The definition of "inside job" usually implies activity on the behalf of insiders. Now in the case of 9/11
passivity of certain government employees would have the same effect, and let the plan eventually succeed.
Also, the government shouldn't be treated as a whole unified entity. Just because let's say 3-5 high ranked officials had knowledge of what was coming but did nothing (passive action) that doesn't mean the whole government knew it or actively helped it.
Also, you might ask, which government... Several foreign governments tried to alert the US, unsuccesfully.
Quote from Rearden Metal:
what are your three best 'proofs' that 9/11 was an inside job?
1. Some (or most) of the well documented put buyers were not terrorist.
2. The 4-5 cheering Israelis arrested (and later quietly released) in Jersey.
3. The ongoing wargames on 9/11. Although not supersecret or hard to find out, the terrorist didn't pick that day by pure accident.
For extra I throw in Ashcroft who stopped flying commercial planes in July. (well, not entirely)
Hey, I didn't even mention the towers, because I think they came down by the jetfuel...