[Jeff Head]

From one native Texan to another...thanks. The thought goes like this...by giving such a strong speech about liberty, free will, and freedom from compulsion...and then mentioning the Koran in regards to those fundamental values...Muslims will be force to confront the reality of their own system...at least reasoning Muslims will. Make no mistake, there are lots of them.

In so doing, it will aid in bringing about a reformation. Those Muslims who seek liberty, who either flee from their lands to find it, or hope for it while living under the boot of tyranny (as millions in Iraq have done and are now showing) will realize that a reformation is in order. At least that is the theory.

If Bush's comment was made at this level...that comment not being so much for our consumption as a philosophical gauntlet and study in opposites laid down for the Muslims themselves...then it was mastrerfully and subtley done. A gauntlet for the tyrants themselves, and a not so subtle message towards reform to the masses living under them.

[TexasCowboy]

Like you say, if this was to present a juxtaposition between the beliefs of Islam and freedom, it was a masterpiece.

Considering the fact, however, that GW has never chastised the American Muslims for their reluctance to condemn terrorist acts, I find it hard to elevate this to such loft heights.
It strikes me as more pandering to the "religion of peace".