(Which leads to a somewhat far-out, and paranoid, theory about Bush's possible October Surprise: what if, say, a Republican/PNAC dirty-tricks unit had some "terrorist" stooges kidnap some Americans and send a videotape to al-Jazeera threatening to kill them unless Americans rally against Bush. I imagine such a scenario would take the wind out of the Democrats' sails and get Bush reelected with a sweeping landslide without even needing to use trick voting machines. Of course, the Republicans respect democracy and wouldn't do anything like that any more than allowing 9/11 to take place.)
last sunday a portuguese newspaper ran an exaustive interview with an algerian journalist who in the past claimed to have infiltrated al-qaeda who now says osama bin laden is locked in a 'golden cage' (i.e. a small village completely surrounded and monitored by US special forces), and his execution (he can't ever be arrested or there'd be attacks demanding his release) shall happen september 11. 'hollywood-style', the jorunalist says.
I think there are plenty of Italians who would be going on May Day marches because they don't appreciate Silvio's industrial relations, quasi-fascism and suport of shonky corporate mates.
Two words: Jimmy Carter.