sergeriver
Cowboy from Hell
+1,928|7181|Argentina
1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out? 
2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization? 
3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
Turquoise
O Canada
+1,596|6829|North Carolina
1- There will always be crazy people.
2- Saudi Arabia and Pakistan mostly.
3- Not as strong as we make it out to be....
4- Leaders?  OBL, maybe...  Goals?  The conversion of the world to Islam.

Last edited by Turquoise (2008-05-09 17:24:33)

S.Lythberg
Mastermind
+429|6871|Chicago, IL

sergeriver wrote:

1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out? 
They indoctrinate their children faster than we can kill them
2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization? 
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan.
3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
Not very, it is only loosely organized, and relies mostly on ignorant local militias for assistance
4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
The central leadership has little to no power, local groups are run by warlords who are seeking to expand their own power, under the guise of "Islam"
Dilbert_X
The X stands for
+1,822|6530|eXtreme to the maX
1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out? - Apart from Bin Laden and the inner circle AQ is more a concept than an organisation. You might as well ask when Christianity will cease to exist.
2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization? Probably none - at a state level, its individuals and a mosaic of networks.
3-How strong do you think this organization actually is? About as strong as the creature from the Id in 'Forbidden Planet'
4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue? Who knows?
Fuck Israel
Flaming_Maniac
prince of insufficient light
+2,490|7131|67.222.138.85
Thank you for explaining the fallacy in the arguments of the U.S. government sergeriver. Somewhere the sheep that was told to read the lines about the war on terror is wondering these same questions.

Al-Qaeda is a very free-form group of people working against western, and specifically U.S. interests. It is more of an ideal than a group, literally translating to "The Base", meaning the base of operations towards this goal for all people in the Middle East. It is only loosely based in religion, and more uses religion as a front to convert more people to their cause, not the root of it. It was primarily founded by people in the Middle Easy screwed over by the U.S. after the war in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union.

They don't need the support of any countries. It might help them to some degree with greater ease in finding arms, training grounds, etc., but you could topple every regime that ever gave them a cent and they would still be able to function perfectly.

Strength is a relative term. The U.S. military could drag them to hell and back with one hand tied behind its back. Then again they also managed to kill over 2,000 innocent civilians and completely wreck our sense of security.

Al-Qaeda effectively has no leaders. They have operational directors and people like OBL that provide direction and a propaganda front, but they are divided into such small operational groups that don't need much contact with other parts of the organization that they are extremely self-sufficient. The terrorists aren't stupid - they designed their network to be resistant to counter-intelligence.
Vax
Member
+42|6276|Flyover country
Good read on al-Qaeda's history 

"The Looming Tower" by Lawrence Wright

It talks about the leadup to 9/11, but it also gets into the early formative stuff about AQ ... bin Laden and Zawahri 

Spends some time discussing a guy namedSayyid Qutb , whose books and thought are said to be the source of inspiration for islamic extremists 

It's very  well written and in a   never-boring way.
Scorpion0x17
can detect anyone's visible post count...
+691|7190|Cambridge (UK)

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

The terrorists aren't stupid - they designed their network to be resistant to counter-intelligence.
Same principle behind the internet. (except in that case it's counter-nuke, rather than counter-intel)
Kmar
Truth is my Bitch
+5,695|7025|132 and Bush

Maybe they are stupid, and that's why counter-Intelligence doesn't work. In any case I imagine there are few people that are actually aware of the inner workings (and success) of our intelligence agencies. We certainly have plenty of pretenders and speculation.
Xbone Stormsurgezz
Flaming_Maniac
prince of insufficient light
+2,490|7131|67.222.138.85

Kmarion wrote:

Maybe they are stupid, and that's why counter-Intelligence doesn't work. In any case I imagine there are few people that are actually aware of the inner workings (and success) of our intelligence agencies. We certainly have plenty of pretenders and speculation.
http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Secret-W … 0385512457

Wonderful book

Wikipedia wrote:

He is the founder, chief intelligence officer, financial overseer, and CEO of the private intelligence corporation Stratfor.
Kmar
Truth is my Bitch
+5,695|7025|132 and Bush

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Kmarion wrote:

Maybe they are stupid, and that's why counter-Intelligence doesn't work. In any case I imagine there are few people that are actually aware of the inner workings (and success) of our intelligence agencies. We certainly have plenty of pretenders and speculation.
http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Secret-W … 0385512457

Wonderful book

Wikipedia wrote:

He is the founder, chief intelligence officer, financial overseer, and CEO of the private intelligence corporation Stratfor.
Cool, I'll check it. If I spent less time here I would probably start finishing books..lol.
Xbone Stormsurgezz
Masques
Black Panzer Party
+184|7146|Eastern PA

sergeriver wrote:

1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out? 
2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization? 
3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
1. We took them out. They were hidden in Saddam's pants.
2. Now they're in Ahmadinejad's pants.
3. As strong as the lining of the pants in which they are hiding.
4. That one be-turbaned cabbie that gave me the finger once and that convenience store clerk that didn't give me correct change. Goals? To deny me my change and cut in front of me while driving.
5. ...
6. Now watch this drive!
Flaming_Maniac
prince of insufficient light
+2,490|7131|67.222.138.85

Kmarion wrote:

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Kmarion wrote:

Maybe they are stupid, and that's why counter-Intelligence doesn't work. In any case I imagine there are few people that are actually aware of the inner workings (and success) of our intelligence agencies. We certainly have plenty of pretenders and speculation.
http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Secret-W … 0385512457

Wonderful book

Wikipedia wrote:

He is the founder, chief intelligence officer, financial overseer, and CEO of the private intelligence corporation Stratfor.
Cool, I'll check it. If I spent less time here I would probably start finishing books..lol.
Psh, DAST could pass for a novel. Certainly enough drama.

It's a little old by now though, I read it I think two years ago.
Kmar
Truth is my Bitch
+5,695|7025|132 and Bush

dude.. I'm reading the autobiography of Thomas Jefferson now. Dated material doesn't phase me ...
Xbone Stormsurgezz
JahManRed
wank
+646|7052|IRELAND

sergeriver wrote:

1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out?
Because they are more about idealism than organization. I think the fables global terrorist network doesn't exist. Although its handy for justifying rampant imperialism. Id say al-Qaeda is more of group name for Islamic terrorism as apposed to an organized force. They can't be take out because of this.

sergeriver wrote:

2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization?
None. Its national suicide. 

sergeriver wrote:

3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
Extremely strong. With the amount of foreign intervention in Muslim countries at an all time high, they had the best recruiting Sargent they will ever need. The more Muslim children blown up by Israel or the USA and broadcast round the world to Muslim nations the willing Jihadists will keep coming.

sergeriver wrote:

4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
I think 9/11 was organized by an organized group. But they have for filled their roll. They ignited the fire and the west willingly threw petrol on it, just as they planned. They inspired young radical Muslims across the world with 9/11. The coalition helped radicalise moderate Muslims by invading Iraqi and supporting Israel brutal suppression of the Palestinian ppl. In short the west played into thier hands.
Bertster7
Confused Pothead
+1,101|7005|SE London

JahManRed wrote:

sergeriver wrote:

1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out?
Because they are more about idealism than organization. I think the fables global terrorist network doesn't exist. Although its handy for justifying rampant imperialism. Id say al-Qaeda is more of group name for Islamic terrorism as apposed to an organized force. They can't be take out because of this.

sergeriver wrote:

2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization?
None. Its national suicide. 

sergeriver wrote:

3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
Extremely strong. With the amount of foreign intervention in Muslim countries at an all time high, they had the best recruiting Sargent they will ever need. The more Muslim children blown up by Israel or the USA and broadcast round the world to Muslim nations the willing Jihadists will keep coming.

sergeriver wrote:

4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
I think 9/11 was organized by an organized group. But they have for filled their roll. They ignited the fire and the west willingly threw petrol on it, just as they planned. They inspired young radical Muslims across the world with 9/11. The coalition helped radicalise moderate Muslims by invading Iraqi and supporting Israel brutal suppression of the Palestinian ppl. In short the west played into thier hands.
Absolutely spot on.

