I can agree with your perspective of a soldier's death, and true, there are many good Americans (I sorta saw, and took, a cheap shot earlier). The concept of an innocent civilian however, died with industrialization. Seeing as the people are vital parts of the "war machine," they are just as much a target now as the soldiers on the battlefield. Eliminate factories to stop production, supplies to starve the country, school to stop teachings that don't fit your views. They are all your enemies if you are in a war.
The word terrorism is usually used to define something that most people can agree to be negitive, but I still do not like using to describe attacks. I consider it an act of war, as if it were instigated by a state, then it usually would constitute war. In that case, it should not be twisted to sound like something bad, but an occurence that has now to be dealt with. A bomb, in any form, would be perfectly acceptable if they would simply see it as an act of war. Same with the word terrorist. It makes them sound like bad people. I prefer freedom fighter, or revolutionary. They are always going to be the heroes for someone.
Finally, there is definately no good side, you're right. But historical and political background is definately an important part of this. We have to remember what created this conflict in the first place. For example, let's look at a few countries. North Korea, generally accepted to dislike the USA. We can trace this back to the Korean War, where the USA (not to mention the UN) put their forces behind the South Koreans, and Rhee. Even though it was suppose to be a peacekeeping mission, they pushed right up into China (where they were promptly pushed back for shelling Chinese land). A good start for a bad relationship I'd say. Iran, USA supports the Shah, who uses the most brutal secret police to terrorise (there's that word again), and oppress the Iranian people, and because of this, Ayatollah Khomenini revolts and takes over, establishing an Islamic Fundamenalist State. They blame the hardships they endured on the American people for re-instating the Shah. In general, it is mostly safe to travel there if you're not American. Cuba, USA supports recently ousted Battista, and launches invasion later on at Bay of Pigs. Although a failure, it leads to the Cubans agreeing to the USSR putting intermediate range missiles there, and a breakdown of Cuban-American relations. Having just come back from Cuba myself, I can say there are still many people who hold a grudge against the USA. Afghanistan, USSR begins invasion of the country in the 1970's. The USA backs the rebellion group headed by Osama Bin Laden, a hero in his own part of the world, and the ally of the USA at that time. They supply him with weapons, technology, and it gives him a seat of power and respect in the long run. I suppose all I'm trying to get across is that the past can come back to bite, and that when you side with anyone, you should always expect some sort of retaliation, and not just label them a "terrorist" just because you're not on the side that can call them a hero.
By the way, thanks for taking this seriously, and sorry again, because I definately wasn't being too serious when I made that first post. Nice talking to you.
