Should Government contol/deal with zealots?

It's no secret that religious zealots have, and will always have more power than any government. Their followers know no borders and are not concerned with public opinion. They are ruled by absolutes and unshakable faith. Though in recent years they have become interested in western politics. Either because of relaxed faith or marching orders, though I suppose in either case it doesn't matter why.

In times of peace they groups and their leaders are of little importance. A small percentage of a needed vote at best. Though in times of war I believe they can become very useful. They can either be used to pacify the masses, or enrage them to fight for you. With that said I think those in power should deal with them. Now how this is done could interesting.

One of the many things you should consider is whether you should deal with home grown zealots. In America this would be any of the Christian sects, or one of the middle east ones. Though you should keep in mind it's all the same deity, the difference is only interpretation.
Granted either way has it's advantages and disadvantages. So if your goal is to tighten the grasp of power at the main base then this would be a better choice. Yet if you choose do deal with your enemies dominant or most fanatical zealots you could get a two for one victory. I'll explain, the first advantage is very obvious; if you can buy the hearts and minds of the fanatics or at least their leaders you can control the message. This is the key to power, once you have them they can do your dirty work. This frees your hands from public out cry because as far as they know a unstable region has just taken the natural course of coming undone.
Also this will put the publics largest fear to rest, forced service. If you can keep the idea of forced service out of their collective minds, you will not have the Vietnam effect. In the united states this is a ever prevalent thought in the minds of those that appose war; or service to their country. Once the public no longer fears getting it's hands dirty or to sacrifice beyond lip service you can begin to close your grasp tighter around the necks of the average American.
Keep most things in the public. Allow "news" organizations to broadcast what is going on. Go a step farther and send them into harms way. Never hide major things, do not let your opponents to create a nineteen eighty-four romantic vision of big brother. If at all possible make the figure head someone most people like or at least think they are smarter than. This dispels tension and takes away any wind in the oppositions sail. Plus allowing "free press" to constantly show what is happening brings a sense of normalcy. Once this has set in you have won a major battle with your own people.

The last great advantage dealing with Zealots can have is that for a time you are in control of the bogyman. Yet you should never become relaxed, Zealots if nothing else are volitile and extremely dangerous. They will turn on you if they believe you are either not true to the cause or if they can get a better deal some where else. So remember that no matter how long your deal is with them, you will one day have to deal with them. Granted a smart leader will find ways to take their power away over time. This can be done by finding a new group or by slowly moving funds away from them. Once this is accomplished you can begin to wash your hands clean. Then you can move on to your next great desire.

So with all this said what should you think? Is the world back and white, or do sometimes the ends justify the means? This not something I can tell you. It is up to you to think for yourself.