Fear is the great controlling mechanism (as has been said here).
"Terrorism" is a word that is associated with bin Laden and Al Quaeda
but the truth of the matter is that bin Laden doesn't care one way or another about "hating American freedom" as the latest Bush propaganda has it. Al Quaeda wants a Muslim theocracy in the
Middle East. And they'll do anything to get it.

But with the Iraq debacle in place, they are winning hence we have
nothing much to fear. (Except fear itself....FDR)