On the subject of Islam, it seems there's so much stereotyping against it but also sympathy (from others). As one of the largest religions in the world in terms of number of believers and countries that practice it and its cultural and historical impact, Islam should be learned about and better understood if we desire a greater chance of peace and tolerance, which seems more and more unlikely. This interview with a former member of a militant Islamic organisation in Trinidad, has some interesting opinions and explanations on various aspects of Islam. Certainly the one about Saudi Arabia being like the Amish is quite amusing but it does ring a little true.

Fallujah has been secured and a crushing defeat inflicted on the Iraqi resistance. 50-plus Americans dead but over 1000 Iraqi resistance fighters killed, and many more civilians and non-combatants. The carnage is terrible and no doubt this 'victory' by the US will not lessen but only increase the bitterness and hatred of the locals against their 'occupiers/saviors'. Obviously the Americans are using fear and military might to win over the locals, as written in the second the double-article in the above link, hoping that overwhelming military power will make the Iraqis come to their senses and start supporting the Americans.