A faction willing to take the risks of making war on the ossified status quo in the Middle East can be described as many things, but not as conservative.

Remember, David, the middle class have to be kept under control. They understand that, and police themselves. Not with guns and gulags, but with social codes. The right way to have sex, treat your wife, flirt at tennis parties or start an affair. There are unspoken rules we all have to learn.

I respect those who say that the United States should simply withdraw from the Middle East, but I don't respect them for anything but their honesty.

The status quo sucks.

The status quo is simply unacceptable.

Just because the question can be answered doesn't mean that anyone is obliged to answer it, or that it ought to be asked.