>"a hostile nation driven by hate-filled ideology and sworn to destroy us for our so-called "transgressions", whether it is a democracy or not? "

Did you read Bin Laden's speech? His anger comes from our complicity in the killing of Palestinians and Muslims. He can see the motivations Bush Sr. held in his heart that motivated the earlier attacks. He siad Bush Jr. KNEW about the attacks and could have given the order to evacuate the Twin Towers, but he didn't.

Why don't we just murder them all, you ask?
Mayb we should tolerate them, make peace with them instead?.

Ever been involved in a bitter rivalry?
Why? And who won? Is slaughtering the other side worthy of a win?
In todays day and age, those who resort to murder or genocide FIRST, are usually punished, otherwise you have the law of the land which is ruthlessness.
No wonder we aren't getting anywhere.
Certainly not winning any hearts and minds.