Let's see... the mudjaheddin we armed and trained in Afghanistan the 80's were anti-communist freedom lovers who happened to be islamic fundamentalists; the 9/11 hijackers were anti-american freedom haters who also happened to be islamic fundamentalists -- entirely different, except for being some of the same people.

Cool. I think this will work to illustrate connections as well.

Saddam Hussein? An anti-american freedom hater (who just happens to be secular)-- entirely equivalent to the 9-11 terrorists except for the islamic fundamentalism!

It really IS simple! Marlowe, you're a genius.

Giovanni