• history
• the effect on our citizens by the present relative conditions and inter-relationships that exist between countries in the region of the world that threaten us
• the demographic and religious elements existing in the world
• the economic reliance our country has on those foreign regions of the world especially as it relates to natural resources.

The Mitchell Plan, wherein there would be an independent Palestinian state at an appropriate time in the near future, offers a fundamental resolution but it would require a very important additional provision to be effective. The provision would provide for an international military force that would guarantee the security of both parties for as many years in the future as required.  Even if the United States had to provide an inordinate amount of the funding for the force it would be worth it to the American taxpayer as a price for guaranteeing their own security.  By removing the major cause creating support for the terrorists it will reduce their ability to conduct harmful acts.

Another cause for the United States to involve itself in that part of the world is the need for oil.  The obvious resolution would be to minimize the need for middle east oil.  This can only be realized by acting in two ways:

• By increasing production both domestically and in those parts of the world friendly to us
• In developing oil by-product using devices, such as automobiles and trucks, that will utilize means that drastically reduce the amount of oil derived fuel consumption

Finally, it must be recognized that the existence of different cultures and religions have been and will be with us for the foreseeable future and must be realistically dealt with.   The fact that the Islamic religion is predicated on the Koran that explicitly intertwines church and state, not allowing for separation, complicates the ability to deal with those governments especially relating to human rights. The religion itself, derived from the 7th century writings of Mohammed - a human being - is clearly unlike others that have evolved.  A sentence from the Encyclopedia Britannica (Religion) states it well “the Islamic conception of religion is too much interwoven with what is external and political to furnish  favorable field for theological development”.  The fact that the Koran treats women as effective servants, dominated by males, it would seem should evoke criticism of the so called religion as not being a true religion and thus discrediting it.  However, governments of the world are reluctant to state this truth for fear of destabilization of the Islamic community.  At some point, truth must be enunciated by the leaders of democratically governed countries along with pledges of support to those Islamic governments that adapt forms of government separating church from state.

Thus, in summation and in order of importance resolution to the causes of Islamic terrorism should be:

• The Palestinian-Israeli problem must be resolved utilizing  international peace keeping military personnel
• Existing means to wean ourselves from the supply of mid-east oil must be expeditiously implemented
• Statements by world leaders that the Islamic concept of combining church and state is considered unacceptable to the world community especially because of provisions of the religion that violate human rights