This conflict has waxed and waned since Mohammed's death in 632 A.D., and the present conflict is the most serious and deadly -- given the desire of despotic states such as Iran and North Korea to achieve nuclear capability.

Al Qaida, Hezbollah, Hamas and other radical Islamic terrorist groups are determined to destroy Western civilization and establish a worldwide Islamic caliphate. These terrorist groups are supported directly by Iran and Syria and indirectly by North Korea, China, Russia and other Islamic nations

Israel has done everything demanded by the international community (U.N.) to alleviate regional tensions. It returned Gaza completely to the Palestinian Authority, and withdrew completely from southern Lebanon. This was in exchange for U.N. Resolution 1559, calling for disbanding all Lebanese militias and Beirut's control of its own borders (obviously not accomplished).

The unprovoked attack on Israel by Hezbollah offers an opportunity to the international community. This opportunity is to support Israel in destruction of Hamas (whose leader resides in Damascus) and Hezbollah, and the overthrow of tyrannical governments in Syria and Iran, as major steps in defeating international terrorism.

Reining in Israel now will only put off to a later time even more deadly and costly battles. The president should call for national mobilization to wage victorious war against Islamic extremists wherever they exist and whatever the cost. This is not a law enforcement problem but rather a war for our national survival.

Do we have the will to fight to preserve our way of life and our future?

Peyton E. Cook

Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.)

Southern Pines