World Terrorism: News, History and Research Of A Changing World #6 Disinformation, Inc.

Global Politician/Ocnus.Net ^ | Dec 17, 2006 | Professor Daniel M. Zucker

[DAVEY CROCKETT]

VEVAK learned its methodology from the Soviet KGB and many of the Islamist revolutionaries who supported Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini actually studied at Moscow's Patrice Lumumba Friendship University, the Oxford of terrorism. Documented Iranian alumni include the current Supreme Leader (the faqih) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, under whose Velayat-e Faqih (Rule of the Islamic Jurisprudent) apparatus it has traditionally operated. Its current head is Cabinet Minister Hojatoleslam Gholam-Hussein Mohseni-Ezhei, a graduate of Qom's Haqqani School, noted for its extremist position advocating violence against enemies and strict clerical control of society and government. The Ministry is very well funded and its charge, like that of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (the Pasdaran) is to guard the revolutionary Islamic Iranian regime at all costs and under all contingencies.

From the KGB playbook, VEVAK learned the art of disinformation. It's not so difficult to learn: tell the truth 80% of the time and lie 20%. Depending on how well a VEVAK agent wants to cover his/her tracks, the ratio may go up to 90/10, but it never drops below the 80/20 mark as such would risk suspicion and possible detection. The regime in Teheran has gone to great lengths to place its agents in locations around the world. Many of these operatives have been educated in the West, including the U.K. and the United States. Iranian government agencies such as embassies, consulates, Islamic cultural centers, and airline offices regularly provide cover for the work of VEVAK agents who dress well and are clean shaven, and move comfortably within our society. In this country, because of the severance of diplomatic relations, the principal site of VEVAK activities begins at the offices of Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.

Teheran has worked diligently to place its operatives in important think tanks and government agencies in the West. Some of its personnel have been recruited while in prison through torture or more often through bribery, or a combination of both. Others are Islamist revolutionaries that have been set up to look like dissidents - often having been arrested and imprisoned, but released for “medical reasons”. The clue to detecting the fake “dissident” is to read carefully what he/she writes, and to ask why this vocal “dissident” was released from prison when other real dissidents have not been released, indeed have been grievously tortured and executed. Other agents have been placed in this country for over twenty-five years to slowly go through the system and rise to positions of academic prominence due to their knowledge of Farsi and Shia Islam or Islamist fundamentalism.

One of the usual tactics of VEVAK is to co-opt academia to its purposes. Using various forms of bribery, academics are bought to defend the Islamic Republic or slander its enemies. Another method is to assign bright students to train for academic posts as specialists in Iranian or Middle East affairs. Once established, such individuals are often consulted by our government as it tries to get a better idea of how it should deal with Iran. These academics then are in a position to skew the information, suggesting the utility of extended dialogue and negotiation, or the danger and futility of confronting a strong Iran or its proxies such as Hizballah (Hezbollah). These academics serve to shield the regime from an aggressive American or Western policy, and thereby buy more time for the regime to attain its goals, especially in regards to its nuclear weaponry and missile programs.

MOIS likes to use the media, especially electronic media, to its advantage. One of VEVAK's favorite tricks is setting up web sites that look like they are opposition sites but which are actually controlled by the regime. These sites often will be multilingual, including Farsi, German, Arabic French, and English. Some are crafted carefully and are very subtle in how they skew their information (e.g., Iran-Interlink, set up and run by Massoud Khodabandeh and his wife Ann Singleton from Leeds, England); others are less subtle, simply providing the regime's point of view on facts and events in the news (e.g., www.mujahedeen.com or www.mojahedin.ws). This latter group is aimed at the more gullible in our open society and unfortunately such a market exists. However, if one begins to do one's homework, asking careful questions, the material on these fake sites generally does not add up.

Let's examine a few examples of VEVAK's work in the United States. In late October, 2005, VEVAK sent three of its agents to Washington to stage a press event in which the principal Iranian resistance movement, the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MeK), was to be slandered. Veteran VEVAK agent Karim Haqi flew from Amsterdam to Canada where he was joined by VEVAK's Ottawa agents Amir-Hossein Kord Rostami and Mahin (Parvin-Mahrokh) Haji, and the three flew from Toronto to Washington. Fortunately the resistance had been tracking these three, informed the FBI of their presence in Washington, and when the three tried to hold a press conference, the resistance had people assigned to ask pointed questions of them so that they ended the interview prematurely and fled back to Canada.

Abolghasem Bayyenet is a member of the Iranian government. He serves as a trade expert for the Ministry of Commerce. But his background of study and service in the Foreign Ministry indicates that Bayyenet is more than just an economist or a suave and savvy businessman. In an article published in Global Politician on April 23, 2006, entitled “Is Regime Change Possible in Iran?”, Bayyenet leads his audience to think that he is a neutral observer, concerned lest the United States make an error in its assessment of Iran similar to the errors of intelligence and judgment that led to our 2003 invasion of Iraq, with its less than successful outcome. However, his carefully crafted bottom line is that the people of Iran are not going to support regime change and that hardliner President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad actually has achieved greater popularity than his predecessors because of his concern for the problems of the poor and his fight for economic and social justice. To the naive, Bayyenet makes Ahmadinejad sound positively saintly. Conveniently overlooked is the occurrence of over four thousand acts of protest, strikes, anti-regime rallies, riots, and even political assassinations by the people of Iran against the government in the year since Ahmadinejad assumed office. So too, the following facts are ignored: the sizeable flight of capital, the increase in unemployment, and the rising two-figure rate of inflation, all within this last year. Bayyenet is a regime apologist, and when one is familiar with the facts, his arguments ring very hollow. However, his English skills are excellent, and so the naОve might be beguiled by his commentary.

Mohsen Sazegara is VEVAK's “reformed revolutionary”. A student supporter of Khomeini before the 1979 revolution, Sazegara joined the “imam” on his return from exile and served in the government for a decade before supposedly growing disillusioned.

He formed several reformist newspapers but ran afoul of the hardliners in 2003 and was arrested and imprisoned by VEVAK. Following “hunger strikes”, Sazegara was released for health reasons and permitted to seek treatment abroad. Although critical of the government and particularly of Ahmadinejad and KhameneМ, Sazegara is yet more critical of opposition groups, leaving the impression that he favors internal regime change but sees no one to lead such a movement for the foreseeable future. His bottom line: no one is capable of doing what needs to be done, so we must bide our time. Very slick, but his shadow shows his likely remaining ties to the MOIS.

http://www.ocnus.net/artman/publish/article_27144.shtml

[nw_arizona_granny]

Sole leading Christian member in Jordan Islamic party resigns

http://rawstory.com/news/dpa/Sole_leading_Christian_member_in_Jo_02252007.html

Sole leading Christian member in Jordan Islamic party resigns
dpa German Press Agency
Published: Sunday February 25, 2007


Amman (dpa)- The only leading Christian member in the Islamic
Action Front (IAF), Jordan's largest political party, has resigned,
citing "rumours" that sought to offend his reputation, IAF sources
said Sunday.
Aziz Massaadeh's resignation came only one week after he was
elected to the membership of the administrative panel of Amman's
third constituency.

"My election to the administrative panel has sparked a campaign of
rumours that sought to offend my reputation," Massaadeh said in his
resignation letter which he faxed to the party's headquarters from
his southern city of Karak.

Massaadeh also cited "several other reasons" which he did not
mention.

However, he indicated in remarks to the daily newspaper Alghad that
he was accused of converting to Islam.

"I did not expect my election to the membership of the IAF
administrative panel to take such religious and social dimensions
that prompted me to resign," he said.

Massaadeh disclosed that 33 Christians had submitted applications
to join the IAF, which was founded in 1992 as the political arm of
the Muslim Brotherhood Movement, but that only three of them were
admitted as members of the Islamic party.

The IAF Deputy Secretary Geneal Rahil Gharaibeh expressed surprise
over Massaadeh's resignation.

He said he believed Massaadeh was "exposed to pressures from
certain circles which were displeased" by his election to the IAF
leading post.

"We are proud to be a political and not a religious party that
fights discrimination on the basis of religion, ethnic or sect," he
added.

© 2006 - dpa German Press Agency

[nw_arizona_granny]

France to deal with Palestinian govt if it forms on Mecca accords

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=11282037&PageNum=0

France to deal with Palestinian govt if it forms on Mecca accords

25.02.2007, 05.44

PARIS, February 25 (Itar-Tass) - Paris is ready to cooperate with a new
Palestinian government if it will be formed on the basis of the accords
reached in Mecca, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said
after his meeting with Palestine’s leader Mahmoud Abbas.

He expressed the hope that the Mecca accords reached by the FATH and
HAMAS movements on the formation of a government of national unity
would
allow beginning a process that will lead to the recognition of Israel
by
all Palestinian groups, primarily HAMAS.

The Mecca accord is a an important step to HAMAS’ acknowledging the
three principles, for adherence to which the four mediators of Middle
East settlement urge, referring to the recognition of the Israeli
state,
refusal to resort to violence and observance of all accords with
Israel.

Abbas told a news conference that the Palestinian government would be
formed in March.

