I don't know how much Keyes knows of Islam, but perhaps his position is not as naive as you think.
Personally, in my study of the Koran and the history of Islam, I've been surprised at how violent and authoritarian the religion is. And I can see where bin Laden gets his justification for his actions against us, since the Koran allows for the extermination of "infidels" under certain circumstances.
But the problem is, bin Laden has no authority to speak for Islam, or to issue a "fatwa" or "jihad" against anyone, just on his say-so. He has set himself up as a modern Mohammed, without any legitimacy. Thankfully, most Muslims--at least in the US--seem to recognize this fraud, and really do want to live in peace.
Bin Laden and his followers represent a minority of Islam. But if we take their bait, and start calling this a war on Islam, bin Laden's view will be accepted by the majority of Muslims, because it will then be true.
We cannot fall into the trap of thinking of the war in bin Laden's terms. This is a war for our political ideals--those ideals from our founding of universal God-given rights.
Golden Words, Gelato.
And Prudent ones.
Richard F.
Bin Laden belongs to the Wahabbi sect of Islam, which represents 65% of Saudi Arabia and is also dominant in Nigeria and Indonesia too I believe. Do a Google search on Wahabbism. It's very disturbing. Additionally, there really aren't any moderate Muslims.
As for OBL not having authority, well, there is no central authority in Islam. The ultimate authority is the Koran, which they believe to be the literal, inspired Word of God.
Finally, it probably wouldn't be prudent to call this a Crusade, since few people here are willing to fight one. What we should do is stop immigration from Muslim countries immediately. Islam is not compatible with our Constitution. There is no such thing as an Islamic republic. The closest thing is Turkey. And Islamicism is always just beneath the surface.