Sounds like maybe the author has been steeped in studying muslim terrorists for so long that he's started identifying with them.
Stockholm Syndrome by Proxy.
I think you're close to the truth. My impression of the book was that the author had worked with the Afghans during the Russian war and had gone native -- identified with the Taliban.
Scheuer has one good point -- we ought to read bin Laden's writings. Know the enemy.
Scheuer thinks that if we give in to bin Laden's demands -- roughly, abandon Israel and withdraw from the Middle East -- bin Laden will be satisfied and will not make further demands. Clearly 20th century European history is not Scheuer's strong point.
Exactly.
First thing that came to mind as I read, "It would seem that the former head of the CIA's bin Laden unit would regard the actual capture of bin Laden as the most catastrophic possible defeat of all."
Clean this place out. Eject the Scheuers...and all who enable them. Before they can do any more damage.