Kathy,

The soldiers are the ball while the political parties hold the paddles. 
The problem is, we sort of poked our nose in a  century upon century 
fight. It will probably be going on until the end of time. Muslim 
fundamentalists claim Mohammed as their profit, who claimed  being a 
descendent of Ishmael. You know more about that than I but this war is 
like bailing the boat in the storm using a Dixie cup. It is a mental, 
political, financial drain on this country which who knows, may also be a 
part of the larger picture.  I think we as Christians in USA tend to 
forget the many Christians who suffer around the world despite they being 
God's kids. I think we get a false sense of American Christiandom that 
gives us a false sense of safety and blessing. We are blessed, but we also 
are a very  corrupt nation. There lots of good folks in it, but quickly 
being challenged with immorality.

Brad