So we come full circle...on my original theory based on simple outsider observations made while in Lebanon that it might be some Christian (and they would also add Jews in here too) vs. Muslim theory. I spent an hour driving behind a Hezbollah bus carrying a load of protested to southern Lebanon on my way to Siddon, and had some time to watch their eyes, and reflect:
From CNN today:
cnn.com
September 24, 2001 Posted: 10:56 AM EDT (1456 GMT)
KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden apparently sent a fax Monday expressing sorrow over the deaths of three people killed last week in anti-U.S. demonstrations in Karachi, Pakistan.
The fax was sent to the Qatari-based news channel Al Jazeera at its offices in Kabul.
Al Jazeera officials said based on previous transmission they have received from bin Laden, they believe the fax is authentic. Whether it was actually from bin Laden could not be independently verified.
The Taliban rulers of Afghanistan have said they have cut bin Laden off from communicating with the outside world. However, over the weekend, they said they had lost track of where bin Laden is.
The English translation of the text is as follows:
"To our Muslim brothers in Pakistan, peace be upon you.
"The news of the death of our brother Muslims in Karachi while expressing their opposition to the crusade of American forces and their allies on Muslim lands Pakistan and Afghanistan has reached us with great sorrow.
"We ask God to accept them as martyrs and to join them with the prophets, the caliphs and the martyrs and those of goodwill and to provide for their families. Those who are left behind children are my children and I will, God willing, take care of them.
"It's not a surprise that the Muslim nation in Pakistan will die defending Islam. It is considered on the front line of defending Islam. As Afghanistan was on the front line of defending itself and Pakistan during the Russian invasion more than 20 years ago.
"We hope that these brothers will be the first martyrs in the battle of Islam in this era against the new Jewish and Christian crusader campaign that is led by the Chief Crusader Bush under the banner of the cross.
"We tell our Muslim brothers in Pakistan to use all their means to resist the invasion of the American crusader forces in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"I convey to you good news my beloved brothers that we are steadfast in the way of jihad following in the footsteps of the prophet -- peace be upon him -- with the believing heroes, the people of Afghanistan and under the leadership of our prince the warrior Mullah Mohammed Omar.
"We ask God to make us defeat the infidels and the oppressors and to crush the new Jewish-Christian crusader campaign on the land of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"If God allows you to win, there will be no defeat; if he chooses that you will be defeated nothing will allow you to win. Therefore, depend on God.
"Your brother in Islam, (signed) Osama bin Muhammed bin-Laden"
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