NationStates Jolt Archive


Ask Ayman

Sel Appa
21-01-2008, 17:19
al-Qaida's second-in-command opened up an internet hotline for sympathizers to ask questions of him. Questions such as:

Why hasn't al-Qaida attacked the U.S. again?
Why isn't it attacking the Israelis?
When will it be more active in Egypt?
Saudi Arabia?
Syria?
Can I join jihad without my mother's permission?


What would you ask?
I'd ask if they've ever considered assassinations of world leaders. Or why they don't ally with the Jews to get rid of the greater evil: Christianity.

Link (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080121/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ask_al_qaida)

CAIRO, Egypt - Sympathizers submitted hundreds of questions to al-Qaida deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri's "on-line interview" before a recent deadline. Among them: Why hasn't al-Qaida attacked the U.S. again, why isn't it attacking the Israelis and when will it be more active in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria?

So far, there have been no answers.

Al-Qaida's media arm, Al-Sahab, announced in December that al-Zawahri would take questions from the public posted on Islamic militant Web sites and would respond "as soon as possible."

More than 900 entries — many with multiple questions — were posted on the main Islamist Web site until the cutoff date of Jan. 16. After the deadline, the questions disappeared from that site and no answers have yet appeared.

One thing is clear from the questions: Self-proclaimed al-Qaida supporters are as much in the dark about the terror network's operations and intentions as Western analysts and intelligence agencies.

Some of those posting questions sound worried: Does al-Qaida have a long-term strategy?

One, allegedly a former Arab al-Qaida fighter in Iraq, complained about Iraqi fighters discriminating against non-Iraqi mujahedeen.

Others wanted advice: Should followers be focusing their jihad, or holy war, against Arab regimes, or against Americans?

Like many in the West, the questioners appear uncertain whether al-Qaida's central leadership directly controls the multiple, small militant groups around the Mideast that work in its name, or whether those groups operate on their own.

Journalists also were invited to send questions and a few of the entries are labeled with the names of European and Asian newspapers. Diaa Rashwan, an Egyptian security expert in Cairo, also suggested some questions were probably submitted by intelligence agents looking for clues to al-Qaida's thinking, but there was no way to verify that.

The vast majority of questioners, identified only by their computer usernames, appear to be supporters of al-Qaida or the jihadi cause, often expressing praise for "our beloved sheik" and "the lion of jihad, Sheik Osama."

Many appear frustrated that al-Qaida is not doing more.

"When we will see the men of al-Qaida waging holy war in Palestine? Because frankly our situation has become very bad," writes one, with the username "Seeking the Path." "As for al-Qaida in Saudi Arabia," he asks, "are there efforts to revive jihadi action there after the blows that hurt us?"

Another, signed "Osama the Lion," asks: "Why doesn't al-Qaida open a front in Egypt, where there are wide opportunities and fertile ground for drawing in mujahedeen?"

Another, called "Knight of Islam," asks, "We are awaiting a strike against American soil. Why has that not been done? Why are the Jews in the world not struck?"

In videos over the past years, al-Zawahri has repeatedly spoken of opening new fronts against all those lands — but little has occurred. Saudi Arabia has waged a fierce crackdown that has killed or captured many in al-Qaida's branch there. In 2005, al-Zawahri announced the formation of a branch in his homeland, Egypt, but nothing has been heard of it, although Egypt has suffered terror attacks.

In his videos, al-Zawahri always depicts al-Qaida as moving steadily toward victory — something none of the questioners directly challenges. But they seem in need of reassurance, pressing for more specifics about al-Qaida's plans than al-Zawahri normally gives.

"I think they (al-Qaida's leaders) were aware (that) ... everyone was no longer buying into the propaganda about how great they are," said Jeremy Binnie of Jane's Terrorism and Insurgency Center. "This was put forward as a propaganda exercise and to make it look like they are responding to these concerns."

A few who write in claim to be active fighters in militant groups. One, with the username "Phenixshadow," says he is a member of the al-Qaida branch in North Africa that has been blamed for attacks in Algeria.

"What do you expect from us? Should we follow the instruction of the mother organization to target the 'far enemy' — the Zionist-Crusader (America) — or do we focus our efforts on the apostate regime (Algeria)? Or do you advise a middle path of striking both enemies?" he asks.

Another, signed "Alfirati60," says he is a Syrian who joined al-Qaida in Iraq before its leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was killed in a U.S. airstrike in 2006. The writer complains bitterly about al-Qaida's decision to form an umbrella group with other Iraqi insurgents known as "The Islamic State of Iraq."

"Things got worse after the organization joined the Islamic State, when Iraqis took over all the issues," he writes. The Iraqis care "only about liberating Iraq not about establishing God's law," an apparent reference to the al-Qaida goal of a single Islamic state.