“The government will be a basis on which we shall be able to begin
work
with the international community,” he said.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Deadly raid on Islamic Army base

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=134803&version=1&template_id=42&parent_id=18

Deadly raid on Islamic Army base
Published: Sunday, 25 February, 2007, 09:41 AM Doha Time
BAGHDAD: Iraqi troops backed by US aircraft killed “tens” of
insurgents
yesterday in a major assault on a Sunni militant group’s hideout
north
of Baghdad, a senior interior ministry official said.
“An operation was launched against one of the bases of the Islamic
Army
and tens of them were killed,” said Brigadier Abdel Karim Khalaf,
head
of operations at the ministry.
The Islamic Army in Iraq, mainly composed of former members of executed
dictator Saddam Hussain’s party and armed forces, on Friday urged
revenge attacks after the alleged rape of Sunni women by members of the
mainly Shia Iraqi security forces.
During yesterday’s raid, Iraqi forces captured Saad Akram Khalifa, a
commander of the Islamic Army in northern Iraq, Khalaf said.
“The operation was carried out with US air support by the forces of
the
interior ministry,” he added.
“It was carried out on orders of the minister to hit the bases of
terror
around Baghdad and nearby provinces in support of Operation Fardh
al-Qanoon.”
More than 90,000 Iraqi and US troops are carrying out a large-scale
security operation - codenamed Fardh al-Qanoon (Imposing Order) - in
Baghdad to quell a year-long bout of bloodletting between rival Sunni
and Shia factions.
Meanwhile, a Kurdish brigade of the Iraqi army set off yesterday for
Baghdad to take part in a massive joint US and Iraqi military operation
to pacify the city, its commander said.
“Our participation in this security plan is proof of the fact that we
belong to the Iraqi Army,” said Brigadier General Nathir Asim Koran,
commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade of the 2nd Army Division.
“We had decided to send 1,700 men but the number grew to 1,800,”
the
general told reporters in the Kurdish capital Arbil.
“This demonstrates how keen soldiers in the province are to be part
of
the plan.”
The Kurdish region of northern Iraq is autonomous, and many there still
dream of independence from the Arab south, but in public at least
regional officials insist they support national unity.
Nevertheless, some observers have warned that too big a Kurdish
contingent in Baghdad could spark tensions in the capital, especially
as
many Kurds cannot speak Arabic.
The general emphasised however that his troops had been well-prepared
for their mission. “All our soldiers have completed training courses
to
be ready to restore peace in Baghdad,” he said. – AFP

[nw_arizona_granny]

Muslim militancy in the Philippines

http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=120059&ran=5483

Muslim militancy in the Philippines

By NICOLAS B. TATRO, Associated Press (ASAP)
© February 25, 2007

The Philippines may not occur to many Americans as an obvious
battleground in the fight to stamp out terrorism. But that's exactly
what it is -- and a lot of American troops are in the country, advising
Filipino soldiers who are battling Muslim militants.

The biggest target of these military efforts has been Abu Sayyaf, a
group that's been linked to al-Qaida. The group, based in the southern
part of the country, has been held responsible for bombings,
kidnappings
and beheadings.

What kind of success have the U.S. and the Philippines had in their
fight against Abu Sayyaf? And how welcome are American troops in the
archipelago?

AP deputy international editor Nicolas B. Tatro recently sat down with
Paul Alexander, the AP's bureau chief in Manila, to talk about Muslim
militancy in the Philippines. Listen to this podcast to hear some of
their conversation.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Terror threat to Britain worst since 9/11: report

http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=164121

Terror threat to Britain worst since 9/11: report
02-25-2007, 02h54
LONDON (AFP)

The threat of a terrorist attack in Britain by home-grown Islamists is
at its highest since the September 11, 2001 attacks, The Sunday
Telegraph newspaper said, citing a secret government report.

British-based operatives loyal to Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda terror
network numbering potentially more than 2,000 are planning suicide
attacks against "soft" targets, the document said, according to the
weekly broadsheet.

The number is far greater than was previously thought by the security
services.

"The scale of Al-Qaeda's ambitions towards attacking the UK and the
number of UK extremists prepared to participate in attacks are even
greater than we had previously judged," the document said, according to
the newspaper.

"We still believe that AQ (Al-Qaeda) will continue to seek
opportunities
for mass casualty attacks against soft targets and key infrastructure.
These attacks are likely to involve the use of suicide operatives."

The document said that "attack planning" against Britain was to
increase
this year, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Britain was rocked in July 2005 when four British Islamists carried out
suicide attacks on London's transport system, killing themselves and 52
others, the first such attacks in the kingdom.

The secret report said Al-Qaeda, which was behind the September 11,
2001
attacks on New York and Washington, had a foothold in almost every
majority-Muslim country.

Entitled "Extremist Threat Assessment", it said that Afghanistan was
expected to overtake Iraq as the hotbed for terrorists plotting attacks
against Western forces.

The US-led 37-nation coalition in Afghanistan is expecting to face a
renewed assault on its forces by the Taliban, which was ousted from
power following the 2001 attacks on the United States.

"With violence in Afghanistan intensifying, and therefore receiving
greater media attention, the country may well become more attractive as
a venue for foreigners wishing to fulfil their jihad ambitions," the
document said.

A senior political source told the newspaper that the outlook was
"particularly bleak and unlikely to improve for several years.

The security services have constantly warned that the task of
countering
Islamist terrorism is a daunting one. There will be more attacks in
Britain."

Eliza Manningham-Buller, head of the MI5 domestic intelligence agency,
disclosed in November last year that her agents were tracking over
1,600
suspects from 200 groups, most with Al-Qaeda ties.

The spy chief warned of nearly 30 terror plots under investigation.

AFP

[nw_arizona_granny]

Algeria makes first Berber translation of the Quran

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/02/23/10106283.html

Algeria makes first Berber translation of the Quran

Reuters


Algiers: Algeria has translated the Quran into the Berber language,
Tamazight, for the first time, to promote Islam among a community that
has long campaigned for more language and cultural rights, an official
has said.

Religious Affairs Ministry spokesman Abdullah Tamine said the ministry
had funded the printing this year of 6,000 copies of a full translation
carried out by its experts.

Saudi Arabia financed the printing of 5,000 copies of a partial
translation last year, he said. All 11,000 copies were distributed free
and the ministry planned to print more.

Berbers were the original inhabitants of North Africa before the 7th
century Arab invasion and make up a fifth of Algeria's 33 million
people.

The Berber region of Kabylie was hit by unrest in 2001 fuelled by the
death of a schoolboy in police custody.

Tamine said the translation was done at the request of officials from
local mosques in Kabylie districts such as Tizi Ouzou where
congregations did not understand Arabic.

Fruitful

"The translation is fruitful," he said. "Mosques in Tizi Ouzou were
empty before the distribution of the copies. It is now very difficult
to
find a place there, particularly on Friday."

In 2002, the Algerian government recognised Tamazight as a national
language, meaning it could be taught officially in schools in
Berber-speaking regions for the first time.

But Berbers want Tamazight to be an official language, on equal status
with Arabic. At present, it is not used in official documents.

Tamine said the translation would bring citizens closer to Islam. He
denied that promoting the Quran was a political move, adding that the
ministry had previously supervised translations into seven other
languages, including English and Malay.

"We cannot translate the Quran into foreign languages only and ignore
Tamazight," Tamine said. "Our efforts have nothing to do with politics,
but the translation and printing are monitored by the ministry."

[nw_arizona_granny]

US meeting with Muslim leader invites Left ire

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/india/news/article_1269122.php/US_meeting_with_Muslim_leader_invites_Left_ire

US meeting with Muslim leader invites Left ire

Feb 25, 2007, 8:15 GMT

Kolkata, Feb 25 (IANS) A visit by the US Consul General here to the
office of Jamait Ulema-i-Hind leader Siddiqullah Chowdhury has sparked
a
row in West Bengal as the Muslim group opposes farm land acquisition in
Nandigram village for industry.

'How can the consul general interfere in our state's affair?' a
Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader asked even as party
supporters raised slogans outside the office of Chowdhury.

According to informed sources, Consul General Henry V. Jardine
discussed
land acquisition as well as the condition of Muslims in the state
Saturday.

Chowdhury is the latest bugbear of the CPI-M because of his outfit's
role in the Nandigram movement. The CPI-M has dubbed the Jamait
protests
in Nandigram over land acquisition a 'communal campaign'.

'It is a people-to-people programme to know each other and nothing to
do
with interference in the state government's internal matter,' Douglas
Kelly, director of the American Centre, told IANS Sunday.

'I agree that it is a sensitive issue (meeting Siddiqullah at this
point) but Jardine was very careful not to interfere in any internal
matter. It is part of our Muslim outreach programme and we do it in a
routine way everywhere.'

Siddiqullah added: 'People are scared the way land acquisition is going
on. We are not against industry but at the same it should not be
(built)
over farmland, schools and religious places. I communicated this to the
consul general.'

Chowdhury told Jardine that the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was an
American concept and it would not work in India.

CPI-M MP Mohammed Salim reacted cautiously.

'The government will comment on it. But Siddiqullah's association with
the US is nothing new. He had visited Washington earlier also as a
guest,' Salim said.

