Eek! A Saudi!

Obviously, a fiendish mastermind of terror:

Frustrated by his inability to obtain the chemicals, Aldawsari canceled the order and later e-mailed himself instructions for producing phenol.
The affidavit alleges that Aldawsari also e-mailed himself instructions on how to convert a cellular phone into a remote detonator and how to prepare a booby-trapped vehicle using items available in every home. One email allegedly contained a message stating that "one operation in the land of the infidels is equal to 10 operations against occupying forces in the land of the Muslims."
During December 2010 and January 2011, Aldawsari allegedly purchased many other items, including a gas mask, a hazardous materials suit, a soldering iron kit, glass beakers and flasks, wiring, a stun gun, clocks and a battery tester.
Authorities said Aldawsari described his desire for violent jihad and martyrdom in blog postings, using the online user name "fromfaraway90." He expressed dissatisfaction with the current condition of Muslims, lamenting what he viewed as their passivity and pacifism, according to the affidavit.

 Why didn't he just walk up to the White House with an 'I am a terrorist' t-shirt on and a gun in his waistband?

Note also, with all the high-tech spying stuff that costs billions, how he came to the attention of the FBI:

Aldawsari's alleged plan first came to the attention of authorities only three weeks ago, on January 30, when a chemical supplier in Burlington, North Carolina, reported to police that Aldawsari had attempted the "suspicious" purchase of a chemical, according to the affidavit. The toxic chemical -- phenol -- can be used in making the explosive trinitrophenol, also known as TNP or picric acid.

Quite a fairy tale they're spinning here.

UPDATE: emptywheel points out that Aldawsari fits in perfectly with the 'lone wolf' part of the PATRIOT act that is due for debate in Congress.