True, but when we're dealing with more or less would-be theocrats, the whole spiritual leader/actual leader distincition is blurred. Not included in the excerpt above is that the Sheik issued a fatwa sanctioning the unsuccessful plots to bomb the UN & tunnels. Maybe he did this for the WTC too? or maybe he felt a growing sense of empowerment afterwards? We will probably never know.
you've brought up Clinton's inaction on the Cole bombing a few times but what did Bush do about it? after it happened he said this: "I am saddened and angered by the cowardly attack on this naval vessel in Yemen," Bush said. "First, our prayers go to the families. It is a constant reminder that people wearing uniforms make sacrifices." The Republican nominee said the Clinton administration must "find out the facts" so that the U.S. can take appropriate steps. "There must be a consequence," Bush said. Clinton had 3 months after the attacks, 2 of those as a lame duck. Bush had 8 months between being sworn in and 911 to do something but he was too busy sending spy planes to China.