Al Qaeda: $100G To Kill Swedish Cartoonist

Al Qaeda In Iraq Leader Says Lars Vilks Should Die For Producing Images Offensive To Islam

(CBS/AP)  The leader of al Qaeda in Iraq offered money for the murder of a Swedish cartoonist who recently produced images deemed insulting to Islam and promised a new offensive in Iraq during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in a statement carried by Islamist Web sites Saturday.

In a half hour audio file entitled "They plotted yet God too was plotting," Abu Omar al-Baghdadi also named the other insurgent groups in Iraq that al Qaeda was fighting and promised new attacks, particular against the minority Yazidi sect.

"We are calling for the assassination of cartoonist Lars Vilks who dared insult our Prophet, peace be upon him, and we announce a reward during this generous month of Ramadan of $100,000 for the one who kills this criminal," the transcript on the Web site said.

Al-Baghdadi, who leads the al Qaeda front group the Islamic State in Iraq, also promised a new campaign of attacks dedicated to his predecessor during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan that has traditionally witnessed an increase in violence in the war torn country.

"I am honored to announce the invasion of the martyr Abu Musab al-Zarqawi at the beginning of Ramadan," he said.

The al Qaeda leader upped the reward for Vilks' death to $150,000 if he was "slaughtered like a lamb" and offered $50,000 for the head of the editor of Nerikes Allehanda, the Swedish paper that printed Vilks' cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad with a dog's body on Aug. 19.

Most of al-Baghdadi's message, however, focused on the situation in Iraq and he reserved special ire for the Muslim Brotherhood, the organization behind the country's largest Sunni political party, the Islamic Party in Iraq.

He accused the organization of working with U.S. forces to combat al Qaeda militants, especially in Diyala province, northeast of the capital Baghdad.

"Our honorable nation should recognize that the Muslim Brotherhood in Iraq, and the Islamic party at the top of it, are practicing today the most heinous campaign to erase the religion from Iraq," said al-Baghdadi.

He also criticized nationalist insurgent groups, such as the 1920 Revolution Brigades and Hamas of Iraq, accusing them of working with the Iraqi security forces.

The message confirms statements by U.S. commanders that not only are Iraqi tribes taking on al Qaeda, but also other insurgent groups that once fought coalition forces and the government, resulting in new successes in the struggle against the militant organization.

Al-Baghdadi also singled out Iraq's tiny Yazidi minority, followers of an ancient sect living in the north of the country that are considered devil-worshippers by extremist Muslims and were targeted last month by car bombs in the most devastating attack on civilians since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack, linking it to the stoning death of a young Yazidi woman who converted to Islam in an attempt to elope with a Muslim boyfriend.

"I swear to God either they hand in those who killed you or we will annihilate their greenery, uproot them and expel them from the land of Iraq," he said. "We will continue waging attacks against them until their great devil announces his acceptance and that he doesn't object to the conversion of any Yazidi to Islam"

For his part, the cartoonist Vilks said from Sweden that he believed the matter of his cartoons had been blown out of proportion.

"We have a real problem here," Vilks told The Associated Press over the telephone. "We can only hope that Muslims in Europe and in the Western world choose to distance themselves from this and support the idea of freedom of expression."

Ulf Johansson, editor-in-chief of Nerikes Allehanda, said he took the bounty "more seriously" than other threats he had received. "This is more explicit. It's not every day somebody puts a price on your head."

Johansson said he had contacted the police and that they had already started work on the threat.

Aside from a few scattered protests and condemnations by Muslim countries, the reaction to the cartoon has been muted, in contrast to the violent demonstrations accompanying similar images in a Danish paper last year.

In an attempt to defuse the tensions caused by the cartoon in both Sweden and abroad, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt last week invited 22 Sweden-based ambassadors from Muslim countries to talk about the sketch.

Reinfeldt expressed regret at the hurt it may have caused, but said that according to Swedish law it is not up to politicians to punish the free press.

