Al Qaeda Warns France over Burqa Criticism

(AP)  French officials were on guard Wednesday after an al Qaeda affiliate threatened vengeance for President Nicolas Sarkozy's criticism of the face-covering veils worn by some Muslim women.

France is maintaining "very great vigilance" toward actions and statements by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or North Africa, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Eric Chevallier said in a briefing.

"French authorities reaffirm their determination to fight terrorism," he added.

The Algeria-based group issued a statement on Islamic Web sites vowing to "seek vengeance against France" over Sarkozy's comments about face-covering Muslim veils such as the burqa and niqab. The declaration could not be independently verified.

Sarkozy said last week the burqa would not be "welcome" in France and would turn women into prisoners. France's parliament created a commission to study the issue, which could lead to banning the Muslim robes from being worn in public.

Human Rights Watch said the move would be counterproductive, and a top British Muslim group said Sarkozy's comments were patronizing and offensive. Lebanon's most influential Shiite cleric called on the French leader to reconsider his statement.

The al Qaeda declaration called on followers to act "for the honor of our daughters and our sisters" and called on all Muslims "to respond to this hate."

Hard-line Algerian militants left over from a civil war between radical Islamists and government forces in the 1990s joined al Qaeda in 2006. They regularly target Algerian government forces and have tried to step up attacks against foreigners.

[tuathadedannan]

I suppose if France does allows Burqas, shouldn't Saudi Arabia allow bikinis? I mean were all us hipsters diggin the diversity stuff now, lets spread it around.

[Tweety134]

I hate to see what is happening over in France. Oh what do those fools know? I hope my Burqa/Niqab wearing friends come over to the US. The Burqa and Niqab are protected in the USA. You can wear what you want. So leave that oppresive country called France!
I will wear my Burqa in show of support for my Burqa/Niqab wearing friends all over the world during the month of Ramadan. And no, I am not a Muslim. I am a Christian that feels that all women should be covered. Everyone that knows the Bible, should know that it says that.

[tuathadedannan]

The bible says women must wear clothes that cover their entire body? Did my Sunday school classes miss that little nugget O'wisdom.

[HGOODGUY]

WOEN IN FRANCE ARE WEARING BERQUAS BECAUE THEY CHOOSE TO AND NOT BECAUSE THET ARE FORCED TO BY A RELIGOUS IDEOLOGY!!!

THE LAST TIME I CHECKED, PEOPLE IN FREE COUNTRYS ARE ALLOWED TO WEAR WHAT THEY WANT!!

CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN THIS COUNTRY IF SUCH RESTRICTIONS WERE IMPOSED???

IT'S THE SAME OLD CRAP--A FEW PEOPLE ARE PUSHING THEIR PHILOSOPHY ON THE MAJORITY. SOUND FAMILIER???

[hamiltongrad]

Sarkosy is right, and has courage.

///////////Western Civilization is the BEST....//////////// We need to protect it //////

Covering yourself , or being made to cover your face is anti Western, and anti Woman. It also is so strange, like a bandit, you do not want anyone to know who you are. It is dehumanizing to both the woman and also TO EVERYBODY around. IT is INSULTING.

All civilizations are not equal. Western Civilization is the best, as it grants freedom to anyone, everyone. Islamic Civiliazations in general does the opposite and are repressive, not open to other new ideas, other religions whatsoever, and still use torture and hate speech all the time. Who wants that virus to infect our way of life.

[tuathadedannan]

It is odd how political ideas can be turned in on themselves. Burqa/veil adherents claim that covering up makes them more feminist than women who don't cover up! What times we live in. Why don't men have to cover up?

[armyoftwelve]

Sarkozy is to be congratulated for taking such a courageous stance.
We need to follow suit in this country. I can't imagine that I would let anyone buy something at my store with a credit card and not be able to see that person's face and hair. How else do you identify the person you are dealing with??

[Benton09]

The al Qaeda declaration called on followers to act "for the honor of our daughters and our sisters 'In The HOOD'.....

[CLoverNYC1]

I was agreeing with you by using 'farce and sarcasm'
by ToolMangler1 July 1, 2009 12:48 PM PDT

----------------------------------------

Same here.

A McD's server or a chick at a falafel stand dressed like a black ninja is hilarious.

A scalpel wielding surgeon dressed in a black burqa is unsettling.

Where do they draw the line?

[ToolMangler1]

You see somebody in a Burqa in a hospital ER with a scalpel in one hand, you kinda expect to here them say "I vant tooo drrink your blaaad" Its time to go elswhere, (and I don't mean St. Elswhere" either)

[woeisme1]

I wonder if they have Jackson's monkey under that Burqa or whatever it is.

[kphx]

Sarkozy said last week the burqa would not be "welcome" in France and WOULD TURN WOMEN INTO PRISONERS.

The second part of that statement is going too far. Could somewhat agree with the first part. On the same token, what will be next. Kippah - the skull cap worn by jews is not welcome. Only the christian attire will be allowed. Nothing else. Where do we go from here ???

[ToolMangler1]

"by CLoverNYC1 July 1, 2009 10:21 AM PDT
The accused has the right to face their accusers. Wearing a humongous black body hood in the courtroom kind of makes that impossible.

The practice of religion is one thing. To wear an outfit that is not only unnecessary in a free country, but that hinders the rights of others is unacceptable."



"BLASPHEMY"!!!!!!!!!!! You just got moved ahead of France!!!! ;)

[CLoverNYC1]

No seriously, Tools.

I mean, do you want somebody handing you a burger and fries dressed like a ninja?

[ToolMangler1]

by CLoverNYC1 July 1, 2009 2:19 PM PDT


Thanks, But I was agreeing with you by using 'farce and sarcasm'. and I still agree with you. Look at the above comment to Gravyboat! I spelled it out for him.

by ToolMangler1 July 1, 2009 12:48 PM PDT