Hmm..
But as I recall, Christians and Jews aren't considered 'pagans'; or classed totally as 'unbelievers'. Islam is based upon the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the writings of Mohammed (sp?) (the Quran). And Jews and Christians are refered to by him in his writings as 'People of the Book'; just like the followers of Islam. Now that might not make them part of the immediate family, but according to those writings, they ARE relatives, of a sort. Perhaps, from his point of view, a bit misguided, but not enemies.
Of course, some of the dealings between western 'civilization' and the Middle East could hardly be considered a conversation between friends; the Crusades would definitely not give an impression of 'friendliness'. However, even though religion was 'involved' (at least the organization of religion - read church hierarchy); it's also true that, in many places, communities of Jews and early Christians co-habited peacefully with surrounding Muslims; at least until that point.
Of course, the quick demise of the Taliban and the Baath party governments, when they p*ssed us off enough, might have had an influence, too.
If I'd been him, I'd certainly have taken steps to get my country off any list of 'future troublemakers to be handled' countries.
Interestingly enough, North Korea suddenly dropped it's demand for talking only with the US just recently, as well. Of course, they might have been a bit closer to the top of the list than Libya...:)
As someone said elsewhere; "Walk softly and carry a big stick" works - once you swing the stick a time or two just to show what it's there for.
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Hmm.. But as I recall, Christians and Jews aren't considered 'pagans'; or classed totally as 'unbelievers'. Islam is based upon the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the writings of Mohammed (sp?) (the Quran). And Jews and Christians are refered to by him in his writings as 'People of the Book'; just like the followers of Islam. Now that might not make them part of the immediate family, but according to those writings, they ARE relatives, of a sort. Perhaps, from his point of view, a bit misguided, but not enemies. Of course, some of the dealings between western 'civilization' and the Middle East could hardly be considered a conversation between friends; the Crusades would definitely not give an impression of 'friendliness'. However, even though religion was 'involved' (at least the organization of religion - read church hierarchy); it's also true that, in many places, communities of Jews and early Christians co-habited peacefully with surrounding Muslims; at least until that point.
Of course, the quick demise of the Taliban and the Baath party governments, when they p*ssed us off enough, might have had an influence, too. If I'd been him, I'd certainly have taken steps to get my country off any list of 'future troublemakers to be handled' countries. Interestingly enough, North Korea suddenly dropped it's demand for talking only with the US just recently, as well. Of course, they might have been a bit closer to the top of the list than Libya... :)
As someone said elsewhere; "Walk softly and carry a big stick" works - once you swing the stick a time or two just to show what it's there for.
The 'services rendered' COULD be considered 'proof-reading' the bill... No more outrageous than what the company's doing to him, after all...
Yeah, why don't you say that to O.J. Simpson?
Isn't it interesting how we get around the "double jeopardy" rule by trying folks for the same crime in both criminal and civil court?
...it looks as if Canopy + SCO upper management hold just over 50% of the SCO stock, or at least have it on option.