No kidding.
Posted on 11/01/2007 9:02:05 AM PDT by 3AngelaD
MIAMI - A group of men accused of plotting to destroy Chicago's Sears Tower were in the final stages of forming a homegrown terrorist cell dedicated to waging an Islamic holy war before they were arrested, a prosecution terrorism expert testified Tuesday. Raymond Tanter, a Georgetown University professor and terrorism scholar said suspected ringleader Narseal Batiste and the other six had nearly completed the "radicalization process" and moved toward acts of terrorism before their arrests in June 2006. Hallmarks of this process include religious conversion, operation within a military-style hierarchy and adoption of goals shared by al-Qaida and other terrorist groups to destroy U.S. landmarks, Tanter said. The final stage — which he called "jihadization" — means the group is ready to plan, recruit and prepare for an attack....
Evidence introduced at trial shows that Batiste "was talking only about violent jihad" and not other meanings of the Arabic word, Tanter said....Tanter also testified that al-Qaida uses affiliate groups in many countries that may have local concerns but also share the terrorist organization's broader goals of imposing by force a strict form of Islamic fundamentalist government. Prosecutors say Batiste wanted to stage attacks that would create chaos and ultimately bring down the U.S. government....
The seven men each face as many as 70 years in prison if convicted of all four charges against them, including conspiracy to levy war against the United States and conspiracy to provide material support to al-Qaida.
"..Batiste's relative have described him as a "Moses-like" figure who roamed his neighborhood wearing a robe and carrying a crooked wooden cane as he recruited young men, based his teachings on those of the Moorish Science Temple of America.[1].."
Looks like a wierdo gone dangerous.
I’m interested in the great series of Demodog quotes about AlQ & Hussein being a threat ... right up until President Bush actually decided to do something about the problem.
I would appreciate a ping by someone who knows a thread they may be found.
No kidding.
But remember, it’s just a bumper sticker.
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