Thats some extremely small and ignorant thinking. In countries like those were outside information is scarce they form their opinions based on experience. If their experience says the US killed innocent people they grew up with then they are more susceptible to agreeing with viewpoints of terrorist.
they are also going to agree with a terrorist base on their religion whether or not we are involved.
Where did the mass of hatred against the US come from initially in those areas.
The radicals pulled together disillusionists and pointed at a target. Then the leadership ran for the hills letting their followers take the brunt of the retaliation.
Remember, the only thing that we actually did in the ME for 30+ years was to come to the assistance of the Arabs asking for help with Saddam.
And that apparently was enough justification for the Cole, embassy bombings and 9/11.
So had we done much of nothing (which Clinton did), that would appease them and they would go back home all happy.
we tried that, it did not work - they saw us as week and found more chances to continue their crusade.
The recruited more terrorists because of their success; whether we had attacked back; they were coming after us.
Some can believe in turning the other cheek; we have seen what that gets us. Presently we are the biggest target around.
You saw what happens when the radicals go after Russia of China. They get stepped on ruthlessly and very little is followed up on.
Being a goody-to-shoes does not work when it is perceived as being week.