This is muchmuchmuchmuch better than your other piece. It has a clear point. It is powerful. It is firm. It is passionate. I still wince at some of your comma placements, but I will keep my mouth shut about it this time. I was right, you are a great writer. Your other piece just needed some focus. Once again, this piece is more than adequate redemption for your other. It was an enjoyable read and thanks for sharing it.

bravo. i totally agree. the US is wasting their time in Iraq, since there are so many other countries in the world today that do not practice democracy. and why did Bush go to Iraq anyway? I thought he wanted to fight off terrorism, not get rid of a dictator and bring democracy to a country that has already seen enough bloodshed and destrution.

interesting and meaningful. you might want to re-read this and post it again, because at times certain sentences can be a bit hard to follow. you are absolutely right, however, that the two political parties in the u.s. have turned into this homogenous mass of similarly minded people who take opposite stances on issues.

Interesting. Just a note - You've rectified the spelling, but I'd like to point out that the name isn't even meant to be pronounced 'Ala'. It's pronounced 'Ull-aah', meaning God. Couldn't help nitpicking. :)

Your view on the peoples of Irap is interesting. Whilst I'm not disagreeing with you - quite the contrary in places - I wonder whether you've ever actually been there?

"The last 3 years are meaningless to most of these who are still living in the 7th century with hatred that goes back even further. We can not change the lives of a people who don't wish change. Granted, some of them are willing, and even yearn, for any kind of change that would bring relief from centuries of being bred in terror."

This made me laugh. I'm sorry. Tentatively...I'd suggest that you're being slightly histrionic. Whilst I've lived all my life in the UK, I have Iraqi relatives. I assure you, 7th century culture is not predominant. And um...bred in terror? Centuries? I can perhaps understand the rule of Saddam Hussain as marginally terrifying, but I wonder to what other regimes and leaders you are alluding?

Hatred since the 7th century...I'd like an elaboration. It would be good to see another chapter. Apart from that, a decent assertion of your point of view.

--Rowana

I'm impressed. Your essay is political, yet still eloquent and well thought out, even if I can sense your anger and frustation through your writing. Most of what you said is true, and I especially agree with "The United States of America as a melting pot worked because America was an empty POT, except for the easily forgotten Native Peoples, a clear SLATE. All those who came here, came here, with some of the same fundamental beliefs." You made a few grammatical errors, but nothing that can't be figured out. Once again, very well thought out. Nice work.

I totally agree with this essay. No modern Western civilization can work out exactly what has happened and is happening in the Middle East because it's been going on for centuries. Running in and shooting everyone will not help.

And you are also correct when you talk about our own supposedly "faultless" society(ies).

Oh, and it's "Allah" not "Ala". Apart from that, really good essay.

OM