Let's Not Forget that the War on Terror Really is Global

Although the mid-term elections and the majority of the media coverage focused on the war in Iraq, it is important to remember the war on terror is a global conflict and not simply the result of jihadists reacting to the US presence and subsequent bungling of the power transition in Iraq. Islamic extremists, making the most of legitimate socio-political grievances in various Islamic nations have long called for attacks against outsiders and the US. The forthcoming suggestions for a new strategy from the Iraq Study Group (assuming they are only focusing on Iraq) and even the complete withdrawal of US troops from Iraq will not end the global war on terror. Now that the elections are over and new leaders are preparing to step up, it is time for them to consider what we should do to counter the global threat of terrorism against the US. It is time for the “new leadership” in Congress to step up beyond the anti-Bush rhetoric and figure out how to deal with this threat that wholly transcends the conflict in Iraq.

Palestinian Groups Call for Attacks on America
Read article in its entirety at US Central Command web site.

On November 12, the Popular Resistance Committees in Palestine issued a communiqué threatening to “strike America” in response to the Israeli shelling in which at least 20 Palestinian civilians were killed. Their anger toward the US stems from Israel “…using American weapons and under American officers’ supervision…and blessings of…their supposed Security Council.” They call for “merciless” attacks on Americans, claiming the United Nations and the Security Council are against Arabs.

Guidance for Uncertain People Regarding the Legitimacy of Killing the Christians in Saudi Arabia Distributed by the Global Islamic Media Front
Read article in its entirety at US Central Command web site.

A 56-page book, “Guidance for Uncertain People Regarding the Legitimacy of Killing the Christians (In the Arabian Peninsula),” was distributed to jihadists by the Global Islamic Media Front. The book legitimizes revenge claiming that it is acceptable for Muslims to kill American men, women and children, because of US actions against Muslims throughout history. The author states that there is an attack using a new method coming in America, and that “America will be shocked once more, and this time Bush of the infidels will cry again.”

Al-Qa'ida of Jihad in Yemen Claims Attacks Against Oil Facilities in Yemen
Read article in its entirety at US Central Command web site.

On 7 November, a jihadist website posted the first statement issued by "Al-Qa'ida of Jihad Organization in the Land of Yemen." It states, “God blessed your brothers in…the execution of four martyrdom operations against oil facilities of the Crusaders and American enemy and their apostate allies…We pledge our promise to the Exalted Almighty that we will neither cease nor resign until this religion is elevated, Islam is well established, and the caliphate prevails all over the globe, or we die working to attain that end.”

Afghan Leader Vows to Escalate Violence, Punish Karzai
Read article in its entirety at US Central Command web site.

On October 21, a Taleban spokesman, Dr Mohammad Hanif, emailed a message from Mullah Omar to Afghan Islamic Press. The message states, that NATO member states are allowing their soldiers to be killed in Afghanistan just for the sake of the United States. It goes on to claim that the United Nations failed to make courageous decisions on the occasion of the Russian aggression in Afghanistan and is putting the stamp of approval only on those decisions which the United States makes it to do by force. Omar States, “I once again advise my Muslim and mojahed nation to stand steadfast in the war against aggressors. You should not be deceived by enemy's hallow and unworthy propaganda.”