Nandigram, in east Midnapore district, has been rocked by violence
following attempts to acquire land for a SEZ to be set up by the
Indonesian Salim Group.

In 1999 then consul general Christopher Sandrolini ignited a similar
diplomatic minefield when he sent two US consulate officials to Birbhum
district following the massacre of 13 farmers allegedly by CPI-M men.

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service

[nw_arizona_granny]

Global Islamic Media Front Says Al-Zawra US Tool, Promotes Killing of Al-Jaburi

Originally published on 2/21/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary in Arabic

Terrorism: Global Islamic Media Front Says Al-Zawra TV is US Instrument to Fight Sunnis with Sunnis

On 21 February, a jihadist website posted an article published by the Global Islamic Media Front and written by Bakr Ibn-Salim Bakri al-Kanani, in which the latter accuses Al-Zawra TV and its chief, Mish'an al-Jaburi, of being an instrument in the hands of the Crusaders to fight other Sunnis and divide the mujahidin, after the Crusaders failed to achieve victory through the Shiites alone.

Al-Kanani says that after the US realized that using the Shiites against the mujahidin brought the jihadist groups closer together, it decided that, "the best help that can come to them in their war against the mujahidin will be through those who claim to belong to the Sunnis in Iraq like Mish'an al-Jaburi and the pagan (Islamic) Party, and other Sunni politicians." The author of the statement expresses his admiration for the supporters of jihad for defending the Islamic State of Iraq against the strife, which, according to them, is being spread by Al-Mish'an. Al-Kanani then cautions the mujahidin and the monotheists to remember that their animosity toward the Americans should not be because they are the occupiers but because they are unbelievers; and that, while the enemy at the beginning was easily recognized (the Crusaders and the rejectionists), now many Sunnis have sided with the enemy, creating confusion in the minds of the Muslims. He also cautions them against wasting valuable time and effort on Al-Mish'an, since he is one of many "who sold their religion for a worldly offer," and instead focus on issues that unite them.

He adds that responding to Mish'an al-Jaburi is the responsibility of the jihadist groups, and that the best way will be for these groups to rise to defend the Islamic State of Iraq and its mujahidin [from attack by Mish'an al-Jaburi, who has lately been accused by jihad groups of making anti-al-Qa'ida and anti-Islamic State of Iraq statements]. He writes: "How wonderful it will be to see a statement from the Ansar al-Sunnah Group claiming responsibility for assassinating Al-Mish'an."

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thirtieth Issue of Sawt al-Jihad Magazine - Pages 22-33

Corrected version: major correction to subject, summary, introduction to reflect contents of pages 22-33; no changes to actual translation.

Originally published on 2/8/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary in Arabic

Terrorism : Thirtieth Issue of Sawt al-Jihad Magazine - Pages 22-33

On 8 February, a jihadist website posted a message issued by the Al-Qa'ida Organization in the Arabian Peninsula in which the group announced the release of the 30th issue of its online magazine Sawt al-Jihad and provided links to the publication in both PDF and Word formats. Pages 22-33 contained articles on Iranian-US relations, a warning to Saudi cleric Salman al-Awda, and a discussion of Al-Qa'ida's strategy to use oil as a weapon against industrialized Western countries, like the United States. OSC previously published the table of contents from the 30th issue of the magazine as GMP20070208281001 . OSC plans to translate the entire magazine by mid-March.

This report contains a translation of the following four articles:
"Declaring War on Iran," by Abu-Ali al-Shimali "First a Whisper, but Now a Shout in Salman al-Awdah's Ear," by Abu-Hamzah al-Najdi "The Anticipated Revolution," by Abu-Amir al-Najdi

"Bin Ladin and Oil Weapon," by Adib al-Bassam A translation of pages 22-33 follows:

"Declaring War on Iran," by Abu-Ali al-Shimali

"An observer of current events can see that the Americans are preparing to destroy Iran's regional role and what has been described as the Iranian nuclear file. The temporary marriage between the United States and Iran is apparently ending despite the repeated acts of treason that the Persian state of the Magi carried out in the past few years. Indeed Rafsanjani, one of its leaders, stated that without the Iranian role, Kabul and Baghdad would not have fallen. In this way the Iranians were following the example of their filthy, treasonous Rawafid [rejectionists] ancestors including Ibn-al-Alqami [a Shia minister who was accused of betraying the caliph during Hulugu's attack on Baghdad in 1258] and Nasir al-Tusi.

"Now the tables are being turned against them, for indeed the reward should be like the deed. The period of cooperation and sharing of resources and influence between the two sides has ended. The United States has decided that the time has come for it to monopolize resources and influence both in the Gulf and in Iraq.

"Meanwhile both sides have suffered more strikes than they had expected at the hands of God's mujahidin in the Islamic state of Iraq, may God give it victory, and the other resistance factions. The United States has sunk into the quagmire and now wants to pull Iran down with it to illustrate the adage 'on my head and my enemies' heads.'

"The facts on the ground forebode an imminent danger and a destructive earthquake that will strike the Gulf region in particular and the so-called Middle East region in general. They include the current increase of US forces, the arrival of several aircraft carriers in the Gulf waterway, the recent collision between a nuclear submarine and a Japanese ship in the Arabian Sea, the measures announced by the obeyed fool Bush in pursuing and eliminating Iranian operatives in Iraq, and the recent Iranian arms deals that included the purchase of Chinese fighter aircraft that can rival the F-16s and highly accurate Russian missiles.

"All these facts prove the belief of several analysts that the United States will soon launch a new war. Most probably matters will get out of hand and the Americans will not be able to control them. This will complicate things, but we expect, God willing, that following a period of great hardship and tribulation, a great breakthrough will occur and victory will come to the Muslim nation.

"Every Muslim must be alert to what will occur in the near future and be wary of the role that the Gulf's Rawafid [Shiites] will play in the coming stage. I expect that it will be similar to the role that Iraq's Rawafid played after the US occupation began. Any tension in the Gulf region is bound to entrench the presence of US military forces in the Arabian Peninsula's eastern part following a green light from the peninsula's treasonous tyrants who have brought calamities on the Muslims' heads and who continue to do so. In this way the Gulf countries will find themselves a party to this war, which will scorch everything.

"We pray to God to make the conspirators' schemes rebound on them, destroy the iniquitous by the hand of the iniquitous, and allow the Muslims to emerge from the entire conflict safe and victorious. God is capable of this.

"First a Whisper, but Now a Shout in Salman al-Awdah's Ear," by Abu-Hamzah al-Najdi

"May God be praised. He has guided us to Islam and blessed us with the Koran and the straight path that it has shown to us. May God be praised, who sends sedition as a test to separate the good from the bad and the truthful man from the liar. May God be praised, who has planted our feet firmly on His straight path and caused the false people to go astray. Now to our subject:

"Do you not remember, O Salman al-Awdah the words that our martyred Shaykh Yusuf al-A'iri whispered in your ear: 'This is not how we do justice, your eminence?'

"Today we shout in your ear because you have transgressed the boundaries set by God and slandered the very origins of your religion by your unjust and bold edict [fatwa]:

"The Muslims have heard this fatwa that calls for supporting the so-called Hizballah. The fatwa is bereft of any Sharia proof or religious justification. If it is supposedly based on the Islamic religion, then this is calumny and unfair slander against Islam. If it is based on the Christian or Jewish faiths, it is also a falsehood because the Jews and Christians advocate combat against everything that is called Muslim. How could you take their side?

"Unfortunately some people have said: This is his fatwa. Of course we disagree with him.

"As easy as that? It is as if the disagreement is about an obscure point of jurisprudence. They do not understand that this fatwa is slander against religion. These people remind one of the grandee's remark to his wife in the Koran: Repent of your sin because you have erred. [Allusion to grandee's wife attempted seduction of Yusuf in the Koran]

"Is not the grandee's confining himself to further proof similar to these persons who have confined themselves to saying: We disagree with Al-Awdah's view?

"Do they not realize that this fatwa is more iniquitous than the grandee's and his wife's transgressions? The greatest calamity was his remark: We should put our disagreements with Al-Rawafid aside at this time.

"In other words, we must set aside our Sharia for a while. Is not the chief aspect of religion that which appears in times of war? Is not the chief role of religion to differentiate between the good and the bad, set the faithful apart from the hypocrites, and illustrate the meaning of allegiance and disavowal? Should everyone who is an enemy of the Jews and Christians automatically become the ruler of the Muslims?

"If this is so, then it becomes clear that we should befriend the Venezuelan president and back him in his hostility to the United States. If this is so, then it is permissible to call down blessings on Hitler because he considered the Jews enemies and burned them. Does everyone who shows enmity to the infidels become our master and a Muslim in our eyes?

"Is there a difference between Al-Rawafid, the Jews, and the Christians? Are not Al-Rawafid more infidel and more hostile to the Muslims than the Jews and Christians? Are not Al-Rawafid idolaters who are beyond the pale of Islam? How could we support Al-Rawafid when they prostrate themselves before idols and ask for succor from those who lie in their graves? How could we befriend them when they curse [the first two Muslim caliphs] Abu-Bakr and Umar and the prophet's companions? How could we befriend them when they slander the wives of the prophet, may God's prayers and peace be upon him? How could we support them when they have consistently been more instrumental than any other group in shedding the Muslim people's blood and declaring this action to be permitted? We have seen what they have done to the Muslims in Iraq and Iran.

