[flamefront]

Then:

FBI Sent Alert on Al Qaeda Forest Fire Plot in Western US)(FLASHBACK: July 2003)

Now:

FBI urges increasing vigilance for Ramadan

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Oct 25, 2003

WASHINGTON - The FBI is urging extra vigilance for possible terror attacks and violence against Muslims during the upcoming Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

In its weekly bulletin to 18,000 state and local law enforcement agencies, the FBI says it has no credible information that an attack is planned by al-Qaida or any other terror group during the period of fasting and reflection that begins next week.

But attacks overseas have been timed in the past to coincide with symbolic dates, the FBI says, adding that "the possibility of such an attack in the United States cannot be discounted."

At the same time, the bulletin says local police should step up outreach efforts to Muslim communities to guard against potential violence or hate crimes. Of special concern are Islamic sites, such as mosques, businesses or offices.

Ramadan begins with the sighting of a new moon, expected tomorrow, and lasts for four weeks.

Perhaps the FBI is asleep.

[John H K]

The Ramadan connection is meaningless unless you think Al Qaeda is controlling the weather...

Of the various variables for large forest fires there, dry hot weather and a strong Santa Ana wind are more "dependent" variables than people actually running around starting fires.

Also, arson has been a major cause of forest/scrub fires for years and years and years and years....

[Prime Choice]

At the same time, the bulletin says local police should step up outreach efforts to Muslim communities to guard against potential violence or hate crimes. Of special concern are Islamic sites, such as mosques, businesses or offices.

That's funny...I don't recall Americans violently killing nearly 3,000 Muslims on 9/11. Could have sworn it was the other way around!