Positive, realistic sentiments in Monday’s The Times of India. From “How 9/11 changed the Muslim world“:

Any real change in the Muslim world has to come from within, and cannot be imposed by US might. But the US can change the internal dynamics in Muslim countries by strengthening secular forces and weakening the mullahs.

Its firmness on terrorism has achieved this. The change in power equations within Muslim countries will be messy, riddled with ambiguities, and laced with plenty of anti-Americanism. Many deep problems will continue unresolved.

The terrorists will be quelled, but not eliminated, and will wreak revenge from time to time on the US, Europe and India. Nevertheless, after 9/11, the world has become a better place, warts and all.

Yes. Direct. Realistic.

Bless you, Donald Rumsfeld.

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