Like Michael Crowley, I'm unwilling to use bin Laden's newly released tape to suggest actual collusion between George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden. Nor will I throw out accusations of cooperation between Bush and Ahmadinejad. But it does seem that, consciously or not, these three conduct mutually beneficial policies, with the actions of each amplifying and improving the popularity of the others.
To say that al Qaeda feeds on hatred for America is to speak the most banal of truths. George Bush reaffirms it every time he speaks of their hatred for us. But if such rage is what they feed off, it's not unfair to suggest that those who increase worldwide loathing for us are aiding their cause. Bush's invasion of Iraq, his plan to build permanent bases there, his unwillingness to reject torture, his international belligerence, his unquestioning support for Israel, his nuclear hypocrisy, and nearly every other aspect of his foreign policy appears tailor made to stoke resentment on the Arab Street. And that he does all of it in supposed pursuit of al Qaeda, elevating a degraded terrorist organization to superpower-threatening status, can't but enhance bin Laden's legend and recruitment pool. Were he treated as a mere irritant, deserving of little but dogged pursuit by American law enforcement, he would be greatly, possibly even gravely, weakened.
Meanwhile, as Mike notes, bin Laden seems perfectly content to release a new tape moments before each election. It's understood truth that the tighter terrorism's grip on the national agenda, the brighter the fortunes of the Republican Party. And yet bin Laden, whom the RNC would like you to believe blanches at the mere mention of their name, routinely plays deus ex machina each time their electoral outlook dims. To believe that bin Laden, whose network is largely online and reportedly sophisticated, cannot call up the New York Times and comprehend this electoral dynamic is the height of foolishness. So, for whatever reason, he appears intent on doing his enthusiastic best to improve the Republicans' prospects. Strange, given their belief that he fears them so.