Capitulation.

So Osama's back. Here's his speech. Fighting words, maybe, but it looks like a surrender to me.

Let's just compare his demands of a few years ago with his aims today.

1996: Muslim youths should kill Jews, Americans, and Crusaders at every opportunity. All national borders must be removed from within the Middle East, thus restoring the single nation of Arabia. Israel must be destroyed. (I and my men are safe in the impregnable Hindu Kush.)

1998: All Muslims everywhere must kill all Americans and all American allies everywhere, whether military or civilian. The Americans should let Saddam Hussein be.

2004: If you leave us alone, we'll leave you alone. Your electoral system is corrupt. Vote Kerry. The Swedish are safe. I'm a big fan of the work of Michael Moore. (No mention of the Hindu Kush.)

Is it just me, or is that a bit of a climb-down?