July 27, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

Who do you think is behind Hezbollah’s recent rocket attacks on Israel? What do you think should be done to resolve the current situation?
(Asked in front of Starbucks at Almaden Center)

“It appears to be Syria and Iran. I think radical fundamentalist Islam is fascist. I think these radical fundamentalist Islamics have a utopian vision, they are trying to set about a reemergence of the Ottoman/Islamic Empire. The Republicans are doing nothing to help [stop this] and thus allowing the terrorism or fascism more power. Utopias are not possible and Plato’s Republic proved that…the bottom line is that there are two solutions to the conflict either compromise or total annihilation. Look at Ireland, they fought for 20-plus years and finally ended up compromising and now its peaceful. Compromise is the best solution. This situation is ultimately about fascist elements and about an Islamic era.”

Paul Mack, 49
Almaden
Engineer


“I think there’s a common bond with terrorists that are affiliated with other groups. I think Al Qaeda is happy with what’s going on and that terrorism is at the root of these things. The solution is the get rid of the terrorist radicals, and there’s only one way to deal with them.”

Terry Lloyd, 71
Almaden
Radio engineer


“I honestly don’t know. I don’t believe I can give a good answer. Everyone [including the media] says its Iran and Syria, but who knows? Just let them blow each other up, that’s the only way to get them to stop fighting.”

Matt Ferree, 23
Santa Teresa
Starbucks at Almaden Center


“It’s cultural differences. I’m sure there are other Arab countries involved, but I know one is Iran based on what the press says. I don’t know if it’s possible to stop the hostilities based on the culture issue. Everyone says they own the land."

Bryan Anderson, 46
Almaden
Sales


“I think Iran and Iraq brought out Hezbollah and provided them with everything, like a Muslim militia, it’s like a big game over there. Obviously it’s working, they are fighting for what they believe in. I can’t change the world. I wish I could. If they all believe in a higher power and agree on it, then they can open their minds. But it can’t be done religiously. This [fighting] is hypocrisy, they need to keep their opinions to themselves.”

Najet Raffoul, 20
San Jose
Massage therapist


"I think that Al Qaeda and insurgents from Iraq are behind it. I think a diplomatic cease fire and then a summit meeting would end it.”

Alex Ly, 16
Almaden
Senior at Leland High


"Iran and Syria are behind it; that’s my educated guess. There is no solution. This is a religious war that’s been going on for hundreds of years and will continue for hundreds of years. It’s their lifestyle."

Ken Cook, 53
Willow Glen
Construction