I actually liked the movie. I didn't think the moslem terrorists were portrayed too sympathetically (they showed a lot of their brutality and cowardly tactics), and the 'hero' eventually goes to redeem himself and help his comrades.
I rented the DVD, and what surprised me was the commentary of the director. He originally wanted to portray the terrorist leader (an old-timer Bin Laden) as a sympathetic anti-imperialist hero and central figure of the movie. According to him, they didn't have the time and the producers wanted a more marketable film, love-affair, good guy wins all in the end, etc. I was appalled at his comments and very grateful he was not allowed to make the film he wanted.
I didn't have the information you have, but I suspected the director's explanation of this early Bin Laden terrorist leader was totally wrong. Thanks for enligtening me.