"God Almighty said: 'How can there be such a league, seeing that if they get an advantage over you, they respect not in you the ties either of kinship or of covenant? With fair words from their mouths they entice you, but their hearts are averse from you; and most of them are rebellious and wicked' [Koranic verse].

"Ibn-Taymiyah said: 'As for associating another deity with God, this means that one attributes to God an equal partner in worshiping, loving, and fearing Him, in making supplications to Him, and in asking for His aid. This is the idolatry for which God does not forgive a person until he renounces it and repents.'

"God said: 'Tell those who have disbelieved to abandon their disbelief and God will forgive them their past transgression' [Koranic verse].

"This is the reason for which the messenger of God, may God's prayers and peace be upon him, fought the idolaters of Arabia. It is because they associated other deities with God.

"Yet there are men who take for worship others besides God as equal to Him. They love them as they should love God. But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for God' [Koranic verse].

"They claimed: 'We only serve them in order that they may bring us nearer to God.'

"They also said: 'Has he made the gods all into one God? Truly this is a wonderful thing.'

"God Almighty said: 'Throw, throw into Hell every stubborn unbeliever' [Koranic verse].

"And: 'Who sets up another god beside God, throw him into a pit of extreme torment' [Koranic verse].

"And after all this, can we come and say that they are Muslims and we should support them?

"Did not God, the Exalted and Mighty, say: 'And this is an announcement from God and His Messenger to the people assembled on the day of the great pilgrimage that God and His Messenger dissolve treaty obligations with the Pagans. If then, ye repent, it were best for you; but if ye turn away, know ye that ye cannot frustrate God. And proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject Faith' [Koranic verse].

"Should we turn away from this proof today? Are not Al-Rawafid idolaters? What happened to the belief in one God? Should we abandon this belief? What happened to our rejection of the idol?

"Did not God Almighty state: 'Whoever rejects the idol and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that does not break' [Koranic verse].

"Or should we leave this proof alone now? Perhaps you might say: Let us for the sake of argument say that they are idolaters. At least let us support them against the Jews who have been occupying Muslim lands for decades.

"Our answer is: Have you not heard the authentic Hadith transmitted by Ishaq Bin-Rahawiyah, citing Al-Fadl Bin-Musa, citing Amru Bin-Alqamah, citing Sa'id Bin-al-Mundhir, citing Abu-Hamid al-Sa'idi, about the prophet, may God's prayers and peace be with him? Ishaq narrated: 'The prophet looked behind him at a crucial moment of the Battle of Uhud and found a fine-looking battalion of men coming to join his forces. He asked: Who are these men? The answer was: They are Abdallah Bin-Abu-Ibn-Sallul and his Jewish slaves and they are called the Band of Abdallah Bin-Salam. The prophet then asked: Have they converted to Islam? They said: No, they still adhere to their own religion. The prophet said: Let them go back. I do not use the assistance of idolaters against idolaters.'

"Are we now attributing a higher place to logic than scriptural proof? Your position is that we should examine incidents and events through the lens of mind and logic? What can we do for you if your mind works this way? Are we obligated to accept your reckless fatwa so that you will not slander us because we disagree with you? Will you not repent to God and abandon the procession of disbelief and hypocrisy? Will you not abandon these seditious temptations and stop tempting the people to turn away from their religion?

"The Almighty said: 'Those draw the believers, men and women, into temptation and do not turn in repentance will have the penalty of Hell and dwell in the everlasting fire." [Koranic verse]

"Is it not unfair and a lie to the people of religious scholarship to count you among their number? Is it not a lie and a calumny against the truth to address you as shaykh?

"Oh Muslims, protect yourselves and your kinfolk from the fire and hold fast to the commandments given to you by the best of humans, Muhammad Bin-Abdallah, may God's prayers and peace be upon him. Hold fast to God's holy book and the Prophet's Sunnah for they have in them the way to salvation and success. Without them there is only loss and perdition.

"The prophet, may God's prayers and peace be upon him, said: 'I have left with you a manifest truth that is bright by day and night. Anyone who strays from it after my time will suffer perdition.'

"He also said: 'I have left with you that which if you cling fast to it, you will never go astray. It is God's book and my Sunnah.'

"Hold fast to God's words, may He be praised, and the Sunnah of His prophet for they have in them guidance and the path to happiness.

"I conclude with the declaration that God knows best, more so than any human. May God's prayers and peace be with our prophet, Muhammad. May God, the Lord of all creation, be praised.

"The Awaited Revolution," poem by Abu-Amir al-Najdi

"Revolution is at hand. Brothers arise.

"Throw off your long stupor.

"You will not regain your rights but with a revolution

"that will lift the black darkness,

"A revolution by which we will please the Lord of Heaven

"And Restore dignity after a long humiliation.

"A revolution that will excise from our homelands every tyrant who deceived the nation.

"Break the idols that nested and multiplied in your hearts,

"Smash them and fill your hearts with the guidance of God's

"Book or the prophet's Sunnah.

"They give victory to him who seeks the heights

"and are the food of the spirit for the revolutionaries.

"By this I mean a revolution of the sword, not a revolution of a quill dipped in ink.

"I seek not eloquent speeches; Internet postings will never do the job.

"Our right will not be regained with the pen but with rivers running red with blood.

"This is what I want our revolution to be; I will not accept any other course but this.

"History teaches us that he who attacks with the sword is repulsed only by the sword.

"Who he stubbornly refuses to rule justly will see this religion's enemies attack.

"It is only through the dignity of religion that the state will succeed.

"This era's tyrants have surpassed the tyrants of old by their evildoing, injustice, and apostasy.

"They rose to a pinnacle of badness. Is there anything after the pinnacle except a great fall?

"Arise, you have shown enough submission and humiliation.

"If we are true to God, victory will be ours, and this is a sure promise.

"Let your first principle be to smash the snake's head when the time of earnest action comes.

"Cut off the head of this mindless faction that took away from us our best brothers.

"A dishonorable debauchee has brought on his head all forms of curses.

"Do not think his troops will protect him. Fear them not for they are slaves.

"Begin with him and confront him with his evil deeds to give him what he deserves.

"Remove the crown that is not rightfully his and smite the back of his neck with your shoes.

"Let one of those he oppressed stand in judgment over him, for only such a one will judge rightly.

"Rule with justice but enforce the punishment of death when necessary.

"We can only mete out the death penalty to them but the real torment will be in the afterlife for those who oppressed the people.

"After you pass judgment on the scoundrel, do not stop but seek out the rest of his faction.

"Hasten to capture them for their habit is to flee in times of hardship.

"Sit in judgment over them as you did the scoundrel, but do not be unjust.

"Revolutions begin like this, by cutting off the heads of sedition.

"But when the edifices of disbelief have been demolished, the true followers of the creed, the creed of monotheism, will return.

"Welcome to this creed. My nation drinks after its long thirst.

"Drink from the fount of the pure creed that is no longer polluted by the fatwas of old.

"Come in haste, O revolution of dignity, for we have waited long.

"I have prepared myself to meet it. Brothers, you too make preparations.

"Bin Ladin and the Oil Weapon," by Adib al-Bassam

"The process began with the French oil tanker, passed through the Al-Khubar incidents and the Iraqi oil operations, and finally the Buqayq refinery. There will be much more, God willing.

"It is neither strange nor new to carry out attacks on oil targets in the region. Shaykh USA's call to carry out such attacks is old. However, the magnitude of the target and the overwhelming shock made many people lose their memory. So they claimed that Bin Ladin had just begun to target oil installations and that this was a new transformation in Al-Qa'ida's policy. May God be praised. They are deaf, mute, and blind and without the ability to think.

"Our rule: If you are working, then you are the victor. Your very survival is a defeat for your enemy. This is the motto of gang warfare. The Buqayq oil refinery operation and the level it attained in prior gathering of information, preparation, and execution made it a success by any standard, except perhaps by the standards of the Salluli [Saudi] Government, which takes a great religious scholar like Sulayman al-Ulwan and turns him into a chained criminal but classifies Turki al-Hamad as an intellectual and appoints him to the highest posts when he declares: 'God and Satan are two sides of the same coin.'

"I declare that the Buqayq operation was successful for several reasons:

"1. It chose a suitably large target. The Buqayq refinery is the world's largest oil refining complex. Most exported oil passes through it. When operating at full capacity it can handle 9 million barrels per day. The capacity of the pipelines carrying oil from Buqayq to the Yanbu port was enlarged in response to US needs after the Iraqi oil exports stopped in 1991.

"2. Very accurate information was gathered before the attack was carried out. The operation was executed with precision. Successful execution depends on accurate information.

"3. The operation represented a daring penetration of a location defended by tight security.

"Muhammad al-Miri, a security man who was wounded during the attack, said: 'We failed to resist and repulse the attackers who stormed the location.' He mentioned that the operation occurred just as he was about to finish his shift. Sergeant Rashid Bin-Hamad al-Miri, his wounded colleague, asserted that the 'attackers carried out their operation at a time when the sentries were not paying full attention.' This was the result of a precisely planned operation. The attack was sudden.

