Forget Syria, Get the Real Terror Supporters: Saudi Arabia

NewsMax ^ | April 14, 2003 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[risk]

NewsMax.com

 

Monday, April 14, 2003

Forget Syria, Get the Real Terror Supporters

With Iraq all but out of the way, it's time for the U.S. to deal with the Saudis and their close ties to international terrorism, says Dore Gold - the author of "Hatred's Kingdom: How Saudi Arabia supports the New Global Terrorism" (Regnery, 2003), and a former Israeli ambassador to the U.N.

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Gold charges that reports of Saudi connections to the new wave of global terrorism are ubiquitous, citing Wahhabism, which he describes as "the austere creed practiced in Saudi Arabia and adopted in its most militant form by the followers of Osama bin Laden," as the root of much of the world's terrorism problems.

He notes the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat reports that the large number of Saudis involved on Sept. 11 and among the al Qaeda prisoners in Guantanamo Bay is a result of "the culture of violence that has infiltrated religious education" in Saudi Arabia.

According to Gold:

• The Saudis post online many of the sermons that provide incitement to would-be terrorists... The sermons advocate ongoing religious conflict with Christianity and Judaism, described as the camp of blasphemy and polytheism.

• Hasan Akbar, the U.S. Army sergeant who attacked his fellow soldiers in Kuwait, appears to have been tied to militant Wahhabi institutions in the U.S.

• Philippine authorities believed that the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO), whose Philippines branch was run by bin Laden's brother-in-law, was funneling funds to the murderous Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization.

  In a Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 NewsMax.com report "Author: Bin Laden Is No Enemy of Saudi Royals" Stephen Schwartz, author of "The Two Faces of Islam" told NewsMax.com's Dave Eberhart that it has been Saudi money that has promulgated the Wahhabism message throughout the region. "Wahhabism is the most extreme form of Islam, which accounts for about 40 percent of Muslims in Saudi Arabia," he said.

  "Bin Laden is a Wahhabi," Schwartz said. "So are the suicide bombers in Israel. So are [bin Laden’s] Egyptian allies, who exulted as they stabbed foreign tourists to death at Luxor. So are the Algerian terrorists. And so are the Taliban-styled guerrillas in Kashmir who attacked the Indian parliament last year."

  So what is to be done about Saudi Arabia, Gold asks? "The kingdom may have been the ideological source for the attacks on America, but it is not the Imperial Japan of 1941. Regime change is not necessary in Saudi Arabia -- but post-war diplomacy must achieve two changes in Saudi behavior if the war on terrorism is to be won:

• Pressure Riyadh. Saudi Arabia cannot author a new Middle East peace plan while subsidizing suicide attacks. Despite its protests that it no longer is in contact with "suspected groups," the Saudis openly hosted one of the heads of Hamas as late as October 2002 and reassured him of continuing aid.

• The incitement of an entire generation of Saudis that delegitimizes other religious groups must come to an end. After Sept. 11, religious tolerance is not only a fitting subject for interfaith dialogues - it now must be a part of the new agenda for global security.

[risk]

I leave you with:

1. The 1996 al Qaeda declaration of war"

2. A children's instructional website on the Battle of Mootah:

To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu

-------------------------------------------------------------- This story was printed from Play & Learn. --------------------------------------------------------------

The Battle Of Moota

URL: http://www.playandlearn.org/History/p122.htm

By 8 A.H. there was security in most of Arabia and the call of Islam had extended to many parts. The Jews in the north and the Quraish in the south had been subdued by the victories of the Muslims in battle and they did not pose a threat any longer.

The Holy Prophet (S) sent envoys to neighbouring countries and invited their rulers to embrace Islam. Some of these envoys were well received, while others were mistreated and even killed. One such envoy, Harith bin Umayr Azdi was sent with a letter to the ruler of Syria. Before he could reach his destination, he was captured at Moota by Shurahbil, the governor of the ruler of Syria in the border towns. Disregarding the universal law about the safety of envoys, Shurahbil killed Harith. In a separate incident, 15 missionaries sent to the Syrians were also killed.

