The complete vacuity of a terrorist.
It appears that a tape has finally turned up of one of the London bombers explaining his reasons for taking part in the attacks. The video of Mohammad Sidique Khan was followed by the usual finger-pointing menace of Dr Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Qaida's "spiritual" leader.
Mohammad Sidique Khan doesn't seem to appreicate that his own recording is itself a piece of propaganda; that of the lowest form, a man who can only speak of his beliefs after his death. Instead of trying to change things through demonstration and peaceful methods, he chose to end his life by using his body to kill the innocents who surrounded him on that tube train. His video is meant to be addressed to the people of Britain, that we are responsible for the atrocities because we elected the government that is perpertrating them. Here's a few stats for Mohammad Sidique Khan, wherever he now is: only 36% of the electorate voted for Labour in the May election Of that 36%, of which I was one, how many does he think supported the war on Iraq? I voted Labour because my MP abstained on the vote for the war, and because they are still at the moment the least worst option that can actually govern. If this means that I supported the illegal and immoral war on Iraq and the continuing abomination which is the war on terror, then target me. Not those commuting to work.
It's a sad state of affairs when someone like Mohammad Sidique Khan, once a teacher, starts believing that the only way to bring about change is to become a suicide bomber. It's an even sadder state of affairs when the government still refuses to admit that the war on Iraq made us a target. Jack Straw has commented on the video, saying that there is "no excuse for terrorism". That's an arguable remark to start with, but let's forget about that. Saying that the Iraq war increased the threat to this country is not making an excuse for deadly suicide bombs. It's the truth. The government realises that there was no real strategic reason for them to join the US in the Iraqi crusade. It was purely political. Jack Straw is an intelligent man. He knows that. About the only men who do not are probably Tony Blair and the most craven and sycophantic of his followers.
The video itself leaves many questions about the origins of the suicide bombers. I think it's pretty certain that a lot of the conspiracy theories can now be thrown out the window. I don't recall any previous al-Qaida linked attacks having videos of the perpetrators explaining their "reasons" for the attacks. Hamas and Islamic Jihad are the groups which usually make such recorded statements. I do not believe that this was an attack authorised or ordered by any leading members of al-Qaida. As has been shown, al-Qaida is pretty much broken. What has replaced it is numerous autonomous groupings that have a shared ideology similar to the of al-Zawahiri and bin Laden, originating from the teachings of Sayyid Qutb. The relatively easy access to bomb "recipes" and other information, both on the internet and the black market has furthered their cause immensely.
If anything, this video has shown how the new anti-terror laws are yet another victory for those who use the excuse of Islamic fundamentalism for their own nihilistic purposes. The deportation of supposed "extremists" to countries where they could be tortured, the crackdown on anyone who dares to justify acts of terrorism, and the use of control orders shows the country in a state of panic. Panic and the reduction of civil liberties is exactly the response they want. Yes, we must become more secure, and address the threats. That requires better intelligence and not more draconian measures. The government could start by making wire-tap evidence admissible in courts. Such an act would show the government standing up to the arrogance of MI5 and MI6, as well as showing that the government is not responding to propaganda and murder with more of the same.
"I am going to keep this short and to the point, because it's all been said before by far more eloquent people than me.
"But our words have no impact upon you, therefore I'm going to talk to you in a language that you understand. Our words are dead until we give them life with our blood.
"I'm sure by now the media has painted a suitable picture of me, this predictable propaganda machine will naturally try to put a spin on it to suit the government and to scare the masses into conforming to their power- and wealth-obsessed agendas.
"I and thousands like me are forsaking everything for what we believe. Our driving motivation doesn't come from tangible commodities that this world has to offer. Our religion is Islam, obedience to the one true God, Allah and follow in the footsteps of the final prophet and messenger Muhammad.
"This is how our ethical stances are dictated. Your democratically elected governments perpetuate atrocities against my people and your support of them makes you responsible, just as I am directly responsible for protecting and avenging my Muslim brothers and sisters.
"Until we feel security, you'll be our target. Until you stop the bombing, gassing, imprisonment and torture of my people, we'll not stop this fight. We are at war and I am a soldier. Now you too will taste the reality of this situation."
Mohammad Sidique Khan doesn't seem to appreicate that his own recording is itself a piece of propaganda; that of the lowest form, a man who can only speak of his beliefs after his death. Instead of trying to change things through demonstration and peaceful methods, he chose to end his life by using his body to kill the innocents who surrounded him on that tube train. His video is meant to be addressed to the people of Britain, that we are responsible for the atrocities because we elected the government that is perpertrating them. Here's a few stats for Mohammad Sidique Khan, wherever he now is: only 36% of the electorate voted for Labour in the May election Of that 36%, of which I was one, how many does he think supported the war on Iraq? I voted Labour because my MP abstained on the vote for the war, and because they are still at the moment the least worst option that can actually govern. If this means that I supported the illegal and immoral war on Iraq and the continuing abomination which is the war on terror, then target me. Not those commuting to work.
It's a sad state of affairs when someone like Mohammad Sidique Khan, once a teacher, starts believing that the only way to bring about change is to become a suicide bomber. It's an even sadder state of affairs when the government still refuses to admit that the war on Iraq made us a target. Jack Straw has commented on the video, saying that there is "no excuse for terrorism". That's an arguable remark to start with, but let's forget about that. Saying that the Iraq war increased the threat to this country is not making an excuse for deadly suicide bombs. It's the truth. The government realises that there was no real strategic reason for them to join the US in the Iraqi crusade. It was purely political. Jack Straw is an intelligent man. He knows that. About the only men who do not are probably Tony Blair and the most craven and sycophantic of his followers.
The video itself leaves many questions about the origins of the suicide bombers. I think it's pretty certain that a lot of the conspiracy theories can now be thrown out the window. I don't recall any previous al-Qaida linked attacks having videos of the perpetrators explaining their "reasons" for the attacks. Hamas and Islamic Jihad are the groups which usually make such recorded statements. I do not believe that this was an attack authorised or ordered by any leading members of al-Qaida. As has been shown, al-Qaida is pretty much broken. What has replaced it is numerous autonomous groupings that have a shared ideology similar to the of al-Zawahiri and bin Laden, originating from the teachings of Sayyid Qutb. The relatively easy access to bomb "recipes" and other information, both on the internet and the black market has furthered their cause immensely.
If anything, this video has shown how the new anti-terror laws are yet another victory for those who use the excuse of Islamic fundamentalism for their own nihilistic purposes. The deportation of supposed "extremists" to countries where they could be tortured, the crackdown on anyone who dares to justify acts of terrorism, and the use of control orders shows the country in a state of panic. Panic and the reduction of civil liberties is exactly the response they want. Yes, we must become more secure, and address the threats. That requires better intelligence and not more draconian measures. The government could start by making wire-tap evidence admissible in courts. Such an act would show the government standing up to the arrogance of MI5 and MI6, as well as showing that the government is not responding to propaganda and murder with more of the same.
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