A different plan

Al Qaeda has already engaged in the "spectacular" terrorist attacks, such as those of 9/11. Now, apparently, it wants to employ a "death by a thousand cuts" strategy: http://www.nypost.com/seven/07012008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/al_qaedas_plan_b_117936.htm?page=1. The logic behind this change in strategic thinking is as understandable as it is chilling. Al Qaeda doesn't think that we in the West in general and the United States in particular have the stomach for a long, protracted fight where there are daily killings, kidnappings, etc. Frankly, I think that this analysis may be correct. Today's society is all about instant gratification, and the fact that we didn't walk into Afghanistan and Iraq and mop the floor up with the enemy and then leave within 6-12 months has stunned people to the point where they want to withdraw immediately. Al Qaeda thinks long term, we dont. That's why they think they'll win.