As like as not they probably expect that the west will be...

As like as not they probably expect that the west will be confused and unfocussed in their response and uncertain what to do and how to respond.

Much the same as things were during the clinton years while bill was too busy porking monica to notice osama declaring war.

GWB has probably surprised them by actually taking some concrete action and mobilized the US for long term warfare with a reasonable plan to bringing the middle east at least part way into the 20th century.