AlterNet: Misinterpreting Osama's Message: Erring on the Side of Danger

An interesting article that suggests Bin Laden may not be as hostile as the media portrays him. The author, a clinical and political psychologist, claims that Bin Laden offers us a 'way out' in his messages, and that his actions are only in reaction to Western actions.

She also points out that no media commented on the beginning of Osama's latest audio tape, which begins, "The road to safety begins by ending the aggression. Reciprocal treatment is part of justice. The incidents that have taken place ... are only reactions and reciprocal actions.

The author goes on to analyze several direct Bin Laden quotes and actions, and explain how the West failed to notice or react properly to them.