"But the reason I know that the President understands...is that his main advisor is Bernard Lewis. One cannot read or listen to Lewis and not come away with a true understand of Islam."
I hope you're right. However, presidents do not always subscribe to all the opinions of their advisors. Look at Truman and McArthur.
Yes, you are right. But Lewis himself said that Bush listens to him. And even though the President is trying to walk the fine line of diplomacy, sometimes his true feelings slip out and you know that he know exactly what we are up against.