The new terrorists are proving to be extremely good at politics, and positions the U.S. in a difficult position:
(CNN) -- Islamic clerics meeting in Kabul, Afghanistan, have recommended to the ruling Taliban leadership that they ask accused terrorist Osama bin Laden to leave the country voluntarily.
The members of Afghanistan's Grand Islamic Council rejected a U.S. demand, delivered by Pakistan, that bin Laden be handed over to stand trial for the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. (Statement)
But they warned the United States that if it attacks, the Taliban would declare a jihad, or holy war against the United States.
The clerics said bin Laden should be asked to leave within a suitable time frame for the good of the country. But they did not suggest what would constitute a suitable time frame.
Sources told CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Thursday that the Taliban's supreme religious leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, is considering the clerical council's recommendation.
In addition, the clerics expressed grief over the attacks, and asked the United States to be patient and continue with its investigation. The statement also asked the Islamic Conference to investigate the terror attacks
So if he won't leave, then any attack on the Taliban will look like an attack on "innocents" and a crusade against Islam. If he leaves, how does the U.S. attack a new country without looking bad and we risk losing support of the other nations. Theirs is a diabolical plot hatched by some twisted minds.
This sets in motion a campaign that lasts months and years, perhaps leading up to some sort of ultimate conflict. It is sad to see.
T. |
