i'm amazed that the middle east lasted this long.

I've lived 48 years, and the Middle East has always been a disaster politically. As stated above, I'm shocked we've lasted this long with perceived peace. We have been bribing leaders forever. Amerika really has been holding these dictators together with toothpicks and duct tape and a lot of prayers. Now, maybe now is the time we really have to do more than talk and bribes. I won't hold my breathe, though, as work takes effort...and bribes take the signature of a pen.