Yes, we in Canada are aware of the propaganda war between the radicals and the American media. We were also sold similar stories when it came to the invasion of Iraq, and we didn't buy into it, which is why we never joined the "coalition of the willing".
We will never defeat terrorism. The idea that we can is a perpetual lie. Furthermore, you cannot defeat terrorism by committing acts of terror. If you want terrorism to stop, then stop terrorizing people. It's that simple. We have not brought peace to the Middle East; we've brought more chaos, death, and destruction to ancient civilizations. They hate us even more now, but of course, they hate the U.S. the most.
Calling it burying our heads in the sand is just laughable. Why should we get involved in a protracted conflict that doesn't affect us? What did Iraq have to do with the war on terror? The answer is nothing. All of those resources could have been put to use in the Afghan front, which by the way Canada was leading during America's tangent and media blitz in Iraq. While America was too busy debating the finer points of attacking Baghdad, the rest of NATO was busy maintaining Afghanistan. Canada commanded the South until recently. But will you admit that? No. You glossed over my last post, and continue to put your foot in your mouth.
Furthermore, Al Qaeda has been fairly crippled by allied forces. I doubt it poses the same risk as it once did. Bin Laden is probably dead, given that we haven't seen a clear video recording of him in years. Then again, we have sewed the seeds of the next generational hatred towards the U.S. by blowing up so many innocent people, so the dangers are even greater.
The idea that we are defending ourselves is a myth. The ME campaigns are about conquest and little else.