Well, I may indeed... but even with no faith, I'd still support the idea that the US government at least needs to TRY using 'normal channels'. Not to do so could easily send a message to the world that we really don't care about the UN or it's missions, and that while we'll happily make OTHER countries submit their disputes, we don't feel constrained to do so ourselves.

In related news, an article here is stating that there is evidence that the attack on the Pentagon building was initially meant for the White House, and towards the end of this article they surmise that the Camp David attack was brought down early by resistance from the passengers. Also at the end of the article is this quote:

Powell called for a global coalition to fight ``terrorism'', including NATO, Russia, China and also Muslim countries.

``We have to make sure that we go after terrorism and get it by its branch and root,'' he told a news conference.

A Pakistani newspaper said bin Laden had denied blame. ``The terrorist act is the action of some American group. I have nothing to do with it,'' it quoted him as saying.

So at the very least, it DOES look as if the government is considering using standard international channels, and also that Bin Laden is denying culpability. Though the attackers are (via evidence gathered at the crash sites and phone conversations from the hijacked planes) very likely Arab nationals (from the UAE possibly), this shows that there is STILL no concrete evidence as to who attacked us. Yes, it may be Bin Laden. But it may also not be.

And finally... I agree that Bin Laden should be prosectued for acts of terrorism in the past that he's been found responsible for and guilty of. I personally feel that he SHOULD be extradited and punished for his acts. However, in context of yesterday's attacks, unless he's found to be responsible for them as well, it's a cheap context to use the tragedy as an excuse to 'get him anyway, because he deserves it." Let him be punished for what he HAS done, rather than because "someone has to pay".

M