Ask Al Qaeda: Terrorists Take Web Queries

Al Qaeda Sympathizers Hungry For Answers Barrage Movement's Online "Interview"

(AP)  Judging by hundreds of questions submitted online to al Qaeda's No. 2 leader, it is clear the terror network's self-proclaimed supporters are as much in the dark about its operations and plans as Western analysts and intelligence agencies.

Among their concerns: Where will it strike next? Does it control small militant groups in the Mideast and Europe? Why hasn't it hit America again?

Al Qaeda's media arm, Al-Sahab, announced last month that Osama bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, would take questions from the public in an "online interview." More than 900 entries, some with multiple questions, were posted on a militant Web site before the Jan. 16 deadline.

So far, al Qaeda hasn't given any answers. Al Qaeda said only that al-Zawahiri would respond "as soon as possible," and the questions disappeared from the site after the cutoff date without any response.

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

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

Some wanted to know when al Qaeda will be more active in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

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

Journalists also were invited to send questions and a few of the entries were labeled with the names of European and Asian newspapers.

Diaa Rashwan, an Egyptian security expert in Cairo, suggested some questions were probably submitted by intelligence agents looking for clues to al Qaeda's thinking, but there was no way to verify that.

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

Many appeared frustrated that al Qaeda is not doing more.

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

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

Another, called "Knight of Islam," asked, "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-Zawahiri 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 Qaeda's branch there. In 2005, al-Zawahiri 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-Zawahiri always depicts al Qaeda as moving steadily toward victory - something none of the questioners directly challenged. But they seemed in need of reassurance, pressing for more specifics about al Qaeda's plans than al-Zawahiri normally gives.

"I think they (al Qaeda's leaders) were aware (that) ... everyone was no longer buying into the propaganda about how great they are," said Jeremy Binnie at 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 wrote in claimed to be active fighters in militant groups. One, with the username "Phenixshadow," described himself as a member of the al Qaeda 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 asked.

Another, signed "Alfirati60," said he is a Syrian who joined al Qaeda in Iraq before its leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was killed by a U.S. airstrike in 2006. The writer complained bitterly about al Qaeda'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 wrote. The Iraqis care "only about liberating Iraq not about establishing God's law," an apparent reference to the al Qaeda 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 added. "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 wrote 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 said. "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-Zawahiri, although it was posted with the logo of Al-Sahab, which issues his videotapes.

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

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

Others wanted to make sure al Qaeda has a long-term strategy.

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

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

Another hot topic was Iran. Several asked why al Qaeda did not attack that mainly Shiite nation. They expressed concern over rumors of an understanding between al Qaeda and Iran. "One of the lies spread to fight al Qaeda is that al Qaeda is linked to Iran," one wrote. "They point to your failure to attack the Iranian regime."

Many others simply asked for advice on how and where to join jihad. One man said 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 said. "Can I go without her permission?"

[slpdisk]

Is this a Joke? I mean really like that psychic lady you can call on the 800 line with the crystal ball.What was her name? Madam, madam Cleo, yeah thats it.800 dial Al Qaeda, Yes mister terror guy is there true love in my future. Whaaam Bingo, c''mon people our intelligence levels are dropping by the second, Hey honey what time is American Gladiators on? Sniffle, snickker.

[feelfree1]

larryhammick,

Re: "FeelFree1, that AQ forum does exist, and the thread for submitting questions to Dr. Z. existed."

Are you aware of the nature of the Internet? Do you realize that anyone can create a site, and place on it whatever they choose, posing as whomever they would like?

Re: "(That specific thread has been deleted since the deadline for submissions.)"

How do you know? Have you seen it?

Re: "There are reasons for not broadcasting the URL."

Of course there are. The reasons in this case are most likely that the URL can be traced to Langley, Virginia, Tel Aviv, etc., and that this article is blatant U.S. propaganda, as I have demonstrated with my thorough debunking of it.

Re: "Anyhow the site is in Arabic."

How do you know? Have you seen it? Do you speak fluent Arabic to the degree that you are able to translate the text for confirmation?

RE: "It''s not straightforward to identify an IP with an individual.... Or a criminal can use a computer at an internet cafi or a public library."

It looks like you are offering excuses as to why we should not even attempt to investigate.

If we can trace the IP address to a person, a library, or even a country, don''t you think that this might be valuable to an investigation of who submitted these alleged questions to this alleged site?

This is the first post that I have seen from you on this thread, or on this site. Are you responsible for this obvious and sloppy propaganda piece?

[larryhammick]

FeelFree1, that AQ forum does exist, and the thread for submitting questions to Dr. Z. existed. (That specific thread has been deleted since the deadline for submissions.) There are reasons for not broadcasting the URL. Anyhow the site is in Arabic.

It''s not straightforward to identify an IP with an individual. For one thing, a criminal can send his stuff to a server in Boonistan, which automatically resends it to the real destination ("anonymizing"). Or a criminal can use a computer at an internet cafi or a public library.

[feelfree1]

yongamerica,

RE: "FeelFree1 - What was your question for your great and powerful Os?"

Hard to guess what you are talking about.

Is there any element of my debunking of this silly article that you did not understand?

[libsluvsuvs]

2 hours without 1 Bush Lover posting, amazing --- The Brokeback Mountian cowboy died, they are grieving

Posted by j-whitman at 06:35 PM : Jan 22, 2008
+ report abuse

***********

WOW A FA GGOT HATING LIBERAL...wont put it pass you whitman..

[libsluvsuvs]

ibsluvsuvs: Maybe you should ask yourselves how did come to this point, where AQ is pretty much openly mocking the US. We''''re still looking for OBL, right?

Posted by incog-nito at 11:05 PM : Jan 21, 2008
+ report abuse

***********

MAYBE YOU should answer the question on how non-muslim anti-religion liberals are fighting nail and tooth to protect al queda. the liberal masses are MAKING *** SURE THAT ANY TERRORIST ARE PROTECTED...

[mbievtea]

The wrath of these narcistic, paranoid, "left behind in the dust of history and progress" Islamimc radicals is something that will have to be beared by the free, modernized, progressive western-style societies for awhile. Innocent people will die at the hands and minds of these pathetic, sadistic men. I would say women, but we know how afraid they are of women. Just remember, we are going to win. The extremists are going to lose as they have already lost. Let me answer the question raised by this story ... ''why haven''t they struck America again?'' ... because we are fighting back!!!!! For Freedom and Progress!!!!!

[j-whitman]

2 hours without 1 Bush Lover posting, amazing --- The Brokeback Mountian cowboy died, they are grieving

[j-whitman]

yongamerica,,,, Here''s a question for him ??? How many years did George know him ????

[normsw]

Terrorist groups have been plotting against humanity for years and years, witness the last two attacks against the twin towers, London, Madrid, Bali, Algeria, and embassies around the world. It will be a long, long time before they are removed as a global threat. probably never, in our lifetime; our children will inherit the problem.
Nothing is worse than religious fanaticism. That, and the lust for power and conquest are contagions still unchecked, with no solution in sight.
We must support governments'' efforts to supress these groups, or suffer the consequences.

[telecom_1]

These Taliban El qaeda loving heroin dealing suicidal terrorists who are deceived into thinking murder is martyrdom. They are the same death lovers that sent terrorists to America to slit the throats of female stewardesses and mass murder people more righteous than their evil selves. Taliban is heaping up judgment against themselves. Who is the most wicked, evil, rebelious people on Earth? The suicidal mass murderers of innocent bystanders are.

[yongamerica]

FeelFree1 - What was your question for your great and powerful Os?

[feelfree1]

incog-nito,

Re: "In the early days following 9/11, Pakistan reportedly chose to cooperate only because we threatened to "bomb them back to the Stone Age". With our performance in Iraq, it''s highly doubtful the U.S. can make the same threat now."

Interesting points.

[feelfree1]

CBS, Jeremy,

I look forward to thoroughly debunking your upcoming follow-up article, with the responses to this alleged Q & A.

Does anyone else wonder why CBS Newz devotes so much of its resources promoting these ridiculous "al-Qaeda" follies?

CBS really puts the "yellow" in "journalism".

[terrorislam6]

HEROES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FASCIST NAZI TERRORISLAM!!!

Young Muslims begin dangerous fight for the right to abandon faith

A group of young Muslim apostates launches a campaign today, the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, to make it easier to renounce Islam.

The provocative move reflects a growing rift between traditionalists and a younger generation raised on a diet of Dutch tolerance.

The Committee for Ex-Muslims promises to campaign for freedom of religion but has already upset the Islamic and political Establishments for stirring tensions among the million-strong Muslim community in the Netherlands.

Ehsan Jami, the committee%u2019s founder, who rejected Islam after the attack on the twin towers in 2001, has become the most talked-about public figure in the Netherlands. He has been forced into hiding after a series of death threats and a recent attack.

The threats are taken seriously after the murder in 2002 of Pim Fortuyn, an antiimmigration politician, and in 2004 of Theo Van Gogh, an antiIslam film-maker.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2426314.ece

[terrorislam6]

the Iraqi war is legal, demonic-rat hero oscar, emmy, nobel prize winning al bore says so,,,
it actually never ended since it only stopped by the signing of a ceasefire,,, just like the korean war,,,

the resumption of hostilities was only a matter of time since iraq broke the ceasefire agreement,,,

blame saddam for iraq,,, Even clintoon and the dems wanted the resumption of hostilities back in 1998,,,

"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country." - Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

"Iraq''''s search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." - Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

Moreover, no international law can prevent the United States from taking actions to protect its vital interests, when it is manifestly clear that there is a choice to be made between law and survival. I believe, however, that such a choice is not presented in the case of Iraq. Indeed, should we decide to proceed, that action can be justified within the framework of international law rather than outside it. In fact, though a new UN resolution may be helpful in building international consensus, the existing resolutions from 1991 are sufficient from a legal standpoint. - Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002
http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/gore/gore092302sp.html

[feelfree1]

I almost made it before the CBS Newz Web administrators opted to launch their "terrorislam6/arse008" spambot/stinkbot routine.

Better luck next time.

[terrorislam6]

THEY ARE LOSING

Last letter from doomed Al Qaida chief: "We are so desperate for your help"
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2007/ss_iraq_09_30.asp

Iraq insurgency: People rise against al-Qa''''eda
Damien McElroy spent a week in the heart of the insurgency in Anbar province in Iraq. In the second of seven exclusive reports he describes how peace and prosperity have returned to a town formerly riven by sectarian killings.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/08/wanbar308.xml

Al Qaeda Dealt Devastating Blow in Iraq
The U.S. military says it has dealt devastating and potentially irreversible blows to Al Qaeda in Iraq in recent months, leading some generals to advocate a declaration of victory over the group, which the Bush administration has long described as the most lethal U.S. adversary in Iraq, the Washington Post reported Monday.

Al-Qaeda In Iraq Reported Crippled
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/14/AR2007101401245_pf.html

REHAB IS NOT JUST FOR HOLLYWOOD TERRORISTS NOW

U.S. Tries Rehab For Religious Extremists
Singapore Has Reduced Its Detainee Ranks With Islamic Reeducation; A Model For U.S.?
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/09/world/main3347089.shtml

[feelfree1]

I did not think that I would manage to wade through this entire collection of putrid spew, but I will jump to the end for a final comment-

Re: "One man said 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 said. "Can I go without her permission?"

Here we have a 23-year-old, living with his mommy, and wondering if he needs permission from his mommy to cut your head off...

Real scary, CBS.

[terrorislam6]

hmmmmmm

somebody is a shill for fascist nazi terrorislam

someboy sounds like a shill for fascist nazi terrorislam

dont you just hate these stupid silly little fascist nazi terrorislamic muslims pretending to be liberal Americana,,, and begging for the usa to leave iraq,,, lol,,, they must be really getting their arses kicked,,, hahahahahaha,,,

and these fascist nazi terrorislamic muslim collaborators,,,