Dear al-Qaeda in Iraq: Step off
Al-Qaeda in Iraq seems to think they have some kind of say in American politics. From the BBC:
The important part is this: none of us are under any illusion about what Islamic fundamentalism represents. It represents theocracy, intolerance and hatred, and as such it is our firm belief as Americans that Islamic fundamentalism must be defeated.
We happen to differ with the current occupant of the White House about how best to achieve that. While solid police and investigative work by law enforcement, intelligence and defense agencies may not give the glamorous appearance of landing on an aircraft carrier in a flight suit, we believe that efficient use of those tools will yield great results.
Where military foce is warranted, we believe the United States will act swiftly and with maximum force to destroy those who would destroy us. But we discard at our peril the wisdom of uniformed military officers and civilian analysts who have chosen to spend their careers protecting the American people. The deliberate smearing of people must end.
Progressives are continually and relentlessly accused of "not understanding the threat" by our domestic political opponents, which is a sad and unfortunate comment on how our opponents choose to conduct themselves. Charges that progressives somehow "are on the side of the terrorists" are not only insulting, but frankly idiotic.
But it behooves us on this Veteran's Day to not only thank all those who have served, and are currently serving, but to reiterate our dedication to the basic principles of American democracy, as embodied in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
In short, al-Qaeda of Iraq, your transparent attempt to score public relations points has failed miserably, and only a fool would point to your statement as evidence of anything but your own debauched view of the world.
A statement purportedly from the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq hails the defeat of Republicans in the US mid-term polls.And naturally certain lunatics on the American right are publicizing this, which is kind of confusing, because until Monday you were a traitor if you showed a picture of an insurgent. But that's just typical American right-wing lunacy.
The audio message, whose authenticity has not been verified, was published on Islamist websites and was said to be the voice of Abu Hamza al-Muhajir.
The Democrats' victory in Tuesday's Congressional elections was a move in the right direction, the speaker said.
The important part is this: none of us are under any illusion about what Islamic fundamentalism represents. It represents theocracy, intolerance and hatred, and as such it is our firm belief as Americans that Islamic fundamentalism must be defeated.
We happen to differ with the current occupant of the White House about how best to achieve that. While solid police and investigative work by law enforcement, intelligence and defense agencies may not give the glamorous appearance of landing on an aircraft carrier in a flight suit, we believe that efficient use of those tools will yield great results.
Where military foce is warranted, we believe the United States will act swiftly and with maximum force to destroy those who would destroy us. But we discard at our peril the wisdom of uniformed military officers and civilian analysts who have chosen to spend their careers protecting the American people. The deliberate smearing of people must end.
Progressives are continually and relentlessly accused of "not understanding the threat" by our domestic political opponents, which is a sad and unfortunate comment on how our opponents choose to conduct themselves. Charges that progressives somehow "are on the side of the terrorists" are not only insulting, but frankly idiotic.
But it behooves us on this Veteran's Day to not only thank all those who have served, and are currently serving, but to reiterate our dedication to the basic principles of American democracy, as embodied in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
In short, al-Qaeda of Iraq, your transparent attempt to score public relations points has failed miserably, and only a fool would point to your statement as evidence of anything but your own debauched view of the world.