Al-Baghdadi added in his message that if the "crusader state of Sweden" didn't apologize, his organization would also attack major companies.

"We know how to force you to retreat and apologize and if you don't, wait for us to strike the economy of your giant companies including Ericsson, Scania, Volvo, Ikea, and Electrolux," he said.

Al Qaeda in Iraq in the past has carried out operations in Jordan and may have links to militant groups in Lebanon, but is not known to have any kind of presence in Europe.

[aeasus]

I can''t believe the press would even give any attention to this murderous assembly and then publish it''s advertisement. If these people wanted to buy Katie Couric''s death,would they have published the story?? Shame on CBS News for it''s lack of good judgement.

[drummer94]

It''s a cartoon. Maybe political satire. Lighten up you idiots. Al Bag-Daddy? Now THAT''S funny.

[tnt1954]

paul of arrakis from dune by frank herbert feels
sympathy for all parties in this dispute. there
are pros and cons to both sides. as ali baba and
his forty wives mull over what to do about this
situation, i wonder if the hunt for gold and jewels
and women of quality and character is not part of
this bargain. was the 1001 arabian nights blasphemy,
where scherezade had to tell story after story
to entertain the king or be beheaded. this poor
cartoonist was under deadline and pressure to produce
some kind of cartoon or commentary, and ratings or
lose his job and starve to death, or be reassigned
to lapland to write stories about reindeer. as the
champion of the little people of this world, surely
al-qaeda can see this poor swedish individuals plight. what would you do if you were in his shoes?
before you judge a man, walk in his moccassins two
moons.-chief morning star-apache nation.sober nations.

[perimogi]

Be careful what you say here, there is a lot of money that could be put on your head. Seems no one is safe from this, that is why American publishers will let anyone trash Jesus, the pope, but NEVER Islam.

[gunownerdan]

*** ATTENTION ALL MUSLIM FUNDAMENTALISTS ***

I have spoken with Allah and Muhammed.

They said that they are all out of virgins up there in heaven so you can stop blowing yourselves up now!

PEACE BE WITH YOU!

[brianbwb-2009]

To anyone thinking of collecting the bounty:

It is a lie, George won''t let Al Qaeda pay the money, he will just use you as example of why he needs to continue his illegal "war", he is just setting you up.

Don''t be a sucker.

[radiob-2009]

Are those in Iraqi Saddam dollars?

[tnt1954]

this is world war three. the third time is the
charm. sweden is not neutral as they were in
world war two. the islamic folkways have offended
thorsten veblen''s crowds who say marriage is
prostitution. they have offended blonde peoples,
and those of fair-skin who have lived in very cold
climates for eons. the vikings came down to the
mediterranean area long before columbus and queen
isabella plotted to conquer the world through
the new world and forcing all to become catholic
or be cast into the fiery furnace. you have your
shadrachs, meshachs and abdendegoes. prince valiant
is only one hero of scandinavia. there is also
st. bridget of sweden. how dare islam think it
knows something tycho brahe invented. muhammad
capitalized on those who tired of waiting for the
second coming of christ. he had already come a
second time as his third personage the holy spirit
at pentecost. go back to the jinn jinn in the
desert winds. you were better off that way.
otherwise you may be boiled in oil. ali baba
and his forty wives have spoken. they are bringing
in the bacon from the sheiks they have seduced.
good gyp, trick and fool. queen noor is one. is
being a *** a boor?

[rushlimpdrug]

*** ATTENTION ALL MUSLIM FUNDAMENTALISTS ***
I have spoken with Allah and Muhammed.

They said that they are all out of virgins up there in heaven so you can stop blowing yourselves up now!
PEACE BE WITH YOU!
Posted by GunOwnerDan

Actually, I believe they are in America getting skrewed.

[radiob-2009]

Promised 72 virgins, what species, certainly not human.

[l8c6]

Hmm, that picture looks like a good opportunity to take care of some of the problems of this world.

[radiob-2009]

Death to Larish, is this Lars008?

[drummer94]

LMAO, radiob!

[sigotratando]

Islam teaches that its disciples must propagate the religion, first by asking, then by force if their "request" is turned down... and Muslims who take these teachings to heart are so hypocritical as to use the word "crusaders" to describe the peoples that turn down (and resist) their supposed religion of "peace."

[s1ckd09]

I thought these people were only in Iraq because of us, and they we were the target of all their hate? I''m waiting for someone to post how we caused this hatred also. Open your eyes, people... this is what we''re fighting.

[lars008-2009]

it is fascist nazi terrorislam stupid%u2026.

non muslims of the world unite... fight against the tyranny of the fascist nazi terrorslam imperialist empire of the darkside...

I was a fanatic...I know their thinking, says former radical Islamist
By blaming the Government for our actions, those who pushed this "Blair''s bombs" line did our propaganda work for us.
More important, they also helped to draw away any critical examination from the real engine of our violence: Islamic theology.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=465570&in_page_id=1770

Bless the Beasts and Children
Fascist nazi terrorslam kills every man woman and child in the village again%u2026 typical mo for terrorslam%u2026
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/bless-the-beasts-and-children.htm

Our Prophet commanded us to fight the kaafirs when we are able and to attack them in their homelands and to give them three choices before we enter their lands: either they become Muslim and be like us, sharing our rights and duties; or they pay the jizyah (poll tax) and feel themselves subdued; or they fight, in which case their wealth, women, children and homes become permissible as booty for the Muslims.
http://islamqa.com/index.php?ref=13759&ln=eng&txt=before%20islam%20arabia%20pagan

the truth about fascist nazi terrorislam...
http://www.terrorismawareness.org/what-really-happened/

[drivelphobe]

If it is true that only the extremist muslims are our enemy, then let the "moderate" muslims stand up visibly and publicly against them now, or we should consider all muslims lethal enemies and move towards total deportation from the USA, and annihilation world wide. I consider all muslims worthy of suspicion since they never oppose what''s going on. Are they all operating in cells, triggered to go off at different times? Caution on the side of self preservation is called for here.

[radiob-2009]

Posted by drivelphobe

Over 100 Imans took out a full page ad in the London Times,BBC,Telegraph along with other Muslims condemning the use of violence along with a Internet site launch.

[perimogi]

Good thing Kathy Griffin said nothing bad about Muhammad, she can get away with that toward Jesus, but she would have a price on her head from these radicals. Guess she knows who to disrespect and who not to disrespect.

[one_american]

I am hereby offering a reward for every Islamic radical that makes a threat of death, or act of aggression with the intent of murder toward any westerner for any reason - of 30 cents on their head.

That should cover the cost of ammunition, and the full value of their sick, worthless lives.

[nothappyatall]

"We are calling for the assassination of cartoonist Lars Vilks who dared insult our Prophet, peace be upon him, "

LOL does anyone see the irony in that statement?
calling for DEATH and in the same sentence "peace be upon.."

[nothappyatall]

"Al-Baghdadi added in his message that if the "crusader state of Sweden" didn''t apologize, his organization would also attack major companies."

Sweden didn''t have anything to do with the cartoon, the WRITER did.
ALso, this threat is no different than our own home-grown enviro-whacko, eco-whacko or animal rights whackos threats, ALF burns down university medical labs, threatens doctors and medical staff, steals research animals, stalks and harasses medical center employees at their homes. Earth-First burns down new houses under construction, targets businesses the same way, burned down the historic lodge in Oregon and the list goes on. PeTA supports known animal rights terrorists who firebomb medical research facilities, paid for the bail and legal expenses for Rodney Coronado who is in the FBI list for arson crimes and so on. Let''s not forget the anti abortion crud who blows up womens clinics and shoots doctors.
See, we can''t even control our OWN home-bred terrorists let alone those in Iraq LOL

[s1ckd09]

You make a good point about the homegrown "terrorists", and even though I vehemently am against all the groups you cite, let''s not compare them to these Islamist radicals. At least not yet. The Islamist radicals have far more hate and an ideology that says it is their duty to kill, unlike the other groups, except for the few abortion clinic bombing nutcases.

[feelfree1]

The "al-Qaeda-in-Iraq" fairy-tales are almost certainly little more than a contrived hoax, made up of alleged "links", usually made by unnamed government officials and reported by unnamed journalists and fake "intelligence" analysts, like the SITE Institute and IntelCenter who make it their job to let us know what is to be "believed".

There is no reason whatsoever to think that "al-Qaeda-in-Iraq" is anything more than a Made-in-USA psy-ops hoax, aimed at fomenting chaos in Iraq, dividing the Iraqi people, and providing a reason for the U.S. to remain in Iraq, where none has ever existed.

One would have to be pretty gullible to believe this %u201COoga-Booga%u201D nonsense.

[s1ckd09]

FeelFree,

You astound me at the links that you will go to criticize anything in this administration. There is no reason to believe anything that you say either, as you can point to no factual data to support your claim, other than it is your opinion. I honestly don''t know how you can believe some of the stuff you say, other than sheer hatred and paranoia.

[lars008-2009]

Muslim group loses cartoons libel case in Denmark
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L13929400.htm
Widow attends massacre trial wearing Mohammed cartoon
http://eye-on-the-world.blogspot.com/2007/03/widow-attends-massacre-trial-wearing.html
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/blog/israel_palestine_cartoon.gif
CARTOONS
http://www.zombietime.com/mohammed_image_archive/
http://face-of-muhammed.blogspot.com/
http://www.internetcurrentevents.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Best_Friends
http://www.scientomogy.com/south_park_scientology.php
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/010009.php#more
http://www.humaneventsonline.com/sarticle.php?id=12146
http://www.mohammeddance.com/
http://anonymous-infidel.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_anonymous-infidel_archive.html
More lies by the Imams
http://michellemalkin.com/archives/004505.htm
Egypt republished them in OCTOBER to general ho-hum.
http://egyptiansandmonkey.blogspot.com/2006/02/boycott-egypt.html
http://www.tomgrossmedia.com/ArabCartoons.htm
Iran Holocaust Cartoon Contest Translated...
http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1280wmv&ak=null

[lars008-2009]

The float carried two identical cartoon-style papier-mache figures, each wearing a suicide-bomber''s belt and carrying a dagger and a pistol. The first was labelled ''the cliche,'' the second was labelled ''the reality.''

Both scowling figures were labelled ''mullahs,'' a term used to describe both Shiite and Sunni clergy. The float was part of a carnival parade watched by more than half a million people in the western city of Dusseldorf.
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=24507_German_Muslims_Seething_at_Carnival_Parade&only
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/news/article_1265687.php/Carnival_attracts_3_million_in_Germany_-_Muslims_offended__Roundup_

[xraytwonine]

wow, might as well start a nuclear war right now. i really like to think that mankind is anything but hopeless, but it is in reality and brutality, pathetic, meaningless, and absolutely hopeless.

thankyou, for those of you who are older, for creating such a wonderfully hostile world.

-college kid

[lars008-2009]

FALSE PROPHET MUD-HAM-MAD & LITTLE GIRLS!

http://www.stripcreator.com/comics/funguyaaa/328869
http://www.420megs.com/users/undressing-islam/pedophile-moe.htm
The thought of an old man becoming aroused by a child is one of the most disturbing thoughts that makes us cringe as it reminds us of pedophilia and the most despicable people. It is difficult to accept that the Holy Prophet married Aisha when she was 6-years-old and consummated his marriage with her when she was 9. He was then, 54 years old.
http://www.faithfreedom.org/Articles/sina/ayesha.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/?feed=TopNews&article=UPI-1-20060115-21472500-bc-iraq-mutaa.xml
http://www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=978.
http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=SD106005
http://www.henryk-broder.de/tagebuch/karikaturisten.html
listen to this MUD idiot try to justify it with MUD lies%u2026%u2026..
http://news.messages.yahoo.com/bbs?action=m&board=37138459&tid=apeuropeiran&sid=37138459&mid=7888
http://islamcomicbook.com/lyrics1.htm
http://www.anti-cair-net.org/ImamFMAT.wmv

[lars008-2009]

Posted by xraytwonine at 02:58 PM : Sep 15, 2007

blame fascist nazi terrorislam...

the war that fascist nazi terrorislamic muslims started rages on 1400 years later...

