I completely endorse this position! I would add prayers also for Iraqi soldiers and civilians.

Individual survival is rather desperate, cold and lonely if it is not within the context of the survival of the civilization which makes it possible to live in peace and hope and work for prosperity. The rule of law within a framework where the ruled individuals have representation in the process that forms that law seems to be one of the best ways to ensure ongoing peace and prevent the rise to power of despotic individuals that oppress their own. Let us hope that the current and any future armed engagements between states will actually end with the improvement of the lives of the individuals being governed within all states involved in that engagement.

I have attempted to drag this group in to larger discussions of survival of civilization or even community with no effect before - I don't expect to succeed now. I will continue to throw in thoughts and provocations in this direction until Chris shuts me down - so far so good <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />