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When we talk about al-Qaeda, it is almost always crucial to keep in mind that this is a 'global' entity. They seek havens in Swat, in Yemen, in Somalia or in any region they see fit. We have not paid particular attention to them in the Maghreb (the area comprising Algeria, Tunisia, Lybia and Morocco) because their attention appears to be focused on Europe. However, we did report on an unfortunate experiment with germ warfare with which al-Qaeda bungled. See article here.
From Beirut, Chawki Freïha reported that al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (QJMI - ??????? ????? ?????? ????????) announced the creation of an audiovisual production subsidiary with exclusive right to distribute their press releases. The choice of title, "Al-Andalus" is not accidental: it is a call to jihad for the liberation of Andalusia. Andalusia is the name for what we now know as Granada, which 'fell' to Christians in 1492 (see the Spanish Inquisition).
According to experts, this release is a direct appeal to North African Muslims to raise jihad awareness. However, it is also, and especially an indirect call to Muslims in Europe, especially Spain, to free the Andalusian . As of 2008, the Muslim population of Europe was slightly over 57 million people.
The release comes on the heels of the arrest of two brothers of Algerian origin who were arrested in Vienna on suspicion of links to the QJMI and terrorist intentions. The eldest of the two is a physicist who worked at the European Center for Nuclear Research in Switzerland (hence its danger). Though the article questions the Muslim's loyalty to their adopted country, there is no doubt that the majority of Muslims in Europe continue to be loyal to their country of origin.
Comments
Dear Ms Kligman,
What are your sources for this scare-mongering? Please list credible information, outside of known secret-service fronts. I for one do not believe this organization, which translates as "the toilet" in Arabic, even exists outside the minds of crazed and bigoted individuals, whose agenda is solely to demonize others. That makes more sense than the above wittering rant. See article: "Breaking News: Algerian daily confirms Mossad training camps for al-Qaida?"
Dear John:
If you can click on links, you will find your source. His name is Chawki Freïha, and he reports from Beirut. Any more confusion?
3 days later in Time Magazine - a 'trusted' news source:
Back to ArticleClick to PrintWednesday, Oct. 14, 2009
How a French Physicist Became a Terrorism Suspect
By Bruce Crumley / Paris
French security officials have long regarded the Algerian jihadist movement al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) as the most immediate terrorism threat to Europe. Those fears appeared to be substantiated last week with the arrest of a French physicist suspected of plotting terrorist attacks in Europe on AQIM's behalf. However, in an indication of the many options now open to aspiring radicals wanting to put their extremism into action, investigators say the scientist linked up with AQIM only after police had cracked down on another terrorist group he had been in contact with first.
Find the rest on line John...
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