Keith, most Muslims just want to live their lives in peace just like most of the rest of the people in the world. al Qaeda uses the imperialism and human rights abuses of the Western world as their main recruiting tool. Even bin Laden was very clear that his actions were a response to Western imperialism in Muslim lands. Regardless of whether or not they couch their rhetoric in religious terms, it is nevertheless a response to Western imperialism in Muslim lands. They see waging a holy war for a Muslim caliphate as the only way to get the Western imperialists out of their lands and out of their hair. I think they have a point.

I don't think the would-be-bomber was motivated by a desire to get Republicans back in power, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least if people with a Republican agenda made it easy for the would-be-bomber to get on that plane under the circumstances.

Personally, based on what I've heard about this guy, I think he's just a lost soul who wanted some attention and fame, and was found to be an easy mark for al Qaeda.