I don't know if people have gone over this (sorry, there is really an overwhelming amount of information and opinions collected over the years here) , but I think the "We respect your business but not the country that it serves" part of the RN is incredibly telling. When killing or kidnapping, why does someone take the time to clarify that the business is OK with them, and no one should let this reflect on the business. "America is awful, we hate the U.S. , but we respect Access Graphics. We just want to be clear about this. We kidnapped your daughter and hence give us money. We win! - Foreigners"
I agree completely. This little side note of praise makes no sense in a letter that then goes on to detail how much they'll kill the child if one single tiny thing goes wrong.
If anyone's going to attack the image of America, they'd go after well known CEO's (Bill Gates or something) at the least. A more logical method would be to attack a political leader. (Governor, Senator, etc.)
Whether IDI or RDI there's just 100% no way this is some kind of act of terrorism from an anti-American organization. No way.
Wanting to add something of my own. The phrase 'southern common sense' is something I never heard used before. It sounds like a common phrase used in certain parts of America. Why would a foreign anti-American group use a little American-specific saying?
For some reference, I have recently moved from America to Canada. I have been here for over a year, and so far I have no idea what reputation people have in the southern and northern areas of my province. As an American I say, ah, southern common sense, this is probably because northern Americans have a reputation of being kind of elitist and university educated and southerners would probably pride themselves on being down to earth and practical. But if I was a foreigner to America, would have I any idea whatsoever? It's extremely doubtful.