"Muhammad al-Miri added: 'We tried to use our weapons but we failed because the weapons store was locked.'

"These statements by eyewitness security members prove the lie that the Interior Ministry claimed that the security men were totally prepared and had foiled the attack.

"The attack penetrated deep into the refinery, contrary to the Interior Ministry's claim. The mujahidin suffered no casualties but successfully withdrew. The martyrdom of two of the attackers was a basic part of the plan.

"Do we not have the right after all this to declare that the operation was successful from all angles, that is, with regard to information gathering, preparation, and execution? The apostate Interior Ministry's reaction was natural and expected. It did not abandon its usual custom of issuing misleading, ambiguous statements. The magnitude of its lies and contradictory statements is obvious even to a blind person, let alone to perceptive people. It downplayed the operation and described it as a failure. Why did it delay sending photographers to take pictures of the site of the attack to show the people the operation's failure that it alleged? A picture is worth a thousand words, after all.

"We declare that it is natural for the apostate [Interior] Ministry's statement to contradict the facts because it is impossible for an official to make up this type of statement: 'At 1500 on Friday two vehicles succeeded in penetrating the security cordons and stormed Buqayq's petroleum industrial facilities. When some security personnel suspected the vehicles, there was an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. The security forces were surprised by the appearance of a third support vehicle that they had not expected, which contributed to the success of the operation. The security forces could not stop this vehicle or identify its occupants because there were not enough security men. They did not have enough weapons, and the key to the weapons store was lost. None of the attackers were killed. They succeeded in detonating the first two vehicles according to plan. Two security men were killed and two wounded. The operation caused great damage. Fighters were busy putting out the fires in the pipelines. Production was negatively affected. The following are images of the damage. They are coming to you continuously from the site of the incident.'

"Then while this statement by the apostate [Interior] Ministry is read out, real pictures of the bombing site would be shown. All television channels would be allowed to take photographs instead of letting the Al-Mustaqillah News Channel monopolize the filming, although it is not independent in any sense.

"The Interior Ministry could not have made a statement of this sort because it is known for lying and misleading. Indeed it would be expected to conduct a major media campaign to downplay the operation and magnify the security forces' strength and ability to foil such operations.

"The Interior Ministry also lied about its raid on the Al-Yarmuk guest house and magnified its accomplishments. It is true that some of those who had participated in the Buqayq operation were inside the guest house. It is true that the mujahidin were affected by this raid and lost some of their best men. The raid, however, does not in its entirety deserve the halo with which the Interior Ministry surrounded it through its media. This is so because the mujahidin had succeeded in carrying out their operation successfully and there is no shame that they died afterward. Martyrdom, after all, is their path. Every mujahid knows that this will be his end. Indeed most mujahidin vie with each other to die exactly as the Interior Ministry's men try hard to stay alive. Every mujahid considers being killed at his enemies' hand a dignified victory.

"Hence any reasonable observer who compares the Buqayq operation with the guest house raid will realize that the Buqayq operation was a successful, powerful, and cruel blow while the guest house operation was ordinary and not as decisive as the apostate [Interior] Ministry claimed. How many times have we heard statements from the apostate [Interior] Ministry that it had destroyed the organization's leaders and settled the matter decisively? The truth is that the hole is widening and the Interior Ministry will not be able to patch it up no matter how many resources it mobilizes, how many security men it recruits, and how much help it gets from foreign powers. Each time it claims that the issue is over or is about to be settled decisively. The hole is much bigger than those whose names are put on a wanted list. Considering that those who have carried out operations, been killed in clashes with the police, or been captured number in the thousands, why do the wanted lists only have dozens of names?

"Just as we believe that a war is going on in the streets and city squares, we also maintain that a media war is going on. The weapon here is the spoken word and the battlefield is the people's minds. For this reason I counsel myself and my brothers not to pay attention to what the other side says or believe its allegations.

"Brothers, go forth with God's blessing. Continue the march and carry on attacking oil targets. Do not become weary. Concentrate on the oil exports and do everything that serves our purpose. Do not be deceived by the tyrant's pronouncements through the words of his eminence the mufti of Al Sallul's state. If you cannot reclaim stolen wealth, then there is no harm in destroying it. This oil is devoted to serve a war against Islam and the Muslim people. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan depends largely on oil. The party that stands to lose most from attacks on the oil industry is the United States, the bearer of the Crusader banner, and the industrial countries in general.

"Faysal Bin-Abd-al-Aziz halted the oil exports once. Does not the motive that allowed him to do so also allow the mujahidin to attack the oil industry so that the oil exports will stop or at least be reduced and the oil price raised, which would at any rate benefit the country and the people?

"Another proof of the rule 'averting harm comes before bringing benefit' is that the ulema issue religious edicts [fatwas] on the basis of this rule frequently. They rule against the sale of weapons in times of internal conflict although the original rule is that there is no dispute over selling weapons. They justify the ban on such sales because they might lead to the death of people who should not be killed. Additionally the apostate government punishes anyone who possesses an unlicensed firearm or trades in weapons with jail sentences of up to 10 years. It also confiscates the culprit's assets.

"I am not merely saying that the oil that is exported to the United States might perhaps be used to kill Muslims. Indeed it is the lifeline of the wars that the United States wages against the Muslim countries. Fuel, explosives, many tools, clothing, and some foodstuffs largely depend on petroleum in their production. What do the religious scholars have to say about this? Where are they when someone opens the air space, territorial waters, and indeed territory to back the Americans in their war against the Muslims in Afghanistan and Iraq? Why in this case is the bringing of benefit given preference over averting harm? Why the selfishness? Should the Muslims die so that you may live? Should they starve so that you may satisfy your appetites and enjoy luxuries?

"And after all this you come and claim that the Muslim people's wounds concern you? This is not how things are done. You cannot reap grapes from a thorn bush. When the ulema are disunited, mangy goats will lead them.

"Just as weapon sales are prohibited during internal fighting, oil sales to the United States must be declared a prohibited act. The sale of oil must be prevented by any means, even if it means destroying it. If one has to choose between several kinds of evil, he must choose the least harmful. No zealous Muslim should denounce the attacks on oil installations. We must all cooperate to prevent petroleum exports to the United States with all our strength, that is, if we really want to help the Muslims who are persecuted everywhere and if we want to halt the US aggression against the world.

"The ulema issued fatwas justifying the blockade on Iraq, preventing the sale of its oil abroad, which is the people's right, and even preventing food and medicine from reaching Iraqi women and children as a way of punishing Saddam Husayn. The same reasons should make it justifiable for the mujahidin to strike oil installations as a punishment to the Americans and to limit their acts of aggression. Stopping or at least reducing oil supplies to the United States will help end the US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. It will also reduce the unlimited US support for the Jews.

"Perhaps I should expand my discussion to cast light on the importance of this type of blessed operations and its effect on the industrial countries, chiefly the United States. I say: Energy security is the subject that occupies the whole world today. The importance of oil was the chief subject of discussion during the industrial countries' meeting in Moscow. Indeed it is the chief subject of discussion at most international forums. All statements by politicians and economists point to the importance of oil and its serious implications for the great powers' economies. In his annual State of the Union speech Bush made remarks from which one could understand that oil is the industrial countries' point of weakness and a specter that threatens their economies. He tried to downplay the importance of the Middle East's oil and spoke about the ability to do without it soon.

"Commenting on this speech, Arab American Institute President James Zogby said that "the United States will not be able to do without Middle East oil no matter how hard it tries." He explained that the US President's words were for political consumption and that even if the Democratic Party took power, it would say the same thing. Many experts agree with James Zogby' view.

"Bush's speech demonstrated that attacking oil installations is the biggest threat to the United States. For this reason Bush tried to reassure himself and to delude the American public into believing that it is possible to do without Middle East oil.

"This is an old worry. Former US President Richard Nixon made demands similar to Bush's and promised to end foreign oil imports by the end of 1980. Carter repeated the same words and pledged to end dependence on foreign oil by the end of 1990. In reality US oil imports have risen and the country's dependence on them has increased. Fully 60 percent of domestic energy consumption comes from imported oil.

"Bush spoke about energy strategy in the United States and various sources of alternative energy like coal, wind power, solar power, and nuclear power to show that terrorist operations would not pose a threat to the US economy in the foreseeable future. I believe that Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin's recent speech and his former statement that urged attacks on oil installations played a significant role in the writing of Bush's latest speech. According to experts, the alternative sources of energy that Bush mentioned are not realistic. Bush's proposal is totally illogical. The United States needs more than 21 million barrels per day, that is, a quarter of the world's energy consumption. It imports 21 million barrels per day and has been forced to reduce its oil reserves to 29 billion barrels. The situation is becoming progressively worse. The proposed solutions for the problem of US energy needs are very modest.

"Nuclear power might offer a partial solution but the United States has not built a single nuclear power plant in the past 30 years and confined itself to the 35 reactors that it already has. It renovated them to extend their life span to 60 years and remains attentive to safety requirements and wishes to avoid an accident similar to the 1986 Chernobyl incident. It is as if it says to itself 'around us but not on top of our heads.' Bush at any rate promised that a new nuclear power plant would be built in the next few decades but this is of little use.

