I don't buy this line of reasoning. If you try, I know its tough, to think of this from their perspective, their goal is to set off a world jihad against the US. If that can be done without risking the possibility that muslim countries will be horrified (i.e. by using a conventional instead of a nuclear attack) then why do it? On the other hand, if they tried to accomplish this goal through conventional means and there is no sign of such a jihad congealing then maybe it becomes time to risk it. Sentiment is welling up that the US is bombing innocent muslims. So there will be less sympathy when such an atrocity is committed.
Possibly, but I don't think that you'd find much sympathy one way or the other. Shock and fear maybe. The problem is that sooner or later I think that we'd be forced to use our nukes. That would bring an abrupt end to all terrorist activities worldwide as Arab leaders in fear of their own lives finally act to eliminate all terrorists within their borders. That may be how this all plays out anyway.
Richard W.