Well said, Lexi.

While the West continues its campaign of 'forcing' its version of 'democracy' it will always be the uniting factor for extremist Islamic groups to organise against.

Change can only happen when enough people such as is happening in Egypt, Libya, decide enough is enough. The West can aid but not impose.

I agree that the article is naive. The writer is probably convinced of his peaceful view of Islam, and that if the jolly rotten bin Laden hadn't sullied it all would be well. Cobblers.
As ibn Wariq writes, most Muslims are better than their religion would have them be on most issues most of the time. But, as I add, Islam is a pre-feudal version of fascism. And because it is a chronically backward-looking ideology, proud of a founder who was a mass murderer, mass rapist, robber baron and paedophile, no-one need be surprised when some his followers go forth and do likewise.
Osama bin Laden was only the latest in a long line of attention-seekers who wish to get the Muslim world to do as they are supposed to do - take up the jihad to those parts of the world which they do not dominate as yet. Others will come. They all need to be opposed, violently if necessary.

You'll have to forgive me - I purposely haven't watched all this drama over bin Laden.
Can anyone tell me if they've actually witnessed any proof that bin Laden was killed...or that he was even there - or that he's been "anywhere" lately?
This is a smart-arsed question. I'd really like to know what people think constitutes "proof" and "truth".

Obviously, I meant to state that it "wasn't" a smart-arsed question. I am very slack at self-editing : )