[techweenie]

I think this thread asks a very important question.

And after thinking about it for a bit, I have one possible answer:

That the 9/11 attacks created great sympathy for the US.

That everything the US has done subsequent to the invasion of Afghanistan has eroded that sympathy.

That there may be too much of a price for Jihadist Islamic causes to pay if there is another such attack on American soil -- in terms of support within and without the Muslim world.

We know a little about OBL and co. They are very media-savvy and politically astute. They were quick to claim 'victory' at the announcement of withdrawal of 7,000 troops. They look heroic "beating" the US military. They may feel that continued attacks on civilian targets are not good for their cause.