Is the Truce offer genuine? Will it be considered?

[LiberalAndProud]

I saw something on tv but was busy mourning the sorry state of the Union. Hubby said commentator (MSNBC) said something stupid.

What's the scoop? Is Bush telling him we have all the money we want and all the soldiers we need to continue warring into the next millenium. Because I know for a fact, Bush is a LIAR!

Re-pu-licans ... :shrug:

[punpirate]

1. I think...

... "truce" has to remain in quotes--it's probably an interpretation applied by the western press to make people think Bush is gaining the upper hand.

The last thing Bush wants is a genuine end to the war and to terrorism. That would put an end to his claim to authority. And, so far, to justify that assertion, his approach to international relations has been aggressive and contentious, and far from diplomatic (see Bolton).

The roots of the current Islamist movement are in the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt, and its unflagging principle is to rid the Middle East of western influence. With bin Laden controlling the money and al-Zawahiri shaping the religious nationalism, there's little doubt that they'll go on wanting all aspects of the West purged from predominantly Muslim countries. They're a lot like Bush--they all think they have god on their side.

Cheers.

[LiberalAndProud]

2. Is there a transcript somewhere?

There are forces at work who profit from endless war. It will go on and on.

Do you suppose we could just let the religious zealots fight it out among each other and leave the rest of us out of it? Can't we just send Bush, Rove, Gannon, Limbaugh, Hannity and Pat Robertson over with guns and flack jackets? Can't we?

Please?

[punpirate]

3. A transcript is here...

... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4628932.stm


The word "truce" is mentioned a couple of times, so it could be--or is dependent upon the translation.

Nevertheless, the word appears in the context of leaving Iraq and Afghanistan to theocratic Islamism and preventing the flow of oil profits from those countries to the US. How likely is Bush to agree to that?

Yes, I think it would be wonderful to have every chickenhawk in the US fitted up with combat gear (maybe extra batteries for Cheney) and dumped in the desert and let them duke it out with their enemies while the rest of us get along with our lives. But, how likely is that to happen, either?

[Neil Lisst]

4. No, it's a legit offer of truce. It's a ploy.

It would be a mistake to impute any good or noble motives to Osama. He's a brutal killer, not to be trusted. He's simply trying to play the international community, knowing that Bush would beat his chest and reject any offer.

Osama wants Bush in power. He's just playing mind games.