When the Holy Prophet (S) received the sad news, he was deeply grieved and decided to punish Shurahbil and those who obstructed the spread of Islam. He gave orders for Jihad and 3,000 men assembled at Jurf, the military station of Madina. He instructed the army to march towards Moota and first invite the people to become Muslims. If they accepted Islam, the murder of the envoy would not be avenged but if they resisted, the Muslims should fight against them in the Name of Allah .

Ja'far bin Abu Talib was appointed as the commander of the army and the Holy Prophet (S) said that if Ja'far was killed then Zayd bin Harith would lead them, and if he was killed then Abdullah bin Rawaahid would assume command. If he too was killed, then the Muslim army should select their commander from amongst themselves. Before dispatching the expedition, the Holy Prophet (S) instructed them to observe the following rules:

1. Not to interfere with the monks and nuns who were worshipping in their monasteries.
2. Not to lift their hand against any women, children or old people.
3. Not to cut down trees or destroy buildings.

These instructions were an example of the Holy Prophet's (S) vision and the efforts he was making to bring about changes and reforms in all walks of life, in a period in Arabia when no scruples were exercised, particularly in war. In response to the news of the march of the Muslim army, Hercules of Rome and the Syrian Ruler sent their best troops to the borders and Shurahbil gathered an army of 100,000 soldiers.

In addition to being hopelessly outnumbered, the Muslims were also facing a professional army. Due to their constant wars with Iran, the Romans had become experts in war strategy and tactics. They were also equipped with better weapons and transport. Also, the Romans had the advantage that they were fighting at home while the Muslims were in a foreign land.

Despite being in a weaker position, the Muslim forces gave a heroic account of their valour. Ja'far divided his men into 3 divisions and the armies met at Sharaf near Moota. The battle began with single combats but soon turned into a full scale war. The Muslims fought courageously but soon the differences in number proved too great. Ja'far was surrounded and lost one arm and then the other. Eventually, he was killed with a blow to the head and after him Zayd and then Abdullah were also martyred.

By the end of the first day the Muslim army was in disarray and their numbers were severely reduced. As their new commander, the Muslims chose Khalid bin Walid.

During the night, Khalid ordered the remaining wings of the Muslim army to change sides with each other, and the sound of the movements of a large number of men convinced the enemy that reinforcements had arrived.

On the next day Khalid arranged the Muslim army in such a way as to give an impression that new troops had joined them. These tactics made the enemy hesitate and Khalid took the opportunity to withdraw the Muslim army and return to Madina.

The retreat of the Muslims was not well received by some in Madina who said that they should have fought on till the very end. However, given the circumstances, Khalid was right in bringing them back because it would have been pointless to sacrifice the lives of more Muslims.

The Holy Prophet (S) was much grieved at the loss of Muslim lives and especially that of his cousin Ja'far. He saw in his dream that Ja'far had been given 2 wings like angels in heaven and since then Ja'far in known as Tayyaar - the one who flies.

Just before his death, the Holy Prophet (S) prepared a strong force under Usama bin Zayd, to return to Moota. However, this expedition never got off the ground because of his illness. Although Usama was ready to march, some Muslims, especially Abu Bakr and Umar, were worried that they would be absent from Madina when the Holy Prophet (S) passed away.

They wanted to be present to put a stop to the successorship of Imam Ali (A) and put their own plans into action. However, two years later, a powerful Muslim army returned to Syria and conquered the Romans in the battle of Yermuk, bringing a large part of Syria under Islam.

Exercise

1. Why did the Battle of Moota take place?
2. What instructions did the Holy Prophet (S) give to the army and what did this show about the Holy Prophet (S)?
3. Who was appointed as the commander of the army, and how was he related to the Holy Prophet (S)?
4. What happened to the first commander of the army, and what did the Holy Prophet (S) dream about him?
5. What tactics did Khalid use in this battle and was he right to do this?

(Courtesy of:- Shia Ithna asheri Madressa)

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[risk]

I agree. I think it's good to keep our focus on
Islamic theofascism, lest we forget.

[Illbay]

This is the very last time that I can find, that an Arab army ever defeated anyone.