The Truth about Islamic Crusades and Imperialism

Historical facts say that Islam has been imperialistic%u2014and would still like to be, if only for religious reasons. Many Muslim clerics, scholars, and activists, for example, would like to impose Islamic law around the world. Historical facts say that Islam, including Muhammad, launched their own Crusades against Christianity long before the European Crusades.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2005/11/the_truth_about_islamic_crusad.html
http://www.americanthinker.com/2004/08/the_muslim_crusades.html

the truth about fascist nazi terrorislam...
http://www.terrorismawareness.org/what-really-happened/

Islamic origins
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/pdf/compass/hico_058.pdf

Origin of Islam
http://www.allaboutreligion.org/origin-of-islam.htm
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Origin+of Islam%3A Secular History

[j-whitman]

Foreign Policy Magizine ---

Of the more than 100 foreign-policy experts (both liberals and conservatives) surveyed, 53 percent now say that the surge is having a negative impact%u2014an increase of 22 percentage points in just the past six months. Nearly all of the experts (92 percent) believe that the war in Iraq is having a negative impact on U.S. national security.

A bipartisan majority (68 percent) now say that the United States should redeploy troops from Iraq in the next 18 months, though most oppose an immediate withdrawal. Surprisingly, more conservatives (25 percent) called for an immediate pullout than liberals or moderates.

Overall, nearly all of the experts (91 percent) say that the world is becoming more dangerous for Americans and report that the country is not winning the war on terror (84 percent). More than 80 percent predict a 9/11-scale terrorist attack on the United States in the next 10 years.

Pakistan was named as the country most likely to become the next al Qaeda stronghold, ahead of Iraq. Seventy-five percent also said that Pakistan%u2014home to A.Q. Kahn%u2019s now infamous nuclear black market ring%u2014was the most likely to transfer nuclear technology.

[heyitsme_76]

lars008 -

You need to put those links that bring out the real truth about Islam into more popular websites like YouTube or MySpace, so that the whole world gets to know.. Just posting them here on CBS is not gonna help.. Keep up your good work.. ;)

[toolmangler-2009]

My GOD is strong enough to defend himself and his people. He does not have to depend on his peeople to defend him. He also holds judgement to himself "Judge not, lest you be judged"

[s1ckd09]

First, the survey was taken in May-June of 2007, before the surge was in full effect, so you are being misleading (probably intentionally) when you say they "now" believe and compare that to surveys taken "six months ago". Also the make-up of the participants (mostly ex-government employees) has to be considered:

25 Conservatives, 25 Weighted
39 Moderates, 39 Weighted
44 Liberals, 25 Weighted

29% of the participants considered themselves "Republican" or "Leans Republican"
59% consider themselves to be "Democrat" or "Leans Democrat"

Also notice the weights given to each group and then notice that the number of moderates that lean or identify themselves as Democrats is 69% as opposed to 11% of them that lean Republican! You also have 8% of the so-called conservatives that either lean (4%) or consider themselves (4%) to be Democrats, while 0% liberals go Republican.

The survey is interesting, yes, but extremely biased.

[keithle1]

Religion is such a positive influence on the world.

[my2centss]

Now I know why the ACLU only goes after Christians.

[drivelphobe]

Posted by radiob

Good to know. That''s what should be happening more in the USA. It would be a relief to believe that the majority of muslims actually do condemn the Jihadists. They have the power stop the war if they would only act. With the deafening silence, I have my doubts about their sincere opposition.

[feelfree1]

Re: "Al Qaeda: $100G To Kill Swedish Cartoonist"

I would like to see CBS Newz replace all of their "journalists" with cartoonists, as this would represent a major improvemnet to the credibility of their news coverage, especially as it relates to the outragious fairy-tales that they continue to churn out in relation to the nonexistent and imaginary group, known as "al-Qaeda-in-Iraq".

[jeff-fla]

Would the world be wonderful place to live, if there wasn''t any GOD? No one would have a reason to kill another human being. No more who''s GOD is better than who''s GOD.

[proof25]

How do you want the moderate muslims stop the extremists. When you say that if moderates don''t stop the extremist we better off kill all muslims. This is exactly the same notion the terrorists are using which is they should kill all americans though not all of them are extremists becasue they don''t stop them. Extremists are extrimsts, terrorists are terrorists whehter muslim, christian or jews. They have the same mentality. This isn''t just the only similarity. There are plenty.

[wonderyman-2009]

One would think that Allah, if he were alive and kicking, would deal with the matter himself - being "almighty"?
Since Lars Vilks is still alive - and kicking - we may assume there is no Allah - or that he couldn''t care less.
Certainly he (or is he a she?), would hardly accept his/her honour defended by some slimey, murdering fanatic, hiding in a hole somewhere in the M.E.

[proof25]

I am wondering why it is considered free speach to show disrespect to prophet of Islam while anybody talks about jews should apologize "just like Mel Gibson''s case" otherwise will be considered anitsemtism, will lose his job and sometimes will be jailed like what happened to that writer in France. If West reacts the same thing for any disrespect to any relegion, beleive me terrorists cannot recruit anybody. Western unfairness towards Islams and muslims breeds terrorism.

[white555]

Lars,

Here a verse from Quran talks about chritians:

"%u2026 You will find the people most affectionate to those who believe are those who say, ''We are Christians.'' That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Surat al-Ma''ida, 82)"

[white555]

Lars,

Another verse from Quran demanding muslims to protect monasteries, churches, synagogues from those who want to destroy them.

"%u2026if God had not driven some people back by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where God''s name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and destroyed. God will certainly help those who help Him - God is All-Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Hajj: 40 )"

[white555]

Lars,

Quran asks muslims to get along with "people of the book" which menas " Christian and Jews" and this naming "People of the book" shows respect to Christian and Jewish that they are lawful and they got the book from God.

"O People of the Book! Let us rally to a common formula to be binding on both us and you: That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than God. (Surat Al ''Imran, 64)"

[white555]

Lars

Another verse from Quran:

"Verily, those who believe and those who are Jews, and the Sabaeans, and the Christians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, and does what is right, they shall not fear, nor shall they grieve.(5:69)"

[white555]

Lars,

More:

"They are not all alike. Of the people of the Book there is an upright community, reciting the revelations of Allah throughout the night, falling prostrate (in Surrender). They believe in Allah, and in the last day, and bid intelligent (or right) conduct, and forbid what is stupid (or wrong), and vie with one another in good works; these are among the righteous." 3:113-114

[white555]

Lars,

There are more but I don''t want to take most of the space of this posting area.

I know that what you post against Islam is because you don''t understand it.It is not your fault, it is the terrorists'' fault that show Islam as a bad religion but they have nothing to do with Islam. May God show you the truth.

Stay safe.

[feelfree1]

drivelphobe,

Re: "It would be a relief to believe that the majority of muslims actually do condemn the Jihadists."

And they do, of course. What most people don''t condemn, except for rubes and dupes, are imaginary fairy-tale enemies, like "al-Qaeda-in-Iraq".

[feelfree1]

Hello ''ToolMangler'',

Re: "My GOD is strong enough to defend himself and his people."

Sure, but is he powerful enough to create a boulder that is so large, that even he can''t lift it?

Re: "Judge not, lest you be judged"

Good advice, indeed.