On not being friends with the Islamists.

Good post here about the non-necessity of cuddling up to the Islamists.

One point not addressed is our supposed dependence on Middle Eastern petroleum. I'm sure I'm like many Americans, I keep thinking we "need" their oil but in fact we've plenty of our own in areas like the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). It might not be enough to sustain present oil prices but it would definetly be a big boost towards energy independence and eventually thumbing our noses at these creeps.

They on the other hand, need our support and backing to keep their economies afloat and their governments in power. Something Fitzgerald seems to think they should be reminded of before we try for "greater understanding".