April 15, 2004

MIND IF WE SIT THIS ONE OUT?:

'Bin Laden' offers truce with Europe (AP, 4/15/2004)

A man identifying himself as Osama bin Laden offered a "truce" to European countries that do not attack Muslims, saying it would begin when their soldiers leave Islamic nations, according to a recording broadcast Thursday on Arab satellite networks.

The tape, which ran in full at more than seven minutes, also vowed revenge against America for the Israeli assassination of Hamas founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin and denounced the United States as using the Iraq war for corporate profiteering.

"I announce a truce with the European countries that do not attack Muslim countries," the taped message said as the stations showed an old, still picture of al-Qaeda leader. [...]

The tape made clear overtures to Europeans, calling them "our neighbors north of the Mediterranean," and tried to drive a wedge between Europe and the United States.


They should take him up on his offer. Europe has no dog in a fight between Judeo-Christianity and Islamicism.

Posted by Orrin Judd at April 15, 2004 9:05 AM
Comments

When the question is put to Europe that starkly, and bluntly, I doubt they will say, "Yes" - if only out of a lingering remnant of shame and conscience. They will undermine us in more indirect ways, of course, always giving themselves a face-saving 'out'.

Posted by: Bruce Cleaver at April 15, 2004 11:30 AM

But they do have a dog in the fight: Islamicism.

Well stated Bruce.

Posted by: genecis at April 15, 2004 11:46 AM

The fight is between universalist, salvationist, asbolutist Islam and everyone else, not just Judeo Christianity.

Posted by: Jeff Guinn at April 15, 2004 11:53 AM

Once Islamicism defeats Christianity, their next target will be secularism. Of course Europe has a dog in this fight.

Posted by: Robert Duquette at April 15, 2004 11:53 AM

Islam can't beat us, so why should Europe get involved.

Posted by: oj at April 15, 2004 12:59 PM

On the other hand, continuing attacks in Europe will give the EU an excuse to centralize strong police powers; the usual suspects would be more than willing to see that.

Posted by: mike earl at April 15, 2004 1:20 PM

"A British opposition spokesman said the purported truce offered was a sign that the al-Qaeda network is rattled."

Or that Europe is.

Posted by: Peter B at April 15, 2004 3:56 PM

Bin Laden has been pushing up opium poppies for several years now.

It ain't him. Even if it were, he doesn't give orders to his troops.

This is, as Jeff says, a universalist movement, which will not fade or die or be directed by any single person.

Posted by: Harry Eagar at April 15, 2004 4:30 PM

Given the results of the Spanish elections, I have no reason to doubt that large portions of the electorate in Europe are nodding their heads today, saying "See, Mr. Bin Laden has perfectly reasonable demands. If we grant them, he will be happy and leave us alone. We will have peace in our time!"

Posted by: brian at April 15, 2004 5:18 PM

Brian has it exactly right. This is food for the appeasement crowd.

Posted by: Ted at April 15, 2004 6:16 PM

Donald Sensing wrote that this is yet another dumb strategic move by (the late?) Bin Laden.

Fact is, this is just as good as Bush's "with us or against us". The people that this hits hardest are the ones who insist to this day on sitting on the fence. Now OBL has basically claimed the fence as "his side". And if that's the choice "over there", well, the entire planet will know the score. Triangulation is dead.

D'oh! Lots of Euro-squirming going on.

Posted by: Andrew X at April 15, 2004 6:57 PM

Actually everybody is correct, but to the immediate issue OJ is more right.
Why would Europe involve themselves in this enterprise, if the US is willing to carry the load?

Yes to those above who suggest ultimately it is "universalist" movement or Jihad. It is not just a conflict with Judeo-Christianity, but with all infidels.

Posted by: h-man at April 15, 2004 7:03 PM
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