I didn't realize he was welcoming us to stay in the Middle East as THE influence .... and all with open arms (no pun intended). I guess I learn a new thing everyday.

Well, if seeing the US retreat out of the Middle East is nothing more than his stated goal he sure is committed to getting us out of the areas he considers "his" part of the world.

And what is this "power and influence" of which you speak of him having to enjoy?

His oldest two sons knew well their father and both know that their father recognized that he had already become largely irrelevant except in a symbolic -- yet materially-meaningless -- sense. Sort of like what Che Guevara is today -- a materially-meaningless symbol when it comes to present day conflicts.

Contrary to public perception, and even as he is many other things, OBL is not an ego-maniacal power hungry absolutist -- at least not when it comes to dealing with the "like-minded". (Pseudo-humility or pseudo-modesty to try to impress his "followers"? Perhaps, at least probably from time to time.) Still, OBL does not act like a person who believes he can have any more significant power than that given to him by others -- especially by those with whom he has no direct dealing. And this is the case whether he is "relating" to his enemies or to his idea of a "Higher Father's" religious mission and the "Power" behind that.