[h.a. cherev]

Probably a calculated response to the Binny tape telling American muslims to take up arms against their countrymen. It's for public consumption....to keep the peace at home.

I apologize for my ignorance, but I fail to understand your point. GWB's statement may placate the liberals somewhat but, if history is any teacher, will only earn him the contempt of Muslims here and abroad. Witness the multiple concessions the Israelis have given - has it earned them any points with the Muslims either in the ME or here? Further, witness how some quasi-Jewish organization joined CAIR in denouncing anti-Muslim remarks and applauding GWB - will that earn them any sympathy in the American Muslim community? I don't know the answers, but I have my suspicions.

W's personal beliefs on Islam aren't important in this matter at this time.

Again, I fail to understand. GWB is proving more and more to be a real leader. People will emulate/adopt his positions. IF GWB is misleading the majority as to the true nature of Islam and Muslims through his views, we may all end up paying a greater price than if GWB either was silent or spoke out on what he expects from the "non-terrorist" Muslim majority, e.g., total cooperation in the fight against ALL terrorism - perhaps even above and beyond what is expected from non-Muslim Americans.

[anniegetyourgun]

I don't think he's ready to publicly state that all muslims are evil and it's time to root everyone of them out of their homes to place in camps. As for his deeper and theological beliefs about Islam, it matters no more than what Saddam has to say about America in his recent screed to the U.N. The plan is still the same.