Hmm... a solution I've considered in the past would be to declare the area a state solely governed by the UN - governed not by Israelis for the Jews, or Palestine for the Muslims, or... um... Outremer for the Christians - but by mankind for mankind. The same to apply to any other parts of the world where people can't seem to get their heads together. And before ya know it, we'll finally have that one-world government I've been hoping for.

But hey. Humanity is too petty to think that way.

And the difference between the IRA and these Islamic organisations is a case of scale. Whereas one has reasonable demands that can be negotiated with; The other is comprised of absolutists. The IRA's aim, I don't believe, was the annhilation of Great Britain - therefore an agreement could be reached. But how can one negotiate with someone who wants you dissolved?

Also, it's still terrible, but an attack every few days at the height of the troubles... compared to multiple daily attacks at the height of the intifadahs... Not quite the same now is it? As for the tube. Well, I'll admit, I try to avoid it myself. People stink. But you'll forgive me for being a little callous about a mere 52 deaths - when compared to this. Make no mistake, I judge 7/7 to be a terrible incident, but for that one incident (ignoring the damp squib a couple of weeks later) to be on an equal footing with what happens elsewhere? That's just a little to self-concerned.