+1

Though I slightly disagree with your first point:

Id say al-Qaeda is more of group name for Islamic terrorism as apposed to an organized force. They can't be take out because of this.
Essentially true. Though I'd say there is some form of disjointed cohesion, even if there is no real communication, between different Al Qaeda factions.
AutralianChainsaw
Member
+65|6622

sergeriver wrote:

1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out? 
2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization? 
3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
*put on tin foil hat*

1- If you take them out, the WOT is over and the military industrial complex cannot make more money.

2- I would say Pakistan but they are kept alive with the help of the US because they don't really want to take them out.

3- They are weak, not many fighters, poor equipment.. Mostly primitive arabs with no real base of operation.

4- OBL is dead but the US want us to believe hes not by releasing some fake tapes. Their Ultimate goal is to boot the crusaders out of their Holy Land and free the Palestinians from the isreali occupation.
M.O.A.B
'Light 'em up!'
+1,220|6647|Escea

sergeriver wrote:

1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out? 
2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization? 
3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
1. Not a conventional enemy, no serious military hardware like tanks to move so they can move a lot more easily without detection.
2. Egypt (though I'm not sure) parts of Saudi Arabia, parts of Pakistan. Again some parts of Afghanistan, Taliban controlled areas.
3. Unable to answer really, no real way of knowing. But certainly not capable of taking on any real military head on.
4. Osama and his personal Physcian I'd say. Goals wise, spread of Wahabbism, destruction of US/Western culture, removing the Israelis and most likely the Jewish populations.
AutralianChainsaw
Member
+65|6622

pierro wrote:

...probably a few tacitly (Iran)...
Not a chance.. they hate each other.. AQ is mostly sunnis and Iran is mostly Shiittes (sp).

I saw an article recently where one of the leader of AQ was accusing Iran and the Hezbollah of spreading the rumor of israel being behind 911 just to discredit AQ..

Let me see if i can find this..

here it is:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g8P_ … gD906T2U80
Lotta_Drool
Spit
+350|6607|Ireland

sergeriver wrote:

1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out? 
2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization? 
3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
1. al-Qaeda = Islam
2. Islamic Countries
3. Strong enough to eventually nuke a country
4. It doesn't matter who the leaders are, but its supporters are entire nations and governments in the M.E., with Saudi Arabia being its #1 support.  If Muslims didn't widely support this organization it would be taken down as quickly and easily as the West could hunt down and eliminate an English speaking Christian organization that decided to be terrorists and blow up shit and kill people in the middle East and operate out of rural Montana.

Did I mention that Islam is a mental disorder.
Spearhead
Gulf coast redneck hippy
+731|7114|Tampa Bay Florida

sergeriver wrote:

1-What's the deal with al-Qaeda?  I mean, how come they can't be taken out? 
2-Which countries do you think are supporting this organization? 
3-How strong do you think this organization actually is?
4-Who are its real leaders?  Which goals do al-Qaeda pursue?
1. al-Qaeda is a super powerful group trying to take over the world.  They can't be taken out because the liberals won't let us.
2. Every islamic country, every European country, and so will the USA, once Obama is elected.
3. They were on the brink of world domination until we invaded Iraq.  Now we have to stay there forever.  If we leave, they will follow us home using rafts and floating cars n shit.
4. Osama Bin Laden, Barack Obama. 

/sarcasm
sergeriver
Cowboy from Hell
+1,928|7181|Argentina
Many people think Saudi Arabia is supporting al-Qaeda, then why are the US and Saudi Arabia allies?  I mean, how can you be an ally of your enemy?  It doesn't make sense.  And I do think Saudi Arabia had to do with 9/11.
GorillaTicTacs
Member
+231|6797|Kyiv, Ukraine

sergeriver wrote:

Many people think Saudi Arabia is supporting al-Qaeda, then why are the US and Saudi Arabia allies?  I mean, how can you be an ally of your enemy?  It doesn't make sense.  And I do think Saudi Arabia had to do with 9/11.
There's two major factions at work in Saudi Arabia, both are ultra-conservative, but are forced to work together for that country to function -

The "Royal family" - with about 15,000 "princes" and other extended family members, they control most of the oil wealth and are also the face of foriegn relations.  The Bin Ladens are one part of this extended family.  Most have deep ties to oil baron dynasties in the West, such as the Bush family.

The Muslims "Intellectual elite" - Thousands of clerics, shariah court functionaries, and other religious leaders (mostly lawyers!), these keep the poor mullified through ultra-religious orthodoxy, and are responsible for the religious laws and keeping the populace "in line".  Extremely anti-west.

These two factions rule Saudi Arabia, and each has a different (though equally conservative) agenda.  You can't think of SA as a single unified entity.  We are basically allies with the royals, and enemies with the religious orthodox factions.  You can't have one without the other there though, the populace would never tolerate the princes for very long without the religious leaders keeping them in their place and guiding public opinion.  The rich royals are basically allowed to do what they want, so long as they let the religious leaders do what they want.

Remarkably similar to the Republican party if you think about it.

This "balance of power" occaisionally is thrown out of whack, such as the agreement to let "infidels" (American military) on Saudi soil.  This was OBL's stated reason for 9/11.  He got his way too, we left Saudi Arabia.
beerface702
Member
+65|7117|las vegas

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Strength is a relative term. The U.S. military could drag them to hell and back with one hand tied behind its back. Then again they also managed to kill over 2,000 innocent civilians and completely wreck our sense of security.
CT loon ALERT!
Turquoise
O Canada
+1,596|6829|North Carolina

GorillaTicTacs wrote:

sergeriver wrote:

Many people think Saudi Arabia is supporting al-Qaeda, then why are the US and Saudi Arabia allies?  I mean, how can you be an ally of your enemy?  It doesn't make sense.  And I do think Saudi Arabia had to do with 9/11.
There's two major factions at work in Saudi Arabia, both are ultra-conservative, but are forced to work together for that country to function -

The "Royal family" - with about 15,000 "princes" and other extended family members, they control most of the oil wealth and are also the face of foriegn relations.  The Bin Ladens are one part of this extended family.  Most have deep ties to oil baron dynasties in the West, such as the Bush family.

The Muslims "Intellectual elite" - Thousands of clerics, shariah court functionaries, and other religious leaders (mostly lawyers!), these keep the poor mullified through ultra-religious orthodoxy, and are responsible for the religious laws and keeping the populace "in line".  Extremely anti-west.

These two factions rule Saudi Arabia, and each has a different (though equally conservative) agenda.  You can't think of SA as a single unified entity.  We are basically allies with the royals, and enemies with the religious orthodox factions.  You can't have one without the other there though, the populace would never tolerate the princes for very long without the religious leaders keeping them in their place and guiding public opinion.  The rich royals are basically allowed to do what they want, so long as they let the religious leaders do what they want.

Remarkably similar to the Republican party if you think about it.

This "balance of power" occaisionally is thrown out of whack, such as the agreement to let "infidels" (American military) on Saudi soil.  This was OBL's stated reason for 9/11.  He got his way too, we left Saudi Arabia.
You know, considering the Wahhabi influence in Saudi Arabia, maybe we should've invaded them instead of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Flaming_Maniac
prince of insufficient light
+2,490|7131|67.222.138.85

beerface702 wrote:

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Strength is a relative term. The U.S. military could drag them to hell and back with one hand tied behind its back. Then again they also managed to kill over 2,000 innocent civilians and completely wreck our sense of security.
CT loon ALERT!
what?

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