The war isn‘t about oil. Besides, if it were about oil, that would be about Iraq, not the vast wasteland of Afghanistan. And even if it were about Afghanistan, it isn‘t about Afghanis. It‘s about terrorists, who happen to be making use of poor, backwards, undeveloped countries to train in.
I am tempted to suggest the only remedial course of action is to explain it in terms usually used for pacifists:
When approached by the pacifist, listen to his views. Allow him to explain why the non-violent approach is uncivilized, has never really solved anything, and how violence only begets violence. Then, without warning, punch him in the face.
If he reacts violently, call him on it. Point out all the points listed above, and show that if he really believed in that viewpoint, he would not react in that manner. Then, when he agrees and fully understands what you mean, punch him in the face.
(Note that if he walks away, you must prevent him from leaving, ask him why he challenges your right to express your feelings and/or cultural identity through physical means, that you feel repressed, that he should stay to hear your side of the story, that you were only trying to make a point, that you‘re sorry....then punch him in the face!)
Keep talking/punching in this manner until he gets the point: SOME PEOPLE OUT THERE WILL PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE UNTIL YOU MAKE THEM STOP. They may listen to your arguments, they may discuss things rationally with you, but they‘re gonna keep punching you in the face as long as you let them.
The terrorists want to keep punching you in the face. They‘re not really interested in your arguments or rationale, unless it gives them a rest for their bruised knuckles. Spain has shown the terrorists that they are true pacifists, and are truly willing to keep getting hit forever. Whether a life of getting hit is a good one or not is left as an exercise for the reader. Note also that the US has pointed out in no uncertain terms that they are not willing to keep getting hit, and that those who hit, get hit back UNTIL THEY STOP.
All arguments, in order for there to be a winner, have to rest on some common principle that you recognize as truth...when one of you expresses the truth more clearly, you understand who is wrong. If neither one of you is entirely sure, or you recognize the possibility of error, you can compromise. The issue the terrorists have is not one on which you can compromise. In their mind, you are an evil, evil creature who must convert or die. If you compromise a little bit, then you‘re a not as evil creature who must die. Notice the last part. YOU MUST DIE. You can‘t meet them half way, or reason with them: they operate on different principles that you. They will not recognize any argument you put forward, and any compromise is seen as a win for their side. They see themselves as messengers of GOD. You aren‘t. Therefore, you are wrong. You will surrender to the almighty, or you will perish. There is no option.
The only way to answer a black and white argument of this nature is with an equally black and white argument. Example:
Tiger: I am hungry. You are food. You will die to sustain me.
Man: I am man. I have a gun. My purpose in life is not to be your food. You will die if you try it.
Tiger: I am hungry. Attack!
Man: Bang!
(Or, you could compromise, and offer the poor tiger just a leg. Which one?)
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Now compare and contrast:
Terrorist: I have the one true word of God on my side. You are evil, and must die, or you must agree with me.
Civilized Man: I respect your belief in a higher power, but unfortunately, I can‘t agree with your assessment of my moral status. You seem to think I should bow down to your dictates and/or religion regardless of how I feel about things. I don‘t think I can help you out there, pal.
Terrorist: If you do not do as I say, I will kill you, and random women and children. I will be a brave martyr if I kill loads of women and children...it‘s so terribly manly. My cause is just, and I will die for my cause.
Civilized Man: Well, since you put it that way, if you try to kill me, or my women and children, I will kill you, or die in the attempt. Because my life is worth preserving, as is the life of those I care for, and I am willing to die so that they may live for my cause.
(Or, you could compromise, and let just one of your kids die. Which one?)
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Terrorists need to be burned out root and branch. Your religion and belief structure are your own affair. However, when you choose to enforce your belief system on me, at my expense, then you are a threat which must be eliminated. You don‘t have to agree with society‘s rules: You can steal, rape and murder if you like. However, society reserves the right to defend itself, and put you in jail, or destroy you. There is no other option.
Nemo me impune lacessit.