Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
If you lumped together all the disparate entities that call themselves Christian and accused them of working jointly for global political rule by the Pope you'd be somewhere near how Mitt Romney looks on Muslims and Islam. Wise? No
Correspondence from Bin Laden's compounds shows he thought al-Qaeda had lost its war. Killing of Muslims in Iraq and elsewhere was fundamental error. Should have concentrated on American targets, non-Islamic countries
Useful backgrounder on AQ arm based in Yemen. US policy, focused on drone strikes and support for an unpopular autocratic president, now "adrift". Better to use soft power, condition aid on departure of president
Investigation into killing of Syed Saleem Shahzad, who'd drawn attention to links between Pakistani military and Islamist militants. "There has always been a red line. But, after Shahzad, no one knows where the red line is anymore"
Damning assessment by Saudi writer. Fact that 15 of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi should have forced change. But kingdom remains "in sullen denial of the fact that the terrorists’ ideology was created, nurtured within its borders"
Bin Laden's successor has stepped up Al-Qaeda propaganda effort since taking over. Timely, given violence of Arab regimes. AQ franchises are endorsing his leadership. Conclusion: "It's way too soon to be writing Al-Qaeda's obituary"
Interesting essay argues against complacency: "Al Qaeda as we knew it 10 years ago may be no more. But at the rate it has been adapting, it seems likely the United States will be at war with this enemy for another decade"
The most detailed account to date of what happened that night in Abbottabad. Tense, powerful piece of writing describing the planning, build-up and execution of America's special forces raid on the world's most wanted man
Raid on Bin Laden's Abbottabad compound accomplished more than his death. Recovery of computers, hard drives, data-storage devices will provide unparalleled look at how AQ functions. What we think we know may well be wrong
"Picking the right people, training and educating them, is as necessary for a terrorist group as for a top corporation. Terrorist organisations must attract smart people and then train them for violence, both of which are difficult"
Al-Qaeda's voice to Muslims in the West. Yemen-based preacher. Born in New Mexico, grew up in Yemen, studied in Colorado, lived in England. Linked to eight terrorist attacks in past two years. Has stature to take Bin Laden's place
One for Bin Ladenologists. Context and background about the man widely reported to have taken the reins of Al-Qaeda after its former leader's death. And what other Al-Qaeda members think of Ayman al-Zawahiri. (Not much)