"Indeed, they neglected many of the (non-Iraqi) brothers since they care only about the safety of Iraqis and Iraq."

"So I ask you, our sheik, is this just?" he writes. "There are many, many violations of Sharia Islamic law that those (Iraqis) who join the Islamic State commit, like failing to kill spies or apostates" — those who work with Americans — "because they are Iraqis."

He writes that he left Iraq and returned to "Sham," the old Arabic name for Syria and Lebanon. "I'm sorry to go on and on, our sheik, but you should be informed of what's going on" in Iraq, he says. "We want to act in the Sham, and we are ready to do so. We lack only the material and moral support from you."

It is impossible to confirm independently whether any of questioners are really active fighters. Nor is it possible to verify that the interview offer really came from al-Zawahri, although it was posted with the logo of Al-Sahab, which issues his videotapes.

But the questions focus on the same issues that Western terrorism experts have long debated, including how much direct support and command al-Zahwari and bin Laden give to militants in Arab countries and Europe.

"We hear a lot about the non-centralization of al-Qaida," one supporter writes. "Is the loss of direct control by al-Qaida's leadership over the jihadi cells harmful to al-Qaida? ... Does al-Qaida intend to try to reassert its control?"

Others want to make sure al-Qaida has a long-term strategy.

"Does it just go from event to event as some claim?" asks "Raji al-Quboul." "Do you have a body that studies events and reviews them to correct mistakes and assess them?"

Many, of course, ask about the health of bin Laden, who rarely appears on video.

Another hot topic is Iran. Several ask why al-Qaida does not attack the mainly Shiite nation. They express concern over rumors of an understanding between al-Qaida and Iran. "One of the lies spread to fight al-Qaida is that al-Qaida is linked to Iran," one writes. "They point to your failure to attack the Iranian regime."

Many others simply ask for advice on how and where to join jihad. One man says he is a 23-year-old living with his divorced mother.

"I want to travel to join jihad and I sought my mother's permission, but she would not give it to me," he says. "Can I go without her permission?"
Blair Island
21-01-2008, 17:21
lulz at the "How and Where to join Jihad" comment.
Fall of Empire
21-01-2008, 17:40
*sigh* I suppose even international terrorists need their own hotline nowadays....
Laerod
21-01-2008, 17:42
This one would be fun:
Why do you hate freedom? ='(
Muravyets
21-01-2008, 17:43
I wonder, how many minutes after launching this service, did A-Q start regretting it?
Ashmoria
21-01-2008, 18:15
id ask

"so is osama bin laden a grease spot in the middle of some collapsed mountain or is he just so horribly disfigured that he doesnt dare show his face to the world?"
Kamsaki-Myu
21-01-2008, 19:05
I'd ask why they choose to remain a largely secretive organisation rather than speaking openly of their grievances. The answer is obviously that the Americans would lynch them, but I wonder how they see it. In any case, that would be a pretty good publicity stunt, wouldn't it? En masse, turn themselves in to the US in demonstration against their foreign policy actions.
Lunatic Goofballs
21-01-2008, 19:10
What would you ask?

"Have you ever considered elaborate pranks instead? All the publicity but none of the death!"

I imagine the sort of pranks I could pull off with Al-Quaeda's budget and organizational structure and I weep for the human race. :(
Mirkai
21-01-2008, 19:13
Al-Qaida proving, once again, that it has both more balls and better publicists than Bush.
Mad hatters in jeans
21-01-2008, 19:15
This one would be fun:

Aha i was waiting for someone to mention this. see thread freedom:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=547737
This thread covers what other people think it is, which seems to be freedom is an illusion, and an ideal to work up to.
So in conclusion we might have no freedom at all.
(i'm so glad someone brought that up)
Fudk
21-01-2008, 19:15
lolz "Mamma I wanna join the jihadis!!!!!! NO, go finish your hw"

Those questions kinda relfect how A-Qs in some deep shit right now, as they've been basically caught up in this whole Sunii vs Shiite thing, that we (unwittingly) unleashed. Every cloud has its silver lining, I suppose, although frankly I'd perfer if that one just went away.. If they attack Iran, they will get caught up in a huge Muslim vs. Muslim battle, as they've already taken on the aspect of a Sunni organization. If they attack Saudi Arabia, they will lose almost all of their Sunni members and most of their cash flow. They're too mangaled up to attack America, except through the Taliban, and are still reeling from the rejection of most of their Iraqi followers. I guess they're in a wee bit o difficulty.
Sel Appa
21-01-2008, 19:35
"Have you ever considered elaborate pranks instead? All the publicity but none of the death!"