"Other solutions like ethanol, solar and wind power, renewable sources of energy, and vehicles that work on electric power and hydrogen all still need quantities of oil. They also require large areas and assistance from the traditional sources of energy, which means that they are costly and will not be competitive against traditional sources of energy for decades to come. Furthermore the future of energy is not decided by Bush but by the global markets and the availability of oil and natural gas.

"US energy needs grow proportionately to the growth of its economy. For example vehicles will soon consume more than 9 million barrels per day. In 2030 there will be more than 320 million vehicles using oil-based fuel in the United States.

"British Petroleum Chairman John Brown asserts that global energy consumption will increase because of the rise in population and the improvement of living standards. He said that the role of petroleum will remain important regardless of the current calls to reduce dependence on it. He declared that natural gas is the best fuel for the production of electric power but noted that there is no alternative to gasoline for cars and that hydrogen-powered cars cannot be competitive.

"The current compulsive use of energy and the culture of US addiction to oil will require several decades to change. Hence the United States will still need the Middle East in the foreseeable future. Its oil will remain an easy target for all the enemies of the United States and its point of weakness for long decades.

"Nevertheless, we should not forget that the United States has spent a lot of resources on alternative energy technology and will now allocate more resources and adopt a more serious attitude to the problem. This is an indication that America might in the long term do without the Middle East oil or reduce its dependence on it, confining itself to oil from Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, and some new producers. It will double its reliance on alternative energy sources. Therefore it is necessary to strike oil installations in all the regions from which the United States imports petroleum. The objective is to block or at least reduce its imports by all possible means.

"The targets of attacks on oil installations should include oil wells, pipelines, loading docks, and tankers. The attacks should include every method that will reduce the US ability to obtain oil, force it to adopt decisions that it has been avoiding for some time, confuse and suffocate its economy, and threaten its economic and political future.

"A look at what is happening in Iraq will illustrate to us the impact that attacks have on the oil industry. In one year 186 attacks caused losses amounting to $6 billion. Let us also look at what has been happening in Nigeria, where the giant British-Dutch petroleum firm Royal Dutch Shell halted its loading operations at Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta region in southern Nigeria after the loading dock was bombed. It also closed down the oil fields which this port served.

"Shaykh Usama's instructions are clear and open about targeting oil installations. The mujahidin should carry out these instructions well by gathering information, selecting the right targets, and collecting all the documentary information about the operation after it is carried out. This information should include all the operation's planning, equipping, and execution stages.

"In conclusion I would like to assert that the parties that will be the biggest losers will be the industrial countries, chiefly the United States, the bearer of the cross banner. The producing countries will not suffer much but will benefit from the higher prices, which will spur an economic leap forward as happened in the Gulf countries in 1973 after the oil embargo began. The effect of this embargo was made clear by US Defense Secretary Schlesinger's statement that military force will be used to prevent any future threat of an oil embargo that would threaten the US economy."

[nw_arizona_granny]

Al-Qa'ida's Sawt al-Jihad Magazine Resumes Publication, Threatens 'Major' Attacks

Originally published on 2/8/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Report in Arabic

Terrorism: Al-Qa'ida's Sawt al-Jihad Magazine Resumes Publication, Threatens 'Major' Attacks

On 8 February, a jihadist website posted a message from the Al-Qa'ida Organization in the Arabian Peninsula, announcing the release of their 30th issue of their online magazine Sawt al-Jihad, and providing links to the publication in both PDF and Word formats. This 56-page issue comes after almost two years of absence. In the introduction of this edition, the author assures Bin Ladin that the mujahidin of Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula are keeping their promise and are preparing for "what will please him," threatening new attacks against "Crusader" interests in the Arabian Peninsula. The magazine also includes an article on Bin Ladin's strategy to use "the oil weapon" against the West.

The magazine contained the following articles:

-- "Oh, House of Salul -The Outcome Belongs to the Righteous," by Muhammad Ibn-Abdallah al-Nasir, is the introductory article in which the author reminds the House of Saud [The Saudi Royal family] of God's promise to the believers. Al-Nasir promises Usama Bin Ladin that the mujahidin are keeping their commitment, writing "Your soldiers in the Arabian Peninsula are working, planning and preparing for what will please you, and will please the believers." The author also threatens "Crusaders" in the Arabian Peninsula, adding: "With the beginning of this new year, we ask God to make it a year of victory and of empowerment for the mujahidin in the Arabian Peninsula. Let the Crusaders and their followers in the Arabian Peninsula know that we have been preparing, for a while, for major operations that will shake the foundations of the Crusaders in the Arabian Peninsula, with God's might and strength and not ours. The Crusaders will not enjoy their living in the peninsula of Muhammad, prayers and peace be upon him, as long as we breath. This matter is part of the project of the mujahidin that aims at cleansing the Arabian Peninsula from the filth of the polytheists and the bases of the Crusaders that are spread all over the Arabian Peninsula."

-- "Eyewitness News as Seen through the Eyes of the Mujahidin," lists events that had taken place since the release of the 29th issue, beginning with the Buqayq oil refinery attack, which took place in February 2006, and ending with the escalation of the US military presence in the Arabian Gulf.

--"A Special Interview with one of the Partakers in the Buqayq Raid - Badr Ibn-Abdallah al-Humaydi," gives details of the Buqayq oil refinery attack, and accuses the Saudi government of lying about its outcome. This article is followed by copies of the two statements issued by the group last year, in which they claimed responsibility for the said attack. [GMP20060225542001 and GMP20060227710011].

-- "Proving the Inaccuracy in Saying 'The Deed is Infidel but the Doer is not,'" by Shaykh Abdallah Ibn-Sa'd al-Fahd, argues that the doer of an infidel act should rightfully be considered infidel, as the one guilty of committing the act.

--" Issa Ibn-Sa'd Ibn-Muhammad Al Awshan- The Knight of Jihad Media," by Majid Ibn-Muhammad Ibn-Sa'id al-Qahtani, is a six-page article which gives a detailed biography of the Saudi jihadist and poet Issa Al Awshan, who was killed at the hands of Saudi security forces in 2004, after he had assumed the responsibilities of Al-Qa'ida's media activities following the death of his predecessor Yusuf al-Ayiri.

--"Declaring War on Iran," by Abu-Ali al-Shimali, says that the temporary "marriage of pleasure" between Iran and the US is over, and that the US is now preparing for a war against Iran.

--"A Shout Following the Whisper in the Ear of Salman al-Awdah," by Abu-Hamzah al-Najdi, reminds Islamic preacher and supervisor of the Islam Today Internet forum, cleric Salman al-Awda, of Yusuf al-Ayiri's advice to him not to support Hizballah, which he did not take seriously. Now, the author reiterates the same message and calls on Al-Awdah to stick to the true teachings of Islam.

--"The Anticipated Revolution," by Abu-Amir al-Najdi, is a poem that calls on the Muslims to rise and prepare for the revolution of glory.

-- "Bin Ladin and Oil Weapon," by Adib al-Bassam, discusses the strategy of attacking oil installation and facilities, and explains that this has always been the strategy of Bin Ladin and Al-Qa'ida. It also explains its effectiveness in the war against industrial countries, especially the United States.

--"Iraq Yesterday and Today," by Yahya Ibn-Zayid Al Zayid, in which the author describes the situation in Iraq before and after the fall of Baghdad, and describes how the tree of jihad developed and grew, until it got to the formation of the Islamic State of Iraq.

--"Interview with Martyr: Karim al-Tuhami al-Mujati," is an interview conducted by the magazine with this Moroccan "jihad leader," only few days before he was killed in the Al-Ras attack, in April 2005. In this interview, Al-Mujati answers questions, discusses prisons in Bosnia and talks about the jihad leaders under whom he had fought.

-- "Ask the People of Knowledge, Fatwas in Jihad and Religious Politics" part of a question and answer series about jihad. In this issue, Shaykh Abdallah Ibn-Sa'd al-Fahd answers the question: "What are the types of Al-Diyar [homes or countries]? And what are their rulings?" in which he explains the two types: The Muslim Diyar and the Diyar of the Infidels.

--"Readers' Contributions," is a section which includes letters from readers expressing admiration and support for the mujahidin.

--"Letters and Responses," is a section containing a number of responses to readers' letters. The magazine provides the http://contactus.arabform.com website address as contact information for readers to use for their correspondence.

In addition to the above, the magazine contains a footnote in which Sawt al-Jihad expresses its gratitude to the Global Islamic Media Front for their continuous support in releasing their productions. It also announces that the third series of "Blood that Will Not be Wasted" video on the "martyrs" of Al-Qa'ida Organization in the Arabian Peninsula, will be released soon, and will be available on their website.

