Of course, there are many other reasons besides the flag with a big cross on it that Al-Qaeda would not appreciate Switzerland's traditional status in the West as a neutral party. An infidel state is an infidel state, and the foreign minister should be aware that a willingness to talk would not protect the Swiss either from violent attacks or the creeping subversion of their laws and civil liberties. 'Swiss foreign minister would 'talk to bin Laden',' from Agence France-Presse, August 25:

GENEVA - Switzerland's foreign minister told top diplomats on Monday she favours direct talks with Osama bin Laden to tackle the threat of terrorism.

Micheline Calmy-Rey, who has raised both eyebrows and hackles with her controversial style, told Swiss ambassadors gathered in the capital Bern that they needed to talk to 'heavyweight political figures' on the world stage even if they are considered persona non grata by other powers.

'This even goes as far as sitting down at the same table as Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden,' she said. ....