First of all, we are assuming that there is an omniscent entity. Just to keep that clear.

I honestly think that if you are willing to have faith in such a thing, you must be willing to accept all aspects of it. By accepting the idea of an all-knowing entity into your life, are you rejecting free will? Can you believe in both fate and choice at the same time? Is there a place where the two can overlap? These are questions that should be asked only if you are willing to examine the strength of your own faith. [Something I know a lot of people aren't willing to do.]

For the sake of argument, we will say that there is a god and that "he" is all-knowing, all-seeing, etc, etc, etc. "He" controls our fate. If we accept this, we must believe that "he" has a plan. We now have an answer to your question. Why does god allow suffering? Because "he" has a greater, ultimate plan.

Do I personally believe that? No. However, I do maintain a certain amount of respect for faith.. But who doesn't?

Madi Said: These are questions that should be asked only if you are willing to examine the strength of your own faith. [Something I know a lot of people aren't willing to do.]
Yea, that's pretty true.

But, I didn't say anything about all knowing.
I personnaly don't belive in fate.
I mean come on, what's the point in living if we don't have a choice?

But then again, some people would say it's a priviledge...

god    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (gd)
n. <LI>God <LI type=a>A being conceived as the perfect, omnipotent, omniscient originator and ruler of the universe, the principal object of faith and worship in monotheistic religions. <LI type=a>The force, effect, or a manifestation or aspect of this being.

As corrected by Madi, I DID say something about All-Knowing.