That is the only explanation that carries any plausability for me, too. al qaeda scared Russia away from Afghanistan (something they always brag about and with good reason, I suppose); then they watched us -- the other superpower -- cower away from Somalia and lamely respond -- if at all -- to all al qaeda's subsequent attacks. I can almost see why they felt 911 would see us in retreat as well.
Thank you impeached president clintoon.
You can say that again!