Did we ever ask why?

The Al-Qaeda network seemed to be admitting to bombing a number of locations. What is the cause.. might I ask? If the attack on Iraq did not take place, would there be less incidents of bombing? What will be the conclusion of the Iraqi conflict? Will the day arrive when American troops leave Iraqi soil? Will the Palestinians and Israelis eventually shake hands and live together in peace? Are the citizens of Afghanistan happy with their new-found democratic rights?

I don't have information beyond what the media is feeding me. I am also speaking as an ignoramus who's not really in tune with world affairs. But like the many Ms World (TM) contestants, I do honestly crave for world peace. Is there any way that we could all sit down and talk? Someplace neutral where there are no threats of indictments or bodily injury. IMHO, sometimes it's important to listen and fix the root cause, rather than taking the offensive. Shouldn't we try to understand why? If we continue to use firepower, I suspect more violence will erupt. You-get-what-you-give-out kinda thing. Is there another way? Did we consider an alternative? Are we battling a disease that continues to spread out of anger and bitterness or are we looking for solutions?