Related Information to Osama Bin Laden Friend or Foe?

Osama Bin Laden Friend or Foe? - Page 16

This is Bin Laden and his soldiers' upper hand... 'invisibility' and the ability to attack using multiple methods. How do you know what is coming next?

Nightline Daily E-Mail July 29, 2003

Breaking news today that the government has what it calls a 'credible threat' that terrorists are plotting another attack using airplanes. Could there be another 9/11 later this summer? How much better prepared are airports and airlines to defend against such an attack? Could the 9/11 hijackers pull off the same plot today? And if this threat is so credible, shouldn't the color level be raised again?

A short story buried on page A8 of the Washington Post caught a lot of people's attention this morning. Anonymous U.S. officials were quoted as saying that they have credible threats of possible new airline suicide hijackings planned for the end of the summer. (Why such news was buried inside the paper? that's another story). Much of Washington reacted to this news and by noon ABC News had confirmed the story and a lot more detail.

For instance, airlines were warned that the hijackers could try to use common items carried by travelers, such as cameras, modified as weapons.

Now, I've got my summer vacation coming up in late August. Perhaps you, like so many Americans will be flying later this summer. I will surely be eyeing my seat-mate's camera equipment a lot more carefully. But other than raising passenger attention (and anxiety) are we better prepared to stop a 9/11 style attack before it happens?

After 9/11, there were calls for a number of changes in airport and airline security. Replace private airport screeners with federal employees. Install new screening techniques for luggage and passengers at airports. Hire armed air marshals to travel on flights. And, perhaps the most controversial measure, give pilots the right to carry guns in the cockpit.

As anyone who has traveled by plane in the last two years knows, many of these measures are in place. But how consistently and thoroughly? Could the 9/11 hijackers complete the same insidious plot today?

It seems that in some ways, our security measures are chasing the last terrorist plot. After 9/11, airlines kept a closer eye on travelers who paid cash for one-way tickets (as several of the 9/11 hijackers did). And after Richard Reid's failed attempt to blow up an airplane with explosives lodged in his shoes, travelers now regularly have their shoes screened. But what about the next vicious plot? How do we guard against the unknown?
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I do not think the earth will ever be safe again, it can only get worst, with Bush's push in the Middle East fanatic Muslims the world over now have more and more reasons/excuses for which to make a stance on attacking US citizens. Unfortunately in all of this the innocent are mauled and disfigured.

Foe Friend Laden Bin Osama

I agree, Jb.  I don't think that the world will ever be safe again.  With Bush being a bully, he is making more enemies instead of trying to make friends.  If I heard correctly on the evening news, it's something like 2200 people that enter the US without a VISA through connecting flights.  Although they have tried to make the plane more secure (i.e. bulletproof, locked cockpit doors) the pilots may be safe, but not the passengers.  They were even speculating about how terrorists could take over the plane during these connecting flights and refueling.  I don't think the skies will ever really be safe.  My mom flies back to our home state, three times a year and everytime she gets on a plane I worry about her.  (Because she flies into and out of Logan Airport in Boston, Mass.  which is where some of the terrorists boarded the plane and used it on the WTC.)  My mom assured me that if there was much talk of a terrorist attack, she will wait until the threat has been taken care of or the terror alert level is lowered.  But my mom has also told me that the security at Logan airport has gotten tighter than what it used to be too.  

Osama Bin Laden Friend or Foe? Islam Studies

Isn't it interesting that something that is used for a valuable tool in transporting civilians can be used as a deadly tool of war? Bin Laden and Saddam are certainly devious in their thinking. However, let us get back to the 'Friend or Foe' topic... I was recently looking at how some people in Iraq were still willing to keep weapons, etc for the Saddam regime because they were formerly 'treated well' by Saddam. Isn't this the underlying cause for which people fight? They fight for those that treat them well, that make them feel good about themselves... Men like Bin Laden obviously does this well since his 'soldiers' are willing to di for the cause.
[offtopic]Congrats on reaching 100 charisma![/offtopic]

Page 16 Foe Friend Laden Bin Osama

Yes, Jb.  They must truly believe that Bin Laden is leading them in the right direction.  I was under the impression that Bin Laden was misinterpreting their Holy book (I don't remember right off the top of my head what it's called) and using certain passages to make the people believe that he was right in his decisions.

As for all the people that are still fighting for Saddam, I think it boils down to routine, conditioning and behavior.  They may not know any other way, but Saddam's way.  He was the dictator for many years and I have noticed that some people fear change and the consequences of some changes.

[offtopic] Thanks Jb.  I just noticed my charisma. acting humble I want to thank everyone for helping me acquire 100.  ;D[/offtopic]

Foe Friend Laden Bin Osama

[quote]Bin Laden was misinterpreting their Holy book (I don't remember right off the top of my head what it's called) and using certain passages to make the people believe that he was right in his decisions.  [/quote]
You mean the Quran? Yes, most of the book is poised towards peace, and one or two scriptures are being used to launch war. Of course the crusaders did nothing less in their conquests. They take a passage out of the Bible and then ride out to kill millions. God I am sure is so disheartened with his creation.
[offtopic]You deserve it, and before you ask me for forum coins for it you can decide this time if you want to spend it [/offtopic]

Osama Bin Laden Friend or Foe?

Are people starting to get tired of this? Here is one letter to the editor of the Pakistan News:

Look! how much price Pakistan has paid so far and still paying for helping Afghanis against Soviet invasion of 1979 (Refugees, Gun culture, crimes, over-burdened economy, political influence, perpetual problem with law & order, terrorist activities, uncontrollable mujahids, etc., etc.). Pakistan does not need Afghanistan, rather Afghanistan needs Pakistan due to its geographical location.

I wonder if people are beginning to notice that within countries where there is great oppression do such groups (terrorists) seem to thrive the most, but I wonder more if the 'oppressed' like it better living without 'freedom'?

Osama Bin Laden Friend Foe - Page 16

We cannot win em' by the gun, so lets get them on pop culture?

Would you consider this new tatic an invasion of culture, a better way of dealing with general feelings towards the US or just another way to entice muslim extremist to pick up the gun?

U.S. LAUNCHES ARABIC GEN-X MAG
A new Arabic-language magazine sponsored by the State Department and
distributed throughout the Arab world seeks to sell young adult readers on
American culture, the State Department said Tuesday.
https://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/08/13/...zine/index.html

Osama Bin Laden Friend Foe Studies Islam - Page 16

I would hope that it would leave a positive impression and not a negative one.  But I think that the magazine should not just contain info on just American culture, but all cultures.  That way, to me, it doesn't seem like the US is forcing, so to speak, the American culture on these people.