[Illbay]

Oh, and as much as I HATE to agree with NewsMax, I have to say they're right on here.

The trick is: How do we handle Saudi Arabia? They don't pose a MILITARY threat; they just keep paying all the bills for this scum.

We need their oil--or do we? Can we become REAL, REAL GOOD FRIENDS of the Iraqis real fast?

Do the Saudis already see this coming? Are they ready to behave? Give up the thugs that live among them?

[risk]

How do we handle Saudi Arabia?

I don't know, either. How about stepping up the pressure to have them reform? How about seizing their suspicious bank accounts?

If we don't follow through on our progress in Iraq, the Wahabis are just going to regroup and figure out a way to get nukes.

[Terpfen]

"We need their oil--or do we? Can we become REAL, REAL GOOD FRIENDS of the Iraqis real fast?"

That's the plan. Saudi Arabia's already planning to ask us to leave, so we're going to pack up the troops and station them in Iraq.

"Do the Saudis already see this coming? Are they ready to behave? Give up the thugs that live among them?"

Well, I heard a news report a couple of weeks ago (I think it was on FNC) that Saudi Arabia is thinking of extending equal protection of the laws and the right to vote to women. I don't know if that was just a rumor being reported as fact, or something that the other news organizations haven't picked up on in the chaos of war reporting. But things are already unfolding in freedom's favor as everyone tries to avoid being next: Iran is thinking of normalizing relations, North Korea is suddenly leaning towards multilateral talks, Saudi Arabia's going to reform itself... Syria's a problem, but I think eventually they'll realize they can't screw around any more.

[risk]

By: Meenara Khan

Look at my people, Look at my homeland,
This is not a sight one can stare.
From Palestine to Kashmir to Pakistan,
The color of red stains and drips everywhere.
Why are they killing our people?
Don't they at least give a care?
My brothers and sisters let us stand,
And fight together without any fears.
Let's help each other hand in hand,
And never let our eyes bring one more tear.
But bombs set off again,
And bring sounds of terror to our ears.
Pick up your rifles and set up your tanks,
¨And with our people together we will fight.
¨This war is for our land and isn't a prank,
¨So be ready for war with all your might.
¨This will decide what is our land,
¨And we will prove it with all right.
Back and forth, you see bullets and bombs flying,
What do you think we fight for?
My people are falling and children are dying,
We won't stop until we get to the core.
So stand together and recite these words,
Takhbir, Allahu Akbar!

[thatdewd]

Forgetting Syria would be...well...STUPID. Firstly, before I inform many people of something they don't know, let me firmly state that I agree that the Saudis are a MAJOR source of terrorism and must be dealt with. Now to the secondly part, which will enrage some and amaze others. This piece by Newsmax is actually a PRO TERRORIST propaganda work. That's right. "Stephen Schwartz" is a muslim convert whose name outside the US is 'Suleyman Ahmed'. He firmly supports and believes in muslim's right to wage Jihad against the west. He has said so publicly to muslim audiences following 9-11. The catch is that he supports Shia and Sufi extremist terrorists who were cut off by the Saudis and who are now infighting with them. THAT is the reason that Suleyman Ahmed, aka "Stephen Schwartz" is an anti-Saudi pundit. He is only trying to cause them grief as part of a muslim terrorists v. muslim terrorists propaganda battle. He fully and completely supports anti-American terrorists, just not Saudi supported ones. How is this article pro-terrorist? Simple. The terror groups being squeezed right now are mostly Shia, not wahabbi. The Shia terrorists are his friends, and he wants the pressure off of them and back on the wahabbis. Newsmax's Carl Limbacher was fooled hook, line and sinker by Suleyman Ahmed and you can bet your bottom dollar that Suleyman has been burning up his phonelines this week. Look for new "Stephen Schwartz" articles in the next few days, but remember who he really is, and what his agenda really is. We can remember and deal with the Saudis without being led astray by scum like Suleyman. An islamic terrorist is an islamic terrorist, whether Shia or wahabbi. We need to get them both, whether "Stephen" likes it or not.

[risk]

How is "Stephen Schwartz" related? By the way, I'm not advocating we forget about Syria.

