"How Long Must We Sing This Song?"

General Petraeus has called on the Iraqis to reject violence. Let’s take a look at some of the headlines from the Middle East: “ Bombings killed seven U.S. soldiers in Baghdad and a southern city, the U.S. military said Sunday, and the country's Sunni vice president spoke out against a proposed oil law, clouding the future of a key benchmark for assuring continued U.S. support for the government;” 39 killed in Lebanese violence; 8 dead after Israel hits Hamas dwelling; Eight killed as Israel launches new strike on Gaza; Israel kills 9; 8 in raid on Hamas official's home, Lebanon army fights militants, blast hits Beirut.

There are many more stories with similar headlines and they are all just as depressing. From thee looks of things, neither the Iraqis nor anyone else in the Middle East are listening to the general. We have been repeatedly told that the violence in Iraq, Lebanon, Gaza and the Palestinian areas are the result of the actions of the few. And yet, the most powerful nations on earth have been unable to end the violence. There over 26 million people in Iraq. If everyone is so opposed to violence, why can’t these 26 million people stand tall and say, “Enough is enough?”

Let’s go a step further. Why aren’t the religious leaders in Iraq and the Middle East trying to put a stop to the violence? While one might possibly understand their quarrel with the West, how does their religion support self slaughter?

When we first invaded Iraq, I supported ending the Hussein regime. The rule of all dictators should come to an end. But as soon as the Iraqis elected their own government, that would have been the time to leave. Truly, hindsight is 20/20. I seriously question why we continue to stay in Iraq. With what appears to be a culture of violence and a society that is apathetic to its own future and the lives of their loved ones, what do we hope to gain by our continued presence? We are told that if we leave there will be a blood bath. It seems that there is already a blood bath and our troops are right in the way. Perhaps if we left the Iraqi people would be forced to make a stand against the terrorists and hypocrites that plague their country. Perhaps if we left the true enemy of freedom would be exposed and the people would finally get sufficient courage to end the idiocy that haunts their every waking moment.

And as far as Gaza and Lebanon, when is the UN going to have the courage to put an end to the constant attacks on Israel? If they don’t do it, Israel will and the conflict will only escalate out of control. Perhaps it is already out of control! The world cannot continue to tolerate the hatred of the few controlling the happiness and destiny of the many. Major players in the Middle East and the UN must get together and do what needs to be done so the world can move on and address other pressing issues.