Posted on 11/24/2002 12:42:46 AM PST by MadIvan
A chilling new message from Osama bin Laden is being circulated among British Islamic extremists, calling for attacks on civilians and describing the 'Islamic nation' as 'eager for martyrdom'.
Details of the 4,000-word letter from the terrorist leader emerged as the British Government issued its strongest warning yet last night that attacks by bin Laden's al-Qaeda organisation on the UK are 'inevitable'.
Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien said: 'We face an enemy who will attack us in Britain as well as overseas... British workers in New York or tourists in Bali or residents of London or Birmingham.' O'Brien said there was a threat of 'well planned attacks' on 'British national institutions, commercial and financial infrastructure and on many aspects of our everyday life'.
Security authorities in Europe and America are concerned al-Qaeda is planning a major strike. Two weeks ago bin Laden issued a message on an audio cassette, proving he was alive and raising fears it presaged new attacks.
Britain, with its close support for America in the war on terror and Iraq, is a prime target and analysts believe any military action against Saddam Hussein would provoke a spate of revenge attacks by Islamic militants. Sources described the mood in Whitehall and at Scotland Yard as 'jumpy'.
The translated letter was originally posted in Arabic on a Saudi Arabian website previously used by al-Qaeda to disseminate messages. Within the last two weeks British Islamists have translated the letter, the most comprehensive explanation of bin Laden's ideology to be issued for several years, and posted it on English-language websites run from the UK.
The letter was sent to hundreds of subscribers to an email list run by Mohammed al-Massari, the UK-based Saudi Arabian dissident whose Committee for the Defence of Legitimate Rights has opposed the al-Saud regime for more than a decade. Yesterday al-Massari denied he supported terrorism in any way. Al-Massari has recently been granted permanent residence in Britain, a move which angered foreign governments who claim that the UK is still a haven for extremists.
Al-Massari's email and bin Laden's letter show ideological similarities. Both stress that the 'holy war' is defensive.
Bin laden issues a direct threat to the West: 'Anyone who tries to destroy our villages and cities, then we are going to destroy their villages and cities. Anyone who steals our fortunes, then we must destroy their economy. Anyone who kills our civilians, then we are going to kill their civilians.'
Most of his letter comprises a lengthy list of grievances against the West. The fugitive terrorist, who is believed to be hiding in the border regions between eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan, mounts a sustained attack on the 'immorality' of Western society.
The letter has been posted on a number of Islamist websites. One carried bomb-making information. Another offered a link to a site with information on chemical and biological weapons.
Although there is no way to confirm the authenticity of the letter beyond all doubt, senior Arab journalists in the Middle Eastern media believe the letter is from bin Laden. 'It is an extraordinary glimpse into his mind,' one told The Observer.
Is there a list of non-ME gas stations/suppliers? I don't want to blindly support the ME countries.
Thanks in advance.
Stay safe.
What I want to know is where the hell is the American Islamic communities' denounciation of this BS??
All I hear is some mealy-mouthed politicos proclaiming Islam is a religion of peace. Peace my ass!
We aren't talking some trade agreement here. We're talking about a worldwide threat of extermination of non-believers.That's us!!! I want to hear the neighborhood Islamists openly and plainly state their position. It's past time for blind tolerance.
If you aren't for us, you're against us! Conduct yourself accordingly!!!
IMHO..........
It's simple. When they look at the West, they see progress and wealth, and when they look at thenmselves, they see stangnation and poverty. They cannot face the fact that their choices have led to failure, and so they blame the West. BTW, blaming the West (for their failure) is largely how the "leadership" keeps their ignorant populace under control.
In view of the fact that there are over one billion Muslims on the planet, I would say that this strategy has a far better chance to accomplish something.
Nam Vet
You attribute some unknown "risks" for comdemning bin Laden to those conservative (and presumably Islamic) freepers and their "interpretation".
If those "conservative freepers" live in this country what pray tell, are the risks they faced if their "interpetation" was also the interpetation of the Islamists in their community?? Hmmmmm.
Could it be that they hold the minority interpetation??
Could it also be that a substantial percentage of the Islamic community does not hold to their interpetation??? After all, haven't Al Queada and Hamas cells been found in NY, Florida, Seattle, Denver, and Washinton D.C just to name a few?
I can't help but notice that the Islamic communities in these and other areas are quick to rise to the discovered cells defense but aren't so quick to reveal their presence.
You attribute some unknown "risks" for comdemning bin Laden to those conservative (and presumably Islamic) freepers and their "interpretation".
If those "conservative freepers" live in this country what pray tell, are the risks they faced if their "interpetation" was also the interpetation of the Islamists in their community?? Hmmmmm.
Could it be that they hold the minority interpetation??
Could it also be that a substantial percentage of the Islamic community does not hold to their interpetation??? After all, haven't Al Queada and Hamas cells been found in NY, Florida, Seattle, Denver, and Washinton D.C just to name a few?
I can't help but notice that the Islamic communities in these and other areas are quick to rise to the discovered cells defense but aren't so quick to reveal their presence.
Interesting isn't it? Hardly a peep from the 'peaceful' leaders.
One could almost infer that they are really on OBL's side. /sarcasm
And we and the Brits allow them to pluck the fruits of our lands.
Every unmarried alien M.E. above 18 should be deported now. Then married aliens, then check married naturalized MEs very closely.
Anything less is courting disaster.
Will one or more succumb before the others wake up?
Bump.
Bump.
They have. Silence is assent.
If Americans wait for outrage and denunciation from the neighboorhood mosque, they will die waiting.
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