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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Bill who wrote (37676)	11/20/2001 10:23:11 AM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 82486

Well, I would not go quite that far. It is possible that his religious professions are a cover to ambition, but I would guess they are sincere enough, in a warped way. The problem is a kind of lack of piety. First, someone of a truly religious sensibility is very careful about claiming to act in God's name, per se, especially absent actual prophecy, which no one has claimed. Second, a truly pious person is loathe to bring his religion into disrepute, and therefore is very careful in how he behaves before the world, as its representative. Third, given all of the scruples against violence against the innocent found in a religion like Islam, a true Muslim would not consider terror a viable strategy, certainly unless he had exhausted all other options, which has clearly not been the case. Fourth, one does not have to be a brilliant strategist to see that terror is generally counter- productive, and merely causes a harder line from one's opponents. So far, terrorist organizations have gained little throughout the world. Thus, Osama's religious beliefs are likely to be in the nature of delusions of grandeur, in which he sees himself as the savior of Islam, and supposes that he will succeed where others have so clearly failed.......