[js1138]

But I think what his dad said today about Nick being Al-qaeda's best friend (it was a slip but he meant it) says the old man has not abandoned his illusions that the people who sawed off his son's head are simply misunderstood freedom fighters and America is the bad guy.

I'm suspecting he was killed as an American agent, even if he wasn't.

[luvbach1]

...Nick being Al-qaeda's best friend...

I think the father meant that his son, like Dad, had an understanding of Al Queada's "just grievances" against the west and America in particular, and therefore could have established a rapport with them. All he would have needed to say is "How, me friend."