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In reply to #10, I totally agree and understand the affects and potential harm that can be caused as a result of "interference" by outside nations wanting their agenda's addressed. Is it right? Simple answer is of course 'no", however the geo-political realities of the 20th century are such "if hindsight could have been foresight we would all be in a more peaceful place." The U.S. is hardly an innocent bystander, and I hope I was not misinterpreted. To add to your statement regarding the overthrow of an elected government, the U.S. backed a cruel dictator in South Vietnam to prevent the potential communist candidate from gaining power. This is disturbing to me on many levels, but again we must always consider the mindset of our elected officials as well as the geo-political circumstances.  I have much compassion for the innocent people killed in the Middle East, it is horror magnified. It is unfortunate that the "ideas" that freedom and liberty and the aspiration they hold have not found a true home in this area of the world. I am of the belief that human beings, all of us, want to be free.

Unfortunately, it's not just the government's responsibility.  We as citizens should also be stepping up and telling them...our elected officials...what we want for our country and ourselves.

By the way, it seems to me that a leader of this nation should be willing to say the pledge of allegiance and wear a flag pin on his lapel.  If you can't uphold the principles of the nation, why should you be elected to run it?

I absolutely agree that our citizens should exercise their rights to express to their elected officials what we would like to see happen.  This is why I do not understand why some people do not exercise their right to vote.  For me, voting is not only necessary, it is great privilege in this country and one many take for granted!

The Middle East is a strategic position in the world. It is the center of the East. There america has oil, terrorism to conquer ( at least thats what they claim), and alliances to create. The US by no means are there trying to save other countries for no reason. Every action that the government makes is for the good of the United States. 

The United States would put thousands of our soilders lives at risk 1) crappy information 2) retaliation and elimination of governments that do not play well with the United States and are blocking what we want to get done 3) to maintain the alliances the US has over there because without them US would be dark and lonely. 4) Oil 5) Oil 6) Oil 7) We are stuck there because if we pull out now the iraq government will crumble and US might loose credibility (not that we haven't already lost it) from the world stage. 8) Iran is has a psychotic dictator that is VERY questionable 

This topic is so broad. There are so many answers. But all in all our presence in the Middle east seems to be vital for our survival. I agree with whoever talked about WWIII because it seems like we are on the brink of it. 

In reply to #10: Absolutely true....like I said the United States is not without sin here, however I 'know' others nations also share the responsibility of the Middle Easten mess but not much of the blame.