It is Time For the USA to Battle Its Enemies More Within Its Mainland

The world today is in the grip of Islamic terrorism and a section of Muslims following Wahaabi cult of Sunni Islam propagate Terrorism. They propagate a Muslim world order and forcible conversion of entire world to Islam. United States of America that represents Western Powers is seen as the archenemy, a big obstacle in their path and a crusader and leader of non-believers (Kafirs) by the terrorists. The dream of such aspirations engendered world where every one is under Islamic rule. They consider themselves as purists and all others are heretical. Muslim dissidents are there everywhere in the world over the last two decades. The Islamic movements share the objective of undoing the secularizing reforms of last century, abolishing imported codes of law and social customs that came with them and returning to the holy law of Islam and Islamic political order. That is what the Islamic fundamentalism is primarily today (1). The fundamentalist demonology includes Mustafa Kemal(Kemal Pasha or Ata Turk) of Turkey, King Farukh, Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser (Former President of Egypt), Shah of Iran (Deposed by Ayotullah Khomeni), Anwar Saadat (Assassinated Former President of Egypt), Afiz Al Assad of Syria and Kings of Arabia. All these men are lumped together as inside enemy, who wear Muslim face, bears a Muslim name and is therefore much deadlier than the open enemies from outside. Almost every Islamic country in the world has it’s militant faction, often two or three or even more. There is no Islamic country in which the terrorist outfits are not encouraged and harbored. Militant outfits such as Hamas in Palestine, Hizbollah in Lebanon, Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in Algeria, Lashkar-E-Toiba(LET) in Pakistan, Abu Sayyad Group in Philliphines, An Nahda of Tunisia, Al Jihad and Al Gamaat al Islamiya of Egypt, Al Qaeda and Talibans in Afghanistan(Formerly), Jagrata Muslim Janata of Bangla Desh(JMJB), Student Islamic Movement of India(SIMI) and Holy warriors in Chechnya share the common goal of achieving Islamic world. It is also referred as Khalifa(2).

Some compare Wahhabi to the cult of Islamic Assassins (Shiites) that prevailed in the medieval times in 11 and 12 Th centuries. They aimed at throwing out Sunni Islam and replace it with their own cult by terrorizing with a series of murders of Sunni Islamic leaders as well as some of the Crusaders. These Muslim Assassins identified princes, rulers, landlords, ministers and important religious personalities of Sunni Islam and killed them by stabbing. Although other forms of weapons such as bows, spears were available, only daggers were used to commit these crimes as an act of self-glorification. They were not after common folk who went on with their daily chores. The Assassins were hoping to establish Imamate (Shia) by destroying Sunni sect. They were greatly obsessed with the martyrdom and sacrifice of Imam Hussein, his family and followers at Karbala in 680 AD over the dispute on Caliphate and they glorify suffering, sacrifice and martyrdom. The killers of Egyptian President Anwar Saadat when apprehended, the leader of the gang proclaimed “ I have killed the Pharaoh”. He was not clearly condemning the Pharaoh for making peace with Israel. Suicide bombing of 9/11, 2001 attack in USA is more towards their philosophy of destroying the tyrants i.e. Americans in their view (3). Certainly, the connection between the medieval Assassins and their modern counterparts is striking. The Syrian-Iranian connection, calculated use of Terror, total dedication of the assassin’s emissary to the point of self-destruction and immolation in the service of cause and expectation of heavenly achievement of paradise are also striking. Some have seen a further resemblance in that both directed their anger against an external enemy, the Crusader in this case being the Americans and Israelis.

The Terrorists who are inspired by martyrdom that is guaranteed by Quran for those who die in the cause of Allah and faith are definitely on a wrong track. Holy Quran in no uncertain terms condemns suicide and the act is not glorified. Only those who go down fighting the enemy are the martyrs. At times, death could be inevitable due to circumstances where they could be outnumbered and surrounded. Quran guarantees paradise for such men who go down fighting to the end, in spite of heavy odds and not commit suicide in desperation. Those who blindly walk into death such as suicide bombers are not martyrs and they are destined to suffer in hell eternally. Young Muslim youth, misinformed on this aspect are loosing their precious lives in such mindless acts and surely landing in eternal hell.

United States of America is identified with the aspect of Liberty and this has been thoroughly misused by some of it’s citizens and a few others who flock to this country in search of fortunes. Freedom of speech, Assembly and Religion are the most cherished rights of citizens in America. The Bill of Rights where these freedoms are enshrined in the first amendment to the Constitution is one of the documents that have made America a beacon of light to the world. Unfortunately, these freedoms have become very attractive to the terrorists worldwide. America is unable to stop those preaching violence, clear and short of present danger. It’s laws allow punishments for the deeds but not for the words. Various groups in the country cannot be stopped in sharing their political views in gatherings, even if one of the views is the destruction of USA. This is rather strange, but that is the beauty of American Liberty and the price to be paid for being over liberal with certain sections who do not see reason and aim at destruction of hand that feeds them. Owing to the great exploitation of civil liberties guaranteed in USA, the terrorist groups have achieved a new level of co ordination. Earlier these groups staying out of America hardly could achieve worldwide co- ordination. The freedom of speech, assembly, expression guaranteed under US Constitution with an highly open society and inadequate surveillance by the national security agencies such as FBI and CIA by virtue of existing laws and size of the country, the terrorist outfits have established strong bases in US mainland and could achieve their nefarious goals which culminated in the notorious attack on World Trade Center on 9/11 Sept 2001 that has been described as the Pearl Harbor of 21 st century. Some of the important violent activities against USA by these elements are (4):

1. A Pakistani citizen Mir Aimal Kansi shot five CIA officials outside agency’s Head Quarters killing two in Jan 1993.

2. A Bomb placed in front of WTC buildings in New York in Feb 1993 killed six and injured 1000(By gas inhalation). Four were found guilty while 118 were considered potential conspirators.

3. Sheikh Omar Abdul Rehman and his fellow associates were arrested in a string operation. They planned to bomb UNO Head Quarters, Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, George Washington Bridge and Federal Office Building.

4. In March 1994, Livery driver Rashid Baz shot at a bus filled with Jews on Brooklyn Bridge and one died and three were injured.

5. In Feb 97, Pal schoolteacher shot on the observation deck of Empire State Building killing a tourist and injuring six before he shot himself.

6. In July 1997, Ghazi Abraham Abu Mezer was arrested by New York City police, foiling his plan to bomb subway system

7. On Sept 9/11, 2001, terrorists Hijacked two in- country aero planes and crashed into World