Should be make peace with political extremists?

United States
February 16, 2009 1:54pm CST
Since so many people are against war under most circumstances, should we try to make peace with the political extremists? All wars are costly, and that is one thing people complain about only second to the lives that are lost. So what is the answer? When 9/11 happened most of the people who complained about the war would have probably supported the war as long as it was not their family going off to war. So what is the answer?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@stealthy (8181)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Pacifism in the face of extrimist has been shown not to work over and over throughout history. The extremist just take over and dominate and usually kill a lot of people. Reagan brought an end to the cold war by making a stronger stand than had been done in the past which is an example that strength is the only language that works. If one fights against extremist than at least one has a chance, but if one surrenders than they will be slaughtered.
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Feb 09
I agree...that is the only way.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
17 Feb 09
Trying to make peace with people who hate us, hate our way of life and want to kill us will not work and will be seen as a sign of weakness on our part. We need to learn from history. World leaders thought they had an agreement with Hitler, which he signed and then ignored. Political and religious extremists cannot be trusted to keep their word because they don't seek peace...they seek power.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
17 Feb 09
Everyone I know, and that includes those who are normally totally anti-war pretty much no matter what, was in favor of going into Afghanistan after 9/11 to get those who attacked us. Turning our back on that conflict in favor of going into Iraq, who had nothing to do with 9/11, is what made everyone complain. I have two nephews who recently returned from Afghanistan and I didn't complain about it then, I worried sick about them of course but my problem was that it had gotten as bad as it was in the beginning when it could have been over or close to it. Annie
@lampar (7584)
• United States
19 Feb 09
Not everyone against war under every circumstances, it is unjust war majority of people are against. War waged based on survival is different from war waged based on political ideology. Some are necessity while others are false pretense.
• United States
16 Feb 09
Great topic (disclaimer: when I use the term "you" I'm directing this post to a general audience) You can't bargain with political extremists. It's not possible. They don't understand compromise, only force. To say otherwise, is to be completely delusional. Let's say you are a peace-loving person willing to compromise; That extremist doesn't think or feel what you feel. Therefore, you have no common ground for negotiation. Extremists by their very nature, want to dominate
• United States
16 Feb 09
Sounds like war might be necessary then in some cases...it will be interesting to see what Obama thinks in the future.
• United States
16 Feb 09
I personally believe that our response to 911 was weak.