From a friend close to the Ismaili leaders in Europe:
"A well-informed friend here speculates that bin Laden is, indeed, the leader of the gang, and that he is funded not by such as Sadam or any other government but by hugely rich "low profile" fellow Wahabis. As you know, they are ultra-puritans, worse than my 17th century ancestors in the USA, who used to press "witches" to death.
These "Savanarolas," centered in Saudi Arabia, consider that "western ways" are so decadent and baaaaaaad that their practitioners deserve death or worse. The behaviour of President Clinton, activities seen in Hollywood films, U.S. support of Sharon and the Israilis, depraved pop music, fornication, etc., etc. horrify these medieval-minded - and fiercely rich - holyfolk. Bin L., of course, was reared in Wahabiism, and has the look of one of those sourly pious types. Their carefully plotted attacks - against military might [Pentagon] and MONEY [WTCenter] - and perhaps against the Wh. House [US power] fit neatly into my friend's scenario. He MIGHT be right.
I wish that this idea could be investigated by responsible people in Washington.
The prospect of bombing in Afgfhanistan appals me. Not only would it accomplish nothing beyond killing thousands of innocents, but it would inspire worse guerilla attacks against the USA. Moreover, if thousands of marines were released in Afghanistan to catch bin L., they would face conditions far worse than the Vietnam war. [Mountains instead of rice paddies.] And, again, the backlash would be horrifying. [Biological warfare?]
Best wishes at a critical time, Yrs....
PS It seems that bin L. went to Le Rose school." |
