Damned If We Do...

(Courtesy of/http://pretmetmohammed.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/pmm-shia-sunni.jpg)

Reformations are not pretty (that's to say the least.)

Look at the example now throughout the Middle East.

Muslims, having splintered into multitudes of sects,

Each of them interpreting the same religious texts

Do not trust each other well enough to compromise;

Ancient grievances behind the chaos on the rise.

Every time we've intervened we've just made matters worse.

Every time that someone dies it's us the mullahs curse.

Time we let Islamic leaders deal with their own crap;

We should stick to wiping ISIL forces off the map.

There's no winning strategy to fight religious wars.

All that we'll accomplish is to die on foreign shores.

Je suis Ahmed

 

Muslims are offended (not a shock; they always are)

Saying, once again, that Charlie Hebdo's gone too far.

Can't portray the Prophet on their cover... That's a sin.

I think Charlie had to - or let terrorism win.

Followers of Allah and the Prophet also say

How are they responsible for ISIL, anyway?

Claiming double standards when we ask them to condemn

Terrorists whose targets, up to now are - mostly - them.

Problem is; these criminals are acting in their name.

Muslims don't agree a strain of Islam bears some blame:

Thinking lack of education, poverty, and strife

Are the only reasons young men choose to take a life.

I agree; those play a part in helping to recruit

But, when Imams preach that choice, these finer points are moot.

Islam may be peaceful but its angry youths are not...

That should be their focus - Not what cover Charlie's got.

Thank You Australia

Pakistani Taliban descended on a school

Where they opened fire and, as blood began to pool,

Hunted down the children so the death toll's very high...

I can't think about it anymore.  It makes me cry.

Hostages in Sydney (to a Muslim with a gun)

Could have led to riots before all was said and done.

'til the offer thousands of Australians all made;

"I'll ride with you" if you're feeling nervous or afraid.

When the tidings of the Season start to make me blue

I'll think of Australia's act of human kindness, too;

Answering a crime of hate with generosity.

And, if you're in Massachusetts, you can ride with me.

Whacking Moles

Critics are complaining that Obama's stated goal -

Going after ISIL - is like playing "Whack a Mole."

First we hit al Qaeda hard - invade Afghanistan;

Hit again when they reorganize in Pakistan.

Hammer them in Africa; they pop up in Iraq.

When they crawl out of their holes we take another whack.

'though the critics have a point, it isn't quite the same...

These moles want to hurt us and the fight is not a game.

True, these guys are vermin who we'll have to hunt and kill

And this infestation will keep spreading there until

Countries in the region put their differences aside;

Muslim leaders find a way to heal their great divide.

If they cannot pull together things will fall apart...

Still, our coalition to fight ISIL is a start.

Enemies of enemies could, possibly, be friends;

That's the only way extremist terrorism ends.

I've Got An Idea

ISIS - so extreme al-Qaeda's leaders think they're bad -

60 miles outside of Iraq's capital, Baghdad, 

Executed hundreds of unarmed, Iraqi men.

Army has to stand and fight for, if not now, then when?

I have got a great idea...  Let's give the women guns.

When we offer training, choose their daughters not their sons.

If the ISIS forces win it's girls who lose the most;

Highly motivating them to not abandon post.

Arm the female population; teach them how to shoot.

I believe it's likelier our efforts will bear fruit.

We should arm all Muslim women.  That's who we should back;

They're the ones the most at risk...  And not just in Iraq.

ISIS Makes Dramatic Gains in Iraq

ISIS forces now control a large swath of Iraq.

Baghdad asked if we would send some U.S. assets back.

Iraq's army stripped to skivvies, dropped their guns and ran.

(Clearly, then, our training mission didn't go to plan.)

People under ISIS rule must be the ones opposed.

Islam needs a Reformation...  Those can't be imposed.

Muslims have to be the ones who move beyond the past.

Let them form their Caliphate; the thing will never last.

Sunni, Shia, Kurdish tribes; a thousand different clans...

Let them live as ISIS wants.  There won't be many fans.

This war is sectarian and one we shouldn't fight.

Even with our best intentions, we won't get it right.