the age of terror [View All]

[rini]

The bombings in Istanbul yesterday had a twin tactical purpose, which in turn is part of a concerted, ruthlessly prosecuted anti-Western strategy. First, they hit a country regarded by us as a model for secular Islam. Second, they coincided with the state visit to Britain of George W Bush, who, in a speech the day before, had propounded a "forward strategy of freedom" against terrorism. By targeting the British diplomatic mission in the city, and killing the consul-general, Roger Short, and 13 of his staff, the bombers served notice on America's closest ally that its participation in the invasion of Iraq has not been forgotten; in choosing the London-based HSBC, they were reinforcing that message, and at the same time striking a blow against Western capitalism and what they regard as its sinful practice of usury. These atrocities, which killed at least 27 people and wounded 440, bear the mark of al-Qa'eda and its affiliates, as did the attacks last Saturday on two synagogues in Istanbul. Between them they provide a graphic snapshot of the battlefront in the Age of Terror.

<there are disturbing indications that Al Queda and the PA are now working together>




http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2003/11/21/dl2101.xml&sSheet=/news/2003/11/21/ixnewstop.html