Nobody is not an isolationist. Got it. I think.

I'm starting to gel on this who is the enemy stuff. major breakthough as the result of an expert on Middle East studies interviewed by Peter Jennings last night. Further solidified by a woman on CNN today.

Bin Laden doesn't "hate" Western deomcracy, Western freedom of speech, the U.S., or Americans. All of those are convenient symbols for demagoguery. The is a broad based discontent/hatred spectrum throughout the Arab world for U.S. policies affecting the region. Bin Laden's agenda is more correctly described as being againt several governmental structures throughout the region. Demagoguery requires a Great Satan to incite passions. The dispossessed (admittedly not the only source of sympathy for bin Laden) need a purpose, a great evil, for inspiration. Bin Laden seeks widespread destruction for the intent of doing harm to many institutionalized governments in the region. Portraying them as lackies to the Great Satan is perfect. Showing that he has no fear of that same great evil is perfect. (I wonder, do you suppose members of Saudi royalty were mean to him on the school playground?)

I know that this concept is simple and obvious to several of you, but I'm gradually getting it. Or so it seems today. What does this mean for future strategy? I think Nasr was right. Promotion of democracy. *Honest* alliances built on ethical principals. Respectful recognition of the subtleties of governance in various countries. All of these help not to feed the sources of bin Laden support. But it requires distinguishing between ethical governments and those which are less responsive to the needs and wishes of their populations. That can be tricky, perhaps impossible, to accomplish, without the appearance of being meddlesome and arrogant.