Ya' don't say!

The Bush folks quietly let out a report on Wednesday (counting on it to get lost in all that fascinating coverage of shopping) that sharply criticizes their approach to the Muslim world and the "war on terror." It's headlined "They hate our policies, not our freedom," which seems to be more than the neocons can process.

In stark contrast to the cold war, the United States today is not seeking to contain a threatening state empire, but rather seeking to convert a broad movement within Islamic civilization to accept the value structure of Western Modernity–--an agenda hidden within the official rubric of a 'War on Terrorism,'

You can imagine how well that goes over with the locals. What imperialism?

MSNBC notes that the report, in a comment that directly goes against statements made by President Bush and senior cabinet members, says the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have united otherwise-divided Muslim extremists and given terrorists organizations like Al Qaeda a boost by "raising their stature."

And remember, the authors of this report are an independent Federal advisory board. (or, at least until they can be replaced with party loyalists)

(via Mike S at the dailyKos)