I've decided to not bother answering MaggieL right now; this discussion is dead, and I think she has proven her reputation here. Nothing I can say here will do anything to open her mind.
But Undertoad: you crack me up.
I think, however, that anyone who wants to have any interest in the world should try to have a basic understanding of the major conflicts outside of the soundbites of network news. The government is supposed to reflect the will of the people, but that's only successful when the people are educated. Of course, no one except the experts can be expected to know everything about a field - that's why they're experts. I suggest, if you're really interested in understanding the theoretical basis, picking up Ibrahim Abu-Rabi's "Intellectual Origins of Islamic Resurgence in the Modern Arab World." It gives a pretty good overview of modern Islamic thought.
Obviously, actions can not always be done on the basis of a total understanding; but they must be predicated by an attempt and a willingness to do so. And appropriate action should take place under any credible means, including launching missiles into taxi cabs.
I bring up the likelihood of being killed by a terrorist attack because it is this realization that allows people to think logically; outside of the fear that currently holds America hostage. The fear holds rational thought hostage as well.