In this instance, as with 9/11, the Paris Metro bombings, and the slaughter of German tourists at Luxor, there isn't a message the human brain can get to grips with, other than implacable anger, hatred fot the west, and desperation. Their message in all these cases seems to be a fundermental hatred of western values; ie: liberty, democracy, female equality, and life without religion being force fed into your mouth. It's a message human civilization should really have got behind it now. How the Taliban ruled Afganistan wasn't just disgusting, but an afront to human dignity. Que? Occupation? It's a fledgling demopcracy. A NATO led force comprised of numerous nations, that the world at large has welcomed, is trying to restore order from a group of religious fanatics attempting to impose their will on Afgain-society. The Taliban were murderous scum. Muslim society was shocked and appauled by those religious fascists and what they got up to. Their regime certainly wasn't the will of the people; just yet another hang-over of the cold war, and a very traumatised and tribal society. I think you are getting a little lost with your 'thoughtful' and 'open minded' agenda. This is an enemy where their aims oppose the very foundations of modern society. They also are answerable only to such steadfast notion of some ancient teaching resulting in the enternal very boring answer of God; so there is no compromise or negotiation. Ultimately, they have religious beliefs I will fight against untill I am dead, because I want a human society where people have the right to choice what to think or to believe in; not with tyrannical imposition. Ultimately, I hate war and violence as well. But we live amongst a foe who is beyond dialogue, beyond negotiation, and to murderous to ignore.