In the final page, Sawt al-Jihad posts images of the covers of four of its publications and asks the readers to participate in their printing and distribution.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Sawt Al-Jihad Magazine Claims 'Major Operations' Being Prepared in Arabian Peninsula

Originally published on 2/9/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Report in Arabic

Terrorism: Sawt Al-Jihad Magazine Claims 'Major Operations' Being Prepared in Arabian Peninsula

On 8 February, a jihadist website posted links to the 30th issue of the Al-Qa'ida-affiliated online magazine Sawt al-Jihad, which contained a number of articles of interest, including the introduction of the 56-page magazine by Muhammad Ibn-Abdallah al-Nasir entitled "Oh House of Salul [Saud], The Outcome Belongs to the Righteous." In this article, the author says that with the return of the magazine, the Saudi government's lies are going to be exposed, and that by its simple return, the magazine is proving that the government lied when it claimed that it annihilated the mujahidin. He then addresses Bin Ladin and assures him that the Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula is keeping its promise and is preparing for major attacks against the "Crusaders" in the Arabian Peninsula. The author echoes the joy felt by the group in the Arabian Peninsula over the formation of the Islamic Caliphate in Baghdad and encourages them to destroy and kill.

A translation of the article follows:

"The Introductory Article

"By Muhammad Ibn-Abdallah al-Nasir

"Oh, House of Salul [The House of Saud]! The Outcome Belongs to the Righteous

"Praise be to God, the Supporter of His faithful mujahidin and the Degrader of the polytheists and the apostates and whomsoever takes their path until Judgment Day. Praise be to God, Who facilitates all matters, big and small. We thank Him, may He be exalted, for facilitating for us the restoration of the jihad media, both print and audio-visual, which acts as a forum for the mujahidin to clarify facts and expose lies and false claims, which the agent media uses against the mujahidin.

"After a period of suspension of jihad media in the Arabian Peninsula, especially the lofty milestone, the Sawt al-Jihad magazine, which in the beginning was headed by Shaykh Yusuf al-Ayiri, may God accept him [among the martyrs], and then Shaykh Issa al-Awshan and Mu'jab al-Dusari, may God accept them [among the martyrs], who had established the Sawt al-Jihad magazine and their brothers in the cadre of the jihad media. I do not forget to mention our leader and our beloved Abu-Hajar, may God accept him [among the martyrs], who directed the attention to this issue that caused them to assume a major role in the jihad media, and who continues to do so until this moment. This [the return of the magazine], of course, was possible by the grace of God. It is also clear proof that the apostate government lied when it said, 'We eliminated them.' But this is not the first time or the last time this apostate agent government spreads such claims.

"With the return of [jihad] media, their lies and deception are going to be exposed, the facts are going to be revealed, and it [the media] will dot the i's. We prompt our brothers, the readers, not to forget the two shaykhs, Abu-Sa'd Issa al-Awshan and Abu-Sa'd Mu'jab al-Dusari, who worked on managing the Sawt al-Jihad magazine since its inception and until they were martyred under the direction of the martyred leader, God willing, Abu-Hajar, may God accept him [among the martyrs] and all his brothers, because all those men were the ones who turned the knowledge they had to reality that walks over the earth. They devoted their time, a matter that is not lost with God, to reveal the truth and clarify the methodology. They sacrificed their time and their blood for that. May God have mercy on their souls, and may He make them inhabitants of His paradise. With this event, we remember the words of God, may He be exalted, in His True Book, 'Fain would they extinguish Allah's light with their mouths, but Allah will not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though the Unbelievers may detest (it)' [Koranic verse; Assaf 61:8]. This is how the wars between the prophets and their followers and their enemies persist, but eventually the outcome belongs to the believers, as shown in many verses in God's book, and as was told by Hercules [The Roman Emperor] to Abu-Sufyan [Muslim leader].

"And here we are at the beginning of a new year, which we ask God to make a year of victory and of empowerment for the mujahidin in the Arabian Peninsula. Let the Crusaders and their followers in the Arabian Peninsula know that we have been preparing for a while for major operations that will shake the grounds of the Crusaders in the Arabian Peninsula, with God's might and strength and not ours. The Crusaders will not enjoy their living in the peninsula of Muhammad, prayers and peace be upon him, as long as we are breathing. This matter is part of the project of the mujahidin that aims at cleansing the Arabian Peninsula from the filth of the polytheists and the bases of the Crusaders that are spread all over the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam and the homeland of the message. Our war with the bearers of the banner of the cross (the Americans), and their followers the British, and whoever helps them in this unjust war, will continue as long as the homeland is occupied and the sanctities are desecrated, and until religion is all for God [until everyone becomes a Muslim].

"We say to our amir, Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin: We are proceeding in the path and are keeping our promise. We shall not change and we shall not alter until we meet God. It is either victory or martyrdom, because your soldiers in the Arabian Peninsula are working, planning and preparing for what will please you, and will please the believers, God willing. We ask God to facilitate things until the zero hour arrives.

"We were pleased to see the rise of the sun of the Islamic caliphate in Baghdad under the leadership of Abu-Umar al-Baghdadi al-Hussayni al-Qurashi, may God protect him. We say to him and to Shaykh Abu-Hamzah al-Muhajir and their brothers, blood, blood and destruction, destruction. Your brothers in the Arabian Peninsula are fighting with you day and night until we meet God. We ask God to keep your feet firm and to guard your hearts; we ask Him to unite you with your brothers, and to grant you victory over your enemy and ours.

"Oh, Lord, support the mujahidin in their fight in Your cause in the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Palestine, Kashmir, and everywhere. Our last supplication is to praise God, the Lord of all creation."

[nw_arizona_granny]

Israeli FM Intelligence Report: Mideast Anti-Iran Bloc Seen 'Gaining Strength'

Corrected version: adding subslug information; Report by Uri Jablonka: "Intelligence Report: Anti-Iranian Camp Growing Stronger in Middle East"

Originally published on 2/21/2007 by Ma'ariv (Internet Version-WWW) in Hebrew

Over the past few weeks, the extremist camp of Middle East countries, headed by Iran, has weakened while, in an encouraging development, the group of moderate countries, led by Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia has been gaining strength. This has been stated a recent intelligence report compiled by the Foreign Ministry's Center for Political Research.

According to the report, which is entitled "Slowdown in the Momentum of the Radical Camp and the Strengthening of the Anti-Iran Camp," the latest regional developments have consolidated the moderates opposite the extremists. The affirmations are based, among other things, on the implications of the execution of former Iraqi Leader Saddam Husayn and conclude that "the Sunni-Shiite rift in the Arab Middle East has deepened in the aftermath of the hanging of Saddam Husayn, which many Sunnis in the area took to be an Iran-supported Shiite act of revenge." The report further stipulates that "this has mitigated the feelings of admiration and unreserved popular support for Hizballah, and, to a lesser degree, for HAMAS."

Husayn's death has brought about positive changes in Jordan as well. According to the report "the execution of Saddam has resulted in a wave of anti-Iran and anti-Shiite protest."

In its analysis, the report also maintains that "the camp of Hizballah and its allies has lately failed to achieve its goal of initiating an escalation in the campaign against Lebanese Prime Minister al-Sinyurah. Syria has been driving such an escalation, but it seems that Hizballah, as well as Iran, are more sensitive to the risks involved." The PA has likewise shown a rise in the power of the moderates - at least as per this report: "Over the past few weeks, greater determination, including military resolve, could be detected on the part of the national groups' forces (Fatah) to compete with HAMAS over control of the population in Gaza." It should be noted that the report, written by Daniyel Kuttner, the director of a section in the Center for Political Research, was distributed among political and security elements already on 4 February, namely prior to the publication of the Mecca Accord and its implications. [passage omitted]

[nw_arizona_granny]

Muslim nations to sever ties with Israel: OIC

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\02\25\story_25-2-2007_pg7_31

Muslim nations to sever ties with Israel: OIC

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, the chair of the 57-member Organisation of the
Islamic Conference, said Saturday the grouping had agreed to sever ties
with Israel over its works at the Al-Aqsa mosque, according to state
media.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid said OIC foreign ministers had agreed in
principle to Malaysia’s proposal to cut diplomatic relations at an
extraordinary meeting in Saudi Arabia during the week.

“We suggested that Islamic countries having diplomatic relations with
Israel sever the ties or recall their ambassadors temporarily to show
that we are serious and do not engage in mere empty talk,” the
Bernama
news agency quoted Syed Hamid as saying.

The minister said the OIC’s secretary general, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu,
had
been tasked with following up on the proposal. afp

[nw_arizona_granny]

China to enact national regulation on Muslim food management

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=955567

China to enact national regulation on Muslim food management
PPL-CHINA-MUSLIM-FOOD
China to enact national regulation on Muslim food management

TOKYO, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- China will enact a national regulation on the
management of Muslim foods to guarantee the protection of customs of
the
Islamic ethnic minorities, the official People's Daily reported Sunday.

The draft regulation will be submitted to the State Council for
approval
after further soliciting opinions from different government
departments,
said the official from State Ethnic Affairs Commsion, according to the
daily.

The regulation stipulates that Muslims should be involved in the
management of companies or factories producing Islamic food, it said.
It
also sets out special criteria for Islamic food producers, and orders
the use of special logos that are approved by the city's ethnic affairs
authorities.

Many local governments in China have issued their own rules governing
the production of Muslim food, the report said. Guangzhou, capital of
southern Guangdong Province, introduced its first regulation on the
management of Islamic food in 2003.

In many Chinese cities, special Muslim cafeterias are available in
government buildings, schools, enterprises and institutions. Special
beef and mutton markets are also set up in Muslim communities.

