I think that it could be deeper than we think, or the most simple. Newsies have stated that the mysterious note "hinted" at a ransom. Well, is it money or not??? What, besides money, does the US have that a terrorist would want? What is an uncle or cousin of a Gitmo prisoner wants his kin back. What if it IS a terrorist that is sending a message to the WH not to attack Iraq. As if to say "You will never be safe!". I think that it is likely that there is a terrorist angle of some sort, Ari Fleischer weighed in way, way to quickly on the issue. I don't know that I would relate it to AQ, but, it is somewhat telling that there havn't been any other AQ saber-rattling towards the US. Of course, even if they KNEW that it was terrorism, they couldn't admit it. The hue and cry against muslims would be deafening. Now THAT would be politically incorrect in a big way. It would provide AQ with a huge Psyops weapon (Americans hate the peacceful muslims etc.) The shooter demonstrates a depth of training in the tradecraft of sniping. Although I am unconvinced that it is AQ, I do think that it is more than a lone madman. AQ methodology would have a:
1. shooter,
2. observer,
3.escape element,
4. security element.
This shooter/team demonstrates a large amount of pre-planning. Recons and escape route planning is carefully. A nutcase could not have put it all together. This guy seems to make few mistakes. I fear that this won't be over until several more people are killed. When it is resolved, it will be by accident. The shooter/team seems to clearly understand US LEO investigatory process and procedure, and, is using that to confuse and disrupt.
just a simple point of view
information is the ULTIMATE weapon