They were not interested in the US Constitution, judicial system, personal freedoms, scientific and academic excellence, and literary and artistic creativity. They would have Saks Fifth Avenue rather than the Metropolitan Museum anytime. They saw the US as a giant version of Ali Baba’s cave, full of jewels, glittering palaces, beautiful concubines, and endless opportunities for making more money - a paradise bearing the sign” For Sale” on its entrance.
That impression was not made out of thin air. It was formed through years of experience by dozens of Bin Ladens who came to regard the United States as a second home. Many secured green cards; some acquired US passports. http://www.nypost.com/seven/03302008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/blood_brothers_104109.htm?page=2