Yes, you are right, and knowing that I would have to say I was speaking facetiously. Even with the evident incredulous tone in the man's commentary, even on his own part, it's concerning that an article like this, coupled with his other work, is directed towards a more educated audience and not the simple of the "Arab street," who would be expected to believe something like this unquestioningly.
We wonder how Bush opponents, in country and overseas in the EU and the Middle East, can believe some of the incredible things they do, yet this is why.
I am reminded of WW II. A war between America and Japan was probably historically inevitable and unavoidable. But it lasted longer and cost far more blood and treasure, on both sides, than anybody anticipated.
The cultural gap was so immense the parties quite literally didn't understand each other. The Japanese had no military concept of "strategic retreat", for example. Thus, they thought us cowards when we retreated before their superior forces. And, once the tables were turned, they stood and foolishly fought to the last man.
The Japanese had no idea that, once they had executed a brilliant tactical victory at Pearl Harbor, we would continue to fight and not sue for peace -- leaving them alone to pursue their Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. That we would then harness our entire industrial capacity to the war and spend four years grinding them into a fine powder -- from India to the Aleutians -- came as a total surprise.
For our part, the doctrine of "unconditional surrender" may have extended the war unnecessarily -- as it ran counter to the Oriental concept of "face".
With this perspective, Islam's enormous misperception of the United States, its goals and resolve, are quite likely to make the WOT an even more extended and painful encounter for all concerned. Any sign of weakness on our part will be misread...and only heighten and extend the war. And, clearly, we need to effect more than a "regime change" in the Middle East.
The proper term, I think, might be: Attitude Adjustment.