What is the difference with Ibn Laadin and Bush?

What is the difference between Osama bin Laden and George Bush?

Apart from their ideology, in what way are they different?

• Both are alleged terrorists.
• Both are engaged in war and recruiting people to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Both believe in supremacy for their religion and ideology.
• Both are accused of bombing buildings and the infrastructure of 'sovereign' states.
• And both are accused of targeting civilians.

So what is the difference between the two men? Why is it illegal to support one and not the other? Why is it a crime to sing praises for Bin Laden, but not for Bush?

The only difference I can see between the two men is that one is a Muslim and the other is a non-Muslim (Christian).

If one were to stand outside on the streets of Britain praising George Bush and celebrate the killing of Iraqi civilians and so-called insurgents, I don't think anybody, especially the police, would have a problem with that. In fact, it certainly wouldn't be a crime.

But on the other hand, if one were to stand in a mosque, praise Bin Laden or celebrate the killing of British and American soldiers – accused of beating children, raping women, destroying mosques and killing civilians – that would be a crime and one would consequently be arrested under the Terrorism Act if it came to the attention of the police.

The democratic definition of terrorism has thus become very clear indeed.

It is now understood that a 'terrorist' is a Muslim who possesses a book on self defence or believes Muslims must physically and intellectually resist the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. But on the contrary, killing Muslims, labelling them as extremists and thereby stripping them of their civil liberties or torturing them in Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo Bay is not terrorism, but rather "necessary to ensure the safety of the public and our freedom."

If it is a crime under the Terrorism Act to sympathise with Bin Laden or support Muslims in Iraq who are fighting to defend their lives and sanctity, it should also be a crime under the Terrorism Act to stand by George Bush and support his wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Furthermore, those that vote for him or his like should be arrested for aiding and abetting a terrorist. Their homes should be raided, their lives should be turned upside down, and they should be detained in solitary confinement for anything up to 28 days, without trial, in a high security police station.