Nobody can make the people in the Middle East conform to some agenda.

[Are_grits_groceries]

NOBODY!
President Obama can make a speech, work diplomatically in back channels, and even threaten to pull our aid. He will never do the last.

That area has been a hotbed of hate, intrigue, and different religious views for centuries. They remember every slight, battle, and event back to the beginning of time. Many hold all of them as grudges.

In addition, it is hard to tell enemies, friends, and frenemies. They all fight on one level, collude with certain groups on another, and do gawd knows what on a third story.

This hot mess makes the Gordian Knot look like a granny knot. We desperately need to get out not least because we are basically clueless.

[Skidmore]

1. I agree and as long as

other groups outside of the region rub salt in those wounds for profit or religion it will continue. Security spending also creates an industy ested in fomenting conflict.

[lalalu]

2. Both claim some ancient pact with the land.

How can you argue with that line? It's so irrational that there is nothing rational they will listen to. They will fight each other until no one and nothing is left. I just hope the mushroom cloud doesn't drift our way.

[HopeHoops]

3. All they need is a mid-fence Super WalMart and Drive Through fast food at every crossing.

Hey, it works in the states.