Greg, I don't think the struggle is what you portray: them or us, only one left standing. I think it's closer to the view of the former CIA's Michael Schuer, who was mentioned in bin Laden's last tape.

He says in his book the West's unqualified support for Israel, support for tyrannical regimes in the Middle East, and dependence on oil in the region are all contributing to the real reasons for terrorist activity.

Casting the enemy in terms of theology and ideology, democracy and freedom, is fighting the wrong enemy, according to Schuer. On the evidence, with the Russians out, near-defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan, he may be right.