Exaggeration or not, this is worth exploring. I have the distinct impression that many of America's blunders in Iraq and Afghanistan (hell, the Islamic world in general) have to do with mistaking genuine and legitimate political activism for political radicalism. This is no doubt something our "allies" have an interest in promoting since it keeps their corrupt and repressive administrations in power. And so we support those who don't represent our professed values whilst at the same time we fight against those who, to some extent, do. Then we wonder why things are going the way they are. I could almost laugh about it. Almost.