[risk]

In a Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 NewsMax.com report "Author: Bin Laden Is No Enemy of Saudi Royals" Stephen Schwartz, author of "The Two Faces of Islam" told NewsMax.com's Dave Eberhart that it has been Saudi money that has promulgated the Wahhabism message throughout the region. "Wahhabism is the most extreme form of Islam, which accounts for about 40 percent of Muslims in Saudi Arabia," he said.

I see.

[thatdewd]

How is "Stephen Schwartz" related?

Schwartz is quoted more than once within the article, and it even provides a link to a previous Schwartz article from november.

Also, just for giggles, Schwartz used to be a flaming communist who wrote under the name "Comrade Sandalio". His hallmark work was "A New Thesis for the Organisation of Workers". That boy ain't right...

[risk]

I see that NRO publishes him, too. Maybe they need a "thatdewd" alert, too :)

[thatdewd]

Maybe they need a "thatdewd" alert, too :)

LOL, I need to print some kewl flyers and keep leaving them on their windshields until they all get so annoyed that they agree to quit publishing the guy.

[Piranha]

Let's accept that what you say is true. If Schwartz has spent 50 years trying to find himself, maybe he has succeeded. After all, nobody complains about David Horowitz, who went from being a Ramparts magazine radical to being a strong conservative.

If Schwartz came from a radical background, it may have taken him many years to shake himself free.

It seems to me that we should consider his arguments on the merits. Is Wahabbism the problem that he claims it is? Like the old line goes, "just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you." Just because Schwartz may hate the wahhabis doesn't mean he's wrong.

[Greenpees]

And Bin Laden spoke...


"But your most disgraceful case was in Somalia; where- after vigorous propaganda about the power of the USA and its post cold war leadership of the new world order- you moved tens of thousands of international force, including twenty eight thousands American solders into Somalia. However, when tens of your solders were killed in minor battles and one American Pilot was dragged in the streets of Mogadishu you left the area carrying disappointment, humiliation, defeat and your dead with you. Clinton appeared in front of the whole world threatening and promising revenge , but these threats were merely a preparation for withdrawal."

Hence, we have been forced to prove him wrong. Americans are far from the cowards he spoke of. No, the average American has 20 times the determination and courage of any Arab group, but certainly more than our previous president exhibited. Clinton DID bring us to this place. He brought us 9/11 with his cowardess and liberal agenda. Under BC, we were not known as warriors worthy of respect, but spoiled kids who would take thier ball and go home at the first sign of defeat. Bin laden, Sadam Hussien, and worse...Our own President has never understood what America is made of.

Once again, Thank God for George W. Bush!

PS. I was in Somalia, I saw it with my own eyes. When we left, the Somali's DID think of it as a military victory, regardless of the fact that they would soon enter the abyss of human suffering for the lack of us. One helicopter, and we were gone, all for jackoff's political safety.

[thatdewd]

Just because Schwartz may hate the wahhabis doesn't mean he's wrong

You apparently didn't read what I said. I never discounted his claims about the wahabbi threat, I only pointed out that he has an ulterior purpose at hand, which is to take away pressure from the other terrorists that he supports. He is an enemy of non-muslims everywhere. I don't like commies, and neither did Hitler. That doesn't mean I'm going to say he was a swell guy because of it. "Schwartz" should be exposed for the pro-terrorist manipulator that he is and ignored. As I said, an islamic terrorist is an islamic terrorist whether Shia or wahabbi. We need to get them BOTH, whether "Stephen" likes it or not.

[Piranha]

Do you have any links to his pro-jihad writings (preferably in English)?

[risk]

PS. I was in Somalia, I saw it with my own eyes. When we left, the Somali's DID think of it as a military victory, regardless of the fact that they would soon enter the abyss of human suffering for the lack of us. One helicopter, and we were gone, all for jackoff's political safety.

I take it you were serving in the military. In that case, many many thanks. It should be noted that service to this country sometimes comes with knowing that political support at home is weak and fickle; that only makes the service in question all the more patriotic.

Bin Laden has said that our pullout from Lebanon was his clue that we could be threatened. We need to adopt a policy of no fear.