These terrorists aren't stupid and surely they know that any attack at this time would simply empower President Bush like never before!!!
They may not care. IMHO their goal is to start an islam against the rest of the world war. Of course, they assume they'll win...
You are 100% correct... ever since OBL issued his fatwa in '98 urging muslims to kill Americans he has believed that he can turn "his followers" against us. They definately assume they will win.