The problem during the Cold war was the actions of countries that chose Communism as their path. It may just be coincidence, but it seems that every country that chose Communism also chose a anti-western stance, oppression of the masses, and a complete disregard for human rights in all forms. That is not the fault of the West.
When have Christians and Jews posed a "fatal threat" in the past? Other than the crusades, which was initiated by Muslims, I cannot think of a time when Jews and Christians have fought to completely destroy a people based on religious grounds.
Osama bin Ladin's hatred of the United States, and Saudi Arabia stems from the first Gulf War. Bin Ladin was living in Saudi Arabia as a wealthy man, and forming his own private religious army. When Iraq began its invasion of Kuwait, bin Ladin offered to use his army as a defense for the Saudis. The royal family told him thanks but no thanks, and said they would be more comfortable with America getting involved. Bin Ladin was extremely offended by this gesture. The Koran states that no infidels should set foot on the Arabian Peninsula, and bin Ladin took this as a slap in his face that Arabs would trust Westerners with their defense over other Arabs. He was especially offended to see white women in combat on the Arabian Peninsula. He was exiled after he decided that the Saudi government was a puppet for America and started making threats. He traveled to Sudan where he met Ayman al-Zawahiri and then began his terrorist operations.
My point is that yes, it is the hatred of non-Muslims that is the driving force behind Al-Qaida. The fact that we were willing to stop an invasion, and in turn saved the lives of thousands of Muslim people, caused hatred for America amongst countless Muslims.
