january 30, 2006

New al-Zawahiri Tape, Same Old Rhetoric

Al-Qaeda’s number two man, Ayman al-Zawahiri, has released a videotape containing new threats against America and ridiculing President Bush for the January 13 U.S. airstrike in Pakistan, which apparently killed four of al-Zawahiri’s top deputies. Here’s some of the tape’s content, courtesy of foxnews.com:

"Butcher of Washington, you are not only defeated and a liar, but also a failure. You are a curse on your own nation and you have brought and will bring them only catastrophes and tragedies," he said, referring to Bush. "Bush, do you know where I am? I am among the Muslim masses."

"The American planes raided in compliance with Musharraf the traitor and his security apparatus, the slave of the Crusaders and the Jews," he said, referring to Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf.”

"In seeking to kill my humble self and four of my brothers, the whole world has discovered the extent of America's lies and failures and the extent of its savagery in fighting Islam and Muslims."

Nothing much original here, basically the same bluster that we’ve been hearing from al-Zawahiri for the better part of the past four years. Also on the tape is a “message to the American people” which addresses the “truce” offer put forward in the Osama bin Laden audiotape that was released two weeks ago:

"My second message is to the American people, who are drowning in illusions. I tell you that Bush and his gang are shedding your blood and wasting your money in frustrated adventures," he said, speaking in a forceful and angry voice.

"The lion of Islam, Sheik Usama bin Laden, may God protect him, offered you a decent exit from your dilemma. But your leaders, who are keen to accumulate wealth, insist on throwing you in battles and killing your souls in Iraq and Afghanistan and — God willing — on your own land."
Al-Zawahiri then vented more fury at the United States and Britain, its main coalition partner in Iraq.

"Your leaders responded to the initiative of sheik Usama, may God protect him, by saying they don't negotiate with terrorists and that they are winning the war on terror. I tell them: You liars, greedy war mongers, who is pulling out from Iraq and Afghanistan? Us or you? Whose soldiers are committing suicide because of despair? Us or you?" he said.

"You, American mother, if the Pentagon calls to tell you that your son is coming home in a coffin, then remember George Bush. And you, British wife, if the Defense Department calls you to say that your husband is returning crippled and burnt, remember Tony Blair."

Analysis? Unlike the bin Laden audiotape, which represented UBL’s first public appearance in over a year, there really isn’t too much to add about the new al-Zawahiri tape. It’s a self-explanatory screed that will no doubt serve to inspire Islamic fanatics the world over while instilling fear in many Westerners. And that’s precisely why al-Zawahiri needs to be captured or (preferably) killed post haste. We need to find a way to get Pakistan fully on board, without endangering Pervez Musharraf’s delicate grip on power. Easier said than done, I know. But somehow, someway, this charade has to end. And al-Zawahiri and (if he is indeed still alive) bin Laden need to be brought to justice.

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