#19 Mike Sylwester – “Let’s suppose for the sake of argument that Al Qaeda now is able to launch an anthrax attack in the USA. What would be the benefit for Al Qaeda or for the Moslem world? The fantasy of such a benefit has disappeared, leaving an acute fear of the USA’s vengeance.”

Sorry, but you’re overlooking one salient point: For Jihadis, the road to paradise is paved with dead infidels. It matters not that he and his family will die as a result. Their entry into the arms of Allah is assured.

This is why the concept of Mutually Assured Destruction doesn’t work with religious fanatics the way that it did with a more self-interested USSR.

These people cannot be reasoned with, though you’re welcome to try – just not with me or my family as bargaining chips. Wager your own life if you must.