sheikhs. (Part II is classified) OK now that it's secret - let's get busy. Ashton Clausewitz Bonaparte
Post #11,694 by dmarker2 10/4/01 3:22:53 AM Reply	Re: Of course, Saudi Arabia would be the easiest . . Hmmmm US holding mecca hostage Hmmmmmmm Anyone want a clear definition of 'screaming hordes' or perhaps 'fanatical screaming hordes' - (better still, anyone willing to see either (really dying to see them perhaps) (VB grin) Doug
Post #11,730 by Steven A S 10/4/01 10:25:27 AM Reply	I agree any attack or threat of attack on Mecca would only ensure the support of ALL Islamic countries in the Jihad against America. This would be a Very Bad Thing. ~~~)-Steven----
Post #11,758 by rsf 10/4/01 12:15:32 PM Reply	Not such a bad idea at least it would clarify exactly who the enemy is. Ray
Post #11,765 by marlowe 10/4/01 12:32:49 PM Reply	It might also extend who the enemy is. To destroy Muslim holy places would foreclose the option of installing a reformed Islam. If there actually are a significant number of moderate Muslims out there, this would turn them against us for sure. And besides, it makes us look petty. Also, just because some people make a religion out of commerce doens't mean it should be regarded as such. Think of the impact on tax revenues! [link\|http://www.angelfire.com/ca3/marlowe/index.html\|http://www.angelfir...e/index.html]

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