Russian does have a Human Rights problem as does Saudi Arabia. Why do you think that AQ chooses these places. I'll answer for ou...because they know they can get support because of it.
The AQ are very politically astute and media savvy. No doubt about it.
I think I can agree with that, but you've failed to address Bush's miscalculation on Chechnya. Was he right to threaten economic sanctions against Russia if they didn't stop fighting in Chechnya? Was the State Dept right for meeting with Chechen opposition party members? Your answer please.