China now has 10 Islamic ethnic minorities including Uygur, Kazak and
Ozbek, with a total population of about 20 million people. (end) mk.
ema



KUNA 250858 Feb 07NNNN

[nw_arizona_granny]

[I would think this was written by a left leaning person]


WE'RE LOSING THE WAR ON TERROR

http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=we%2Dre-losing-the-war-on-terror--%26method=full%26objectid=18672832%26siteid=62484-name_page.html

25 February 2007
WE'RE LOSING THE WAR ON TERROR
EXCLUSIVE OFFICIAL Spy chiefs warn that al-Qaeda is getting stronger
By Rupert Hamer Defence Correspondent

BRITAIN and the US are losing the war on terror, according to a secret
Ministry of Defence report.

In the confidential document, intelligence chiefs warn that al-Qaeda is
making a powerful comeback across the world.

They also say there is a "far greater" number of UK-based fanatics
prepared to launch suicide attacks than previously thought.

Last month Home Secretary John Reid said 30 major terror plots in
Britain were investigated.

The latest report, which is marked "Restricted" and is dated February
7,
says: "The scale of AQ's (al-Qaeda's) ambitions towards attacking the
UK
and the number of UK extremists prepared to participate in UK attacks
are even greater than we had previously judged.

"The UK will remain a target of concerted efforts by AQ and others...
and further attacks are highly likely."

It adds: "We still believe that AQ will continue to seek opportunities
for mass casualty attacks against soft targets and key infrastructure.
These attacks are highly likely to include the use of suicide
operatives." The document, circulated in Whitehall, Scotland Yard and
MI5, warns the terror group has members in virtually every Muslim
country in the world.

It says Afghanistan will overtake Iraq as the world's main terrorist
hotbed and will attract Muslim Jihadi fighters from around the world.

The report also claims the group's Pakistan branch is better funded
than
ever, is "effective" in Iraq and is starting new groups in countries
like the Yemen.

A senior minister said last night: "It's grim news. We have to hope we
can turn the corner by winning hearts and minds of moderate Muslims."

The report also warns that British troops in Afghanistan will face
increasing attacks.

Meanwhile, in Habbaniyah, Iraq, 50 miles from Baghdad, 40 died when a
fuel tanker rigged with explosives blew up.

FOUR women are to be executed in Iraq for crimes committed by their
men.
The young mums will be hanged in six days as "accomplices" to murders
and kidnappings.

DEATH TOLL

THIS WEEK

Allies 21

Iraqis 383

TOTAL SO FAR

Allies 3,410

Iraqis 65,110

[nw_arizona_granny]

Europe to ban most PIA planes

KARACHI: A senior official at the Pakistan High Commission in London
told
the Pakistan International Airlines headquarters in Karachi that the
European Union would bar all PIA aircraft, except for Boeing 777s, from
flying to 27 European countries after March 8 because of safety
concerns.

“We have been told that except for the PIA fleet’s seven Boeing 777s,
all other planes will not be allowed to operate in the EU bloc after
March
8,” PIA sources told Daily Times while terming the EU’s reported move
as
“shocking and confusing”.

The sources said that a seven-member Pakistani team of PIA and Civil
Aviation officials had just returned from Brussels, where they made a
“successful” presentation to the EU’s Air Safety Commission on
February 22. They said that in addition to this, last week, a
three-member
European Air-Safety Committee expressed satisfaction with the measrues
taken
by the airline to improve safety. “The team carried out an audit of our
facilities and found that everything was in order.” Asked whether the
airline would subject its aircraft to the Saftey Assessment of Foreign
Aircraft Programme, they said the EU decision had created a lot of
confusion, therefore nothing could be said.

“It was hardly three months ago that they cleared all aircraft for
operations in the bloc,” they added. A foreign news agency earlier
reported that a committee had decided to block all but seven planes of
the
airline’s fleet from flying to Europe for failing to meet safety
standards. PIA Chairman and CEO Tariq Kirmani could not be reached for
comment.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C02%5C24%5Cstory_24-2-20
07_pg1_4

---

Pakistan's PIA mulls leasing planes as EU ban looms

KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is
considering
leasing passenger planes and crew due to a looming European Union ban
on
more than three-quarters of its ageing fleet over safety concerns, PIA
officials said.

The state-run airline was warned last year that most of its planes
failed to
meet international standards, and on Friday an EU source revealed that
all
but seven of PIA's 42 planes would be barred from landing in the EU.

The EU source in Brussels said the European Commission's decision was
likely
to take effect in about nine days.

A PIA statement said the airline was unaware of any expected ban,
though
officials, who requested anonymity, said Pakistan's embassy in Brussels
had
informed the airline of the impending ban.

Technical fitness of aircraft, airworthiness and other cabin specific
issues
were discussed in three days of talks between PIA and EU air safety
officials that ended on Friday, PIA said.

"They appreciated PIA's efforts towards maximisation of its aircraft,
excellent maintenance standards and airworthiness," the statement said.

"Necessary refurbishment of PIA's old aircraft is in the pipeline as
per EU
standards," it added.

On Saturday a senior PIA official described the EU decision as "a
surprise",
but said steps would be taken to keep services to Europe running.

PIA's seven new Boeing 777s have not been banned and will be used to
the
maximum on the European sector, and the airline is also considering
leasing.

"We can acquire new aircraft on wet lease similar to what we do every
year
for our haj (pilgrimage) operations," said the official, who requested
anonymity.

PIA faces a flood of demand every year from Muslims making the
pilgrimage to
Saudi Arabia.

Wet leasing is the term given to leasing the plane plus cockpit and
cabin
crew.

PIA operates 16 flights a week to eight countries out of 27 in the EU
bloc.

Its most profitable routes were to the Middle East and Britain.

Another PIA official, who participated in meetings with EU experts,
said the
airline had expected its Airbus A-310 and Boeing 747-300 aircraft to
have
escaped the ban, and the decisions had come as a shock.

A PIA aircraft safety official said that, after Brussels put PIA on a
watchlist in 2006, the airline had hired a British-based company to
refurbish the interior and exterior of planes after consultations with
EU
officials.

The PIA fleet that would be affected if a ban is imposed includes six
Boeing
747-300s, two Boeing 747-200s, seven Boeing 737-300s, one Boeing
727-200, 12
Airbus A310-300s, two Airbus A-321s, one Airbus A310 and three ATR-50s.
It
also has one cargo aircraft.

Last year, the Commission banned nearly 100 airlines from operating in
the
bloc, targeting mostly African carriers after a spate of fatal crashes
involving European passengers.
http://in.today.reuters.com/News/newsArticle.aspx?type=businessNews&storyID=
2007-02-24T185600Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-289047-3.xml

[DAVEY CROCKETT]

no way Navy has binny boy, I am still betting on ormar killing him LOL

We need a new thread what would you like to start with?
HUGS AND MUCH LOVE

[nw_arizona_granny]

TSB concerned about Canadair Regional Jet flap failures

The Canadian TSB is concerned that, despite best efforts by the
industry and
regulators alike to reduce the number of flap failures in the Canadair
CRJ
fleet, that number is increasing. It has been shown that a CRJ flap
failure
has the potential to lead to a much more serious incident or an
accident.
The Board requests that the Canadian Minister of Transport advise the
Board
of its action plan, both short and long term, to substantially decrease
the
number of flap failures on CRJ aircraft. The Board will continue to
monitor
this safety issue. (TSB)
Board Concern A06Q0188-D1-C1:
http://www.tsb.gc.ca/en/Board_concerns/air/2006/a06q0188_board_concern.asp

[nw_arizona_granny]

Nimrod aircraft face safety checks

The RAF has grounded its Nimrod MR2 aircraft, the Ministry of Defence
(MoD)
confirmed today.

Enforced as a "precautionary measure", the temporary grounding occurred
after a dent was discovered in the fuel pipe of one of the planes on
Wednesday.

"The safety of our personnel is paramount," an MoD statement said.

"Investigations are ongoing, but some of the aircraft have been cleared
of
this problem and we expect others to follow shortly,"

The Nimrod MR2 fleet, mainly flown out RAF Kinloss in Scotland, was
shocked
on September 2nd last year when one of its aircraft crashed in
Afghanistan,
apparently as a result of accident rather than enemy fire.

Fourteen servicemen died in the crash, which occurred during an
operation to
support Nato forces in an offensive against the Taliban in the unstable
southern Helmand province.

A board of inquiry is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
The
MoD emphasised that today's decision "should not be construed as
prejudging
the findings of the board".

The repatriation ceremony for the bodies of the 14 service personnel
killed
in the attack was attended by senior military figures including the
Duke of
Edinburgh, defence secretary Des Browne and Sir Jock Stirrup, chief of
the
defence staff.
http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/news/international-affairs/nimrod-aircraft-f
ace-safety-checks-$1055887.htm

[nw_arizona_granny]

2 companies suspected of assisting terror organizations

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3369228,00.html

2 companies suspected of assisting terror organizations

Published: 02.25.07, 09:05 / Israel News

Police on Sunday stormed the offices of two Israeli companies,
Chinterko
and Maayan, suspected of assisting terror organizations.


A number of workers have been remanded for interrogation. (Efrat Weiss)