I guess I missed seeing the Fatwah.
However, was the Fatwah derived at source or was it obtained from an official Al-Qaeda release?
This is vitally important because if it was not, goodness knows if propagandists and other interested parties might have had played a part in its final form. You know, as always, deception can play a big part in any war. Please note I am just stating my opinion.
However, I have indeed read that, in tapes subsequent to the first one, he did mention targeting the Jews. However, the tapes that came after the first one were later variously thought to be spurious, doctored and what not.
Lack of specific mention of Jews according to the Fatwah you presented notwithstanding, I believe those terrorists were after the Jews nevertheless. Just my opinion only.
You omitted to mention, however, that Osama reiterated in the first tape that there would be "no peace for America, north to south and east to west....," until the Palestinian issue is settled and that he and his forces would fight on until satisfaction of their demands is achieved. From this, it is evident that Jews are targetted because realistically the U.S. have vested interests and it is Israel's best friend, in the Middle East.
But later when Osama was forced into hiding (or maybe killed as was speculated) the Palestinians themselves thought Osama was strong on rhetoric and weak in action.
But, about a month later, the world learnt that a shipment of anti-tank and other weapons was heading for the Palestinians from Iran but it was intercepted by the Israelis. |
