Posted on 11/16/2001 1:19:55 PM PST by Axion
|
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. |
That's the way I read it too.
Or the big plan is self preservation. A big driving force as always.
Maybe he does have one or two. Maybe he thinks that by broadcasting such a fact that we will sue for peace.
Maybe he thinks we are stupid enough to trust him.
Perhaps he realizes that his last chance is to stop this, on what he thinks will be his terms.
Yep, at the end of the war he was losing it. Insane people make lousy commanders. I was rather hoping that our significant kill of senior officials a day or so ago did NOT include him.
LOL!!! And use Osama's turban for cleaning the cat box.
Mind you, I don't believe for a second that this 'fact' should change our strategy.
If anything, it reinforces the notion that he and his Taliban pals (et al) should be destroyed as quickly as time permits.
This is not a time for weakness. It should also be broadcast that any nation participating in such a scheme will be rendered to dust as soon as such an attack is carried out.
I can answer that. Its the rantings of a raving lunatic. How many of his threats have become reality? He has a zero rating of being factual.
Just so there is no mistake between us here, this comment was not directed at you.
It is more of a general comment.......sometimes we are given no choice. He doesn't care to leave us with any.
Perhaps his grandiose plans for the 'complete destruction of the US' are a bit overstated........however, one should not rule out him accomplishing his goal on a lesser scale.
Abu:"Oh,verynice to seeyoutoday. May I offer you free sample of our new Slushie drink?"
Homer: Free? Sure.
Abu: "Here, not too fast now, you'll get the brain freeze."
Homer: "Gimmee that. sluuuuurppp....DOH!"
OBL can always hide. Omar is small potatoes, just a tool of OBL. Both are religious fanatics, and may have a death wish anyway. Saddam, on the other hand, has nowhere to hide, and seems to be interested in staying alive. Hence the anthrax threat. It's not complicated, once you factor in where each player fits in the puzzle.
Paula Poundstone: Whack-job or Mother of the Year?
THis bears repeating, Dog Gone.
Yesterday he said it was time for the United States to begin negotiations with the Taliban.
Almost got me too ......
He thought that all Americans were like Beelzebubba
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.