I imagine the sort of pranks I could pull off with Al-Quaeda's budget and organizational structure and I weep for the human race. :(

You should become a prank terrorist and start your own domestic organization.
Mad hatters in jeans
21-01-2008, 19:37
You should become a prank terrorist and start your own domestic organization.

well by your definition they do exist, see BBC story about half a million brightly coloured balls released into the main square in Rome, as a protest to bring attention to Burma issue.
Or that man who dressed as Batman on Buckingham palace arguing for fathers rights.
I think it's a good idea just don't get too carried away, why not paint all government buildings red? as a starter?
Sel Appa
21-01-2008, 19:45
well by your definition they do exist, see BBC story about half a million brightly coloured balls released into the main square in Rome, as a protest to bring attention to Burma issue.

Yeah I saw that...

I think it's a good idea just don't get too carried away, why not paint all government buildings red? as a starter?
There's even a charge for it: Vandalism!
Cannot think of a name
21-01-2008, 19:59
Why does it seem like every AQ person we identify always ends up as 'second in command' or something like that? It's getting to be like past life regressions where everyone used to be royalty...
Vojvodina-Nihon
21-01-2008, 20:09
I wonder how much effort the FBI, CIA, and NSA are using to track down the IP addresses of the questioners. And how many weeks before Election Day we'll capture al-Zawahiri. (I'm betting on five, although it could be as many as nine.)
Call to power
21-01-2008, 20:15
why has nobody asked what where really thinking: does Al Qaeda support pie or cake?
Bann-ed
21-01-2008, 20:36
Sympathizers submitted hundreds of questions to al-Qaida deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri's "on-line interview" before a recent deadline. Among them: Why hasn't al-Qaida attacked the U.S. again, why isn't it attacking the Israelis and when will it be more active in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria?
So far, there have been no answers

I think al-Qaida ran out of ideas and is attempting to use the internet as a sort of think-tank.
Sel Appa
21-01-2008, 21:17
I wonder how much effort the FBI, CIA, and NSA are using to track down the IP addresses of the questioners. And how many weeks before Election Day we'll capture al-Zawahiri. (I'm betting on five, although it could be as many as nine.)

Can you remotely track IP addresses visiting another website?
Vojvodina-Nihon
21-01-2008, 21:20
Can you remotely track IP addresses visiting another website?

I think so. Not certain. I'm sure they could at least track the people visiting the website from the US, given they pay their phone bills.
UNIverseVERSE
21-01-2008, 21:48
Can you remotely track IP addresses visiting another website?

Depends. Are you acting in the confines of the law, and how effective do you think Echelon is?

If you presume no legal restraints, it would probably be fairly easy. If legal restraints applied, a good deal trickier.

Anyway, if you're in the US (or a fair few other places), Echelon will probably pick up at least some of this anyway, and you've got to factor other possibilities into the calculation.

Of course, my first thought was "You know, if I was the US Intelligence Community, I would post this up and then harvest information about those who responded."

Seriously, dudes.
The Parkus Empire
21-01-2008, 22:36
I'd ask if they've ever considered assassinations of world leaders. Or why they don't ally with the Jews to get rid of the greater evil: Christianity.


I suppose I am supposed to laugh. "Ha ha." Now, why are Christians "evil" again (any more than Muslims or Jews)?

Not that I am Christian, but this repetitious bullying of them is getting a little old.
Nobel Hobos
22-01-2008, 00:31
Diaa Rashwan, an Egyptian security expert in Cairo, also suggested some questions were probably submitted by intelligence agents looking for clues to al-Qaida's thinking, but there was no way to verify that.

Correction: the entire 'hotline' is probably CIA. A sting operation intended to gather IP addresses for further investigation.

I bet the guy who posted under the name "Osama the lion" got some attention ... ;)
Sel Appa
22-01-2008, 01:57
I suppose I am supposed to laugh. "Ha ha." Now, why are Christians "evil" again (any more than Muslims or Jews)?

Not that I am Christian, but this repetitious bullying of them is getting a little old.

Look at what they've done to the world for the past 2000 years and get back to me.
Bann-ed
22-01-2008, 01:59
Look at what they've done to the world for the past 2000 years and get back to me.

Look at what humanity has done since it evolved and give me one good reason I shouldn't kill all of you and then myself.
Gauthier
22-01-2008, 02:17
Not even Al'Qaeda is prepared for the sheer mind-numbing insanity that lays ahead. Hardcore dedication to the cause of The Caliphate and a willingness to die for the cause won't shield the jihadi from the madness that awaits...

In the world of AL'QAEDA TECH SUPPORT
Fall of Empire
22-01-2008, 02:26
Not even Al'Qaeda is prepared for the sheer mind-numbing insanity that lays ahead. Hardcore dedication to the cause of The Caliphate and a willingness to die for the cause won't shield the jihadi from the madness that awaits...

In the world of AL'QAEDA TECH SUPPORT
:D
Nobel Hobos
22-01-2008, 03:01
Look at what humanity has done since it evolved and give me one good reason I shouldn't kill all of you and then myself.

Because that would make you God. You so don't want that on your CV.
Fudk
22-01-2008, 03:29
Not even Al'Qaeda is prepared for the sheer mind-numbing insanity that lays ahead. Hardcore dedication to the cause of The Caliphate and a willingness to die for the cause won't shield the jihadi from the madness that awaits...

In the world of AL'QAEDA TECH SUPPORT

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Sel Appa
22-01-2008, 03:50
Look at what humanity has done since it evolved and give me one good reason I shouldn't kill all of you and then myself.

99% of which is rooted in Christianity.
Bann-ed
22-01-2008, 04:08
Because that would make you God. You so don't want that on your CV.
You make a convincing point. For that. I. Will have to kill you.
99% of which is rooted in Christianity.

99% of evolution is rooted in Christianity?

*head asplode*
Siylva
22-01-2008, 04:13
Look at what they've done to the world for the past 2000 years and get back to me.

They? You know christians don't have a hive mind that demands all of them to murder, rape, & kill non-believers, right?

Would you tolerate someone saying that about muslims?:confused:
Sel Appa
22-01-2008, 08:41
99% of evolution is rooted in Christianity?

*head asplode*

It's a squares and rectangles thing. Humans may have caused loads of problems, but Christianity specifically caused the majority of said problems.

They? You know christians don't have a hive mind that demands all of them to murder, rape, & kill non-believers, right?

Would you tolerate someone saying that about muslims?:confused:

They have been murdering, raping, pillaging, converting, persecuting, and so on to the rest of the world for the past 2000 years or so. The Muslims are finally reacting. So no I would not tolerate what is not true.
Nobel Hobos
22-01-2008, 15:36
Look at what humanity has done since it evolved and give me one good reason I shouldn't kill all of you and then myself.
Because that would make you God. You so don't want that on your CV.
You make a convincing point. For that. I. Will have to kill you.

Yeah, WHATEVER, God.

I stood up on top of a mountain, and insulted your mother.

I defied you to do miraculous works, and bring my best mate back to life.

I insulted you, in the presence of a priest, at the funeral of my best mate.

So, fuck you for a fourth time! Smite me, you, you wimp. Burning bushes just doesn't cut it these dayse, we've invented matches. Nor wheels of wheels all made of eyes, that's lame shit you'd get on Nintendo, and I don't mean Wii.
Fuck you, God. Smite the entire human race, if that's your puny cowardly will, or smite me in person (heart stops perhaps?) if you can't stand the media attention you got for burning a stinking old bush.

Yah, screw you, you got nothing. Fuck you, bring it on, I looked you up on GlobalSecurity.org and you have ZERO firepowerz. So i discharge a fart in your general direction!

=========


They? You know christians don't have a hive mind that demands all of them to murder, rape, & kill non-believers, right?

Would you tolerate someone saying that about muslims?:confused:

You need to not take everything seriously.

Someone who has actually seen your mother insults her ... that you take seriously. Otherwise ... hey loosen up!

Muslims are quite correct in not eating pork. Pork is the flesh of a pig, and your mother is a big fat pig, and it is wrong to eat your mother. So don't eat pork.
Nobel Hobos
22-01-2008, 15:48
It's a squares and rectangles thing. Humans may have caused loads of problems, but Christianity specifically caused the majority of said problems.

Oh, what a load of crap.

What caused Christianity?


God.
Humans.
Something else.

Please, please, pick option 3 so we can move on a bit.
UNIverseVERSE
22-01-2008, 18:32
Correction: the entire 'hotline' is probably CIA. A sting operation intended to gather IP addresses for further investigation.

I bet the guy who posted under the name "Osama the lion" got some attention ... ;)

Dude, I beat you to that idea.
Sel Appa
23-01-2008, 00:13
Oh, what a load of crap.

What caused Christianity?


God.
Humans.
Something else.

Please, please, pick option 3 so we can move on a bit.

Option 9

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Fall of Empire
23-01-2008, 00:19
It's a squares and rectangles thing. Humans may have caused loads of problems, but Christianity specifically caused the majority of said problems.



They have been murdering, raping, pillaging, converting, persecuting, and so on to the rest of the world for the past 2000 years or so. The Muslims are finally reacting. So no I would not tolerate what is not true.

If you want to look at it that way, the Muslims started this whole debacle by invading what were Christian lands at the time, particularly Spain.
Sumamba Buwhan
23-01-2008, 00:20
Dear Ayman,

My boyfriend doesn't go down on me anymore. He says my penis reminds him of his ex-boyfriend. I've tried dressing it up in little penis suits and drawing faces on it to change it's look, but it doesn't seem to do any good. I don't know if I can handle it anymore. Should I just give up on him? Find my own place? Please help.

Thanks a million,
Desperate in Dubai