Posted on 11/16/2001 1:19:55 PM PST by Axion
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Omar: Desperate Bluff or Credible Threat? Summary Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar has threatened the destruction of the United States "within a short period of time." Omar's threat is meant to rally his allies and fighters by showing that, despite claims to the contrary, the Taliban and al Qaeda are not defeated. Although al Qaeda's operational capabilities in the United States remain in question, if they have any ability to strike again, they will -- and soon. Analysis Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar threatened the destruction of the United States "within a short period of time" during an interview with the BBC's Pushtu service Nov. 15. Omar said the situation in Afghanistan "is related to a bigger cause -- that is the destruction of America" and warned "the plan is going ahead" and is being "implemented." Omar's threats raise a question: Are these simply the defiant words of a defeated foe or is there credibility to the warning? His prediction of the imminent destruction of the United States is at its core a message to his allies and fighters that, despite claims to the contrary, neither the Taliban nor al Qaeda are defeated. To avoid losing all legitimacy or control, Omar and terrorism suspect Osama bin Laden must strike back at the United States -- and soon. The territorial gains by the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan during the past week have raised serious questions about the Taliban's remaining capabilities. Although it appears that the core Taliban and al Qaeda fighters are preparing for guerrilla warfare -- their preferred style of fighting -- the rapid withdrawal has likely left many fighters and supporters questioning the leadership of Omar and bin Laden. The ability of the Taliban and al Qaeda to remain at the core of a militant Islamist struggle against Washington now rests on their ability to demonstrate continued effectiveness. Assuming Omar's message is more than just a final gasp, one must assess the ultimate purpose of his comments. In part, they are a rallying cry to forces and supporters inside Afghanistan. In the BBC interview, Omar dismisses the Taliban retreat as insubstantial. He points out that territorial gains and losses in Afghanistan are regular occurrences and that the tide can change again as swiftly as before. Instead, he repeatedly calls the withdrawal part of the "screening" of the Taliban: the removal of forces that are not loyal and the cleansing of the "sins" of the others. He also says there will be no compromise between the Taliban and any coalition government in Kabul, bluntly stating that the Taliban "prefer death" to being "part of an evil government." This is a clear message to all Afghans that cooperation with the Northern Alliance or the United Nations is unacceptable. The message is also directed at supporters and fighters outside Afghanistan, pointing them toward what Omar views as the higher calling of annihilating the Great Satan. Omar reiterates several times that every action in Afghanistan is part of a larger goal: "the extinction of America." This only adds impetus to the need for a new attack on the United States lest Omar, the Taliban and al Qaeda prove all bluster. A new strike would send a clear message to Washington as well: The tactical victory in Afghanistan was a useless diversion because the real war is not being fought there, but on U.S. soil. It is unclear whether al Qaeda and the Taliban expended all of their U.S.-based resources in the Sept. 11 attacks or, if not, whether anti-terrorism efforts have seriously hindered their ability to act. The planning that went into the Sept. 11 attacks, however, strongly suggests that terrorist cells are already established inside the United States and may simply be awaiting instructions to strike. Both to ensure loyalty and to demonstrate to the U.S. government that the battle in Afghanistan has little bearing on the greater war, the Taliban and al Qaeda will use any means in their power to strike a high-profile blow against targets on American soil. Failing this, there is little they can do to remain legitimate in their global fight against the United States. |
We can ratchet up security in the short run , and let their credibility with their own followers drop off a cliff.
If they had the capability they claim, they would be better served by a surprise attack without any forewarning smack talk.
Maybe Stratfor should have actually read the Omar interview before they tried to analyze it...
Here's the full exchange from the interview -- it's a lot less scary than the "summaries" that some news organizations have used to mischaracterize it:
BBC: What do you think of the current situation in Afghanistan?Sounds to me like their "big plan" is to pray like hell for Allah to come down and smite us for the Taliban.Omar: You (the BBC) and American puppet radios have created concern. But the current situation in Afghanistan is related to a bigger cause - that is the destruction of America...
BBC: What do you mean by the destruction of America? Do you have a concrete plan to implement this?
Omar: The plan is going ahead and, God willing, it is being implemented. But it is a huge task, which is beyond the will and comprehension of human beings. If God's help is with us, this will happen within a short period of time; keep in mind this prediction.
BBC: Osama Bin Laden has reportedly threatened that he would use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against America. Is your threat related to his?
Omar: This is not a matter of weapons. We are hopeful for God's help. The real matter is the extinction of America. And, God willing, it (America) will fall to the ground.
Bunker Babble.
Hahahahahaha..hahaha...haha....ha......
Whew! He almost got me.
The mighty hand of Allah will smite the Judeo/ Christain forces of the Devil. Allah is eternally angry at the imperialistic/ hooligan/ Zionist lackeys who have decided to wage an unholy war against the righteous children of Islam. We will burn them with the unquenchable fire that is the Law of Allah. We will blah, blah, blah............
Hey Omar. Incoming, babe.
I seriously doubt that Bin Laden and his Egyptian right-hand man who are dead serious terrorists would clue a loony toon like Omar into any of their plans.
Such as Apu at the Quick-E Mart?
Who cares what he thinks? The guy has no grip on reality. Yesterday he said it was time for the United States to begin negotiations with the Taliban.
Hitler liked to play shuffleboard with non existent units too.
This is the same twit that tauted "The U.S. doesn't have the guts to bomb us" (Taliban), and "We are laughing at your bombing mission. You have not touched us or our spirit"
Right. That's why they're on the run, scattering like King Arthur and his troops in Monty Python's Holy Grail movie.
Hey, Omar, "Pull the other one, then"
..........and a message to his enemies also (that would be us)..........it says, "I and all those like me must be utterly destroyed, as this is my supreme goal..."
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