UPDATE: A post on the second video to come out in two days from Talha is here. In this post I explain that I think that the video is designed to support a forthcoming martyrdom attack by Talha.
He’s a baby. Geez. I find this disturbing.
Ok, this is an interesting read. Also v. interesting, it’s not As Sahaab released. This opens up for a whole future post on the difference between the two, but the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet today. We’re a bit vague after yesterday, so we’ll have to suffice with a few comments and later I will upload the transcript when I read the instructions Tim kindly sent me and after I guzzle some more caffeine.
Basically he’s saying if Germany pulls out of Afghanistan, al Qaeda will turn a blind eye to Germany and not attack it, which he intimates it will do soon otherwise.
The offer of al Qaeda to not target Germany is interesting. Even more interesting because it’s not As Sahaab and not made by any senior AQ figure. I wonder if it is sanctioned? This is a big call to make and really he is just a numpty in the grand scheme of things. I wonder whether it is because he is more accessible? What is more, I wonder whether he will get a “smack” if this is un-authorised? Well it is un-authorised because it is not As Sahaab. All very interesting (oh if I had a dollar for how many times I say that phrase) in terms of command and control and strategy.
And, although these are all serious matters I must confess to having a giggle at the mention of October-fest.
UPDATE: Arabic document is here.
Regarding the threats about taking action against Germany if it does not vote for a new government and withdrawal of forces, I’m a bit skeptical.
This is a really big call to make. The whole truce thing has already been done, so that wouldn’t be repeated. According to AQ exegesis of the requirements for jihad, it could go for gold so to speak, having satisfied what it believes are the correct requirements. But still, he’s too low level. Now, if it does pull something off I will be having conniptions about the change this portends for al Qaeda command and control.
Jarret has a great post on the broader strategic context on his site here. What he has to say is fascinating and I couldn’t agree more.
September 19, 2009, 2:16 pm at 2:16 pm |
[...] Harrach’ demonstrated just what I mean by an “epistemological ambassador.” Leah already blogged the release so I’ll just link to her if you want the skinny on the vid, [...]