I am not sure how many people have read his Fatwa in which he outlines his reasons for declaring war.
There are many “interesting” points and it is worth reading just to gain a better understanding. I thought that this was particularly interesting:
“We say to the Defence Secretary that his talk can induce a grieving mother to laughter! and shows the fears that had enshrined you all. Where was this false courage of yours when the explosion in Beirut took place on 1983 AD (1403 A.H). You were turned into scattered pits and pieces at that time; 241 mainly marines solders were killed. And where was this courage of yours when two explosions made you to leave Aden in lees than twenty four hours!
But your most disgraceful case was in Somalia; where- after vigorous propaganda about the power of the USA and its post cold war leadership of the new world order- you moved tens of thousands of international force, including twenty eight thousands American solders into Somalia. However, when tens of your solders were killed in minor battles and one American Pilot was dragged in the streets of Mogadishu you left the area carrying disappointment, humiliation, defeat and your dead with you. Clinton appeared in front of the whole world threatening and promising revenge , but these threats were merely a preparation for withdrawal. You have been disgraced by Allah and you withdrew; the extent of your impotence and weaknesses became very clear. It was a pleasure for the “heart” of every Muslim and a remedy to the “chests” of believing nations to see you defeated in the three Islamic cities of Beirut , Aden and Mogadishu. ”
The lack of a strong response gave him the “misunderstanding” that the US was weak and that it did not have the “balls” to respond. That created a real problem. This is not meant to be a rant in which is “Rah-Rah USA” but to assist in presenting that this is not a new phenomena or issue. I really am not a fan of Bush, but it is patently false to say that all of the current problems are based upon his actions in office.
and you might look at the places he mentions by name here:
“I say to Secretary of Defence: The sons of the land of the two Holy Places had come out to fight against the Russian in Afghanistan, the Serb in Bosnia-Herzegovina and today they are fighting in Chechenia and -by the Permission of Allah- they have been made victorious over your partner, the Russians. By the command of Allah, they are also fighting in Tajakistan.”
Stacey says
Good post. Good points. Perception is everything and it is of the utmost importance that we are not perceived as weak.