I for one don’t believe that Osama Bin Laden is genuinely interested in some form of political or religious outcome or is after restitution for the exploitation by major capitalist industries in undeveloped nations.  The people he, and those of his ilk, manipulate to commit such horrible acts of terrorism may believe in some greater cause but Bin Laden doesn’t.

Bin Laden wants conflict, he wants to be a hero and legend much the same way Ariel Sharon of Israel started out his political career – their motives are purely selfish.  

If Bin Laden wanted political or economic change then a few well placed suicide bombers at the homes of politicians and industry leaders would have been much more effective than attacking the civilian population.

Attacking innocent civilians just creates xenophobic reactions and facilitates the resurgence of fascist style governments that only serves to further marginalize the groups he supposedly represents. Bin Laden wants war and we gave it to him on a platter.  Bin Laden does not want peace.

Quoted from cactus

Bin Laden wants war and we gave it to him on a platter.  Bin Laden does not want peace.

Exactly.  

Bin Laden has more in common with the Axis of Evil (i.e. Bush, Blair and Howard) than either party would like to think.

They both thrive on conflict and creating fear in people.

The both use people's own insecurities against them.

They both have massively inaccurate propoganda campaigns (his is about "the evil west", Bush and co's is about "the evil terrorists").

They both use the media to great advantage in furthering their respective causes and making their fantastical claims appear to have some legitimacy.

Quoted from cactus

I for one don’t believe that Osama Bin Laden is genuinely interested in some form of political or religious outcome or is after restitution for the exploitation by major capitalist industries in undeveloped nations.  The people he, and those of his ilk, manipulate to commit such horrible acts of terrorism may believe in some greater cause but Bin Laden doesn’t.

Bin Laden wants conflict, he wants to be a hero and legend much the same way Ariel Sharon of Israel started out his political career – their motives are purely selfish.  

If Bin Laden wanted political or economic change then a few well placed suicide bombers at the homes of politicians and industry leaders would have been much more effective than attacking the civilian population.

Attacking innocent civilians just creates xenophobic reactions and facilitates the resurgence of fascist style governments that only serves to further marginalize the groups he supposedly represents. Bin Laden wants war and we gave it to him on a platter.  Bin Laden does not want peace.

Seems like good reason to not play into him by sending men and bombs to poor middle eastern countries where the reputation of the west is already to meddle in evil ways.

"Evil begets Evil Mr. President"
-Infinite Wisdom from The Fifth Element.

The more we play into the hands of the likes of Bin Laden the more powerful they become.

The biggest problem, and our failure, is to convince the world and the general Muslim community that we are different from the terrorists.  If we are seen as just another team in the terrorist game then we loose all legitimate claims to being victims.

Quoted from Gizmo

If only these people would put 1/2 as much energy into being productive, peaceful, community minded people instead of plotting terror. . how much better the world would be.

The thing is, I believe, that these people are so indoctrinated and for many many generations have only known conflict they cannot even begin to acknowledge, accept and understand the concept of a peace loving society that just wants to live in Harmony with each other. I am not just speaking of radical Muslims but all extremists in all faiths and walks of life. Eg: the KKK.

The problem is that most of em are CIA trained (as is Osama), so a few whom are very good at what they do, make a big impact.

And let's not forget that Saddam was supported by America while he was slaughtering his own people and Iranians.  Not even after the first Gulf War did this relationship diminish, but it was only after Saddam decided to trade in Euros instead of the US dollar that he suddenly becomes public enemy No.1.

Quoted from cactus

The more we play into the hands of the likes of Bin Laden the more powerful they become.

Just like the big ball of fire in The Fifth Element, you fire missles at it and it gets even bigger

Terrorism is just such a counter-productive tactic that I question the real motive of the organisers.

Look what Ghandi achieved with anti-violence.  If he had resorted to terrorism many millions may have died in a war between Indian Nationals and the Queens England; Australia may even have been dragged into it.

Terrorism very seldom achieves anything except animosity towards the perpetrators.  

What about if Osama is secretly sponsored by the Americans? Eh? Will we be surprised, when we'll find out?

The trouble with conspiracy theories is that you must have 100% dedicated conspirators with a 100% guarantee that no one will break ranks and spill the beans.  

No one is that dedicated or trustworthy in the world of politics.

Quoted from cactus

 
No one is that dedicated or trustworthy in the world of politics.

Just found little johnnies headstone quote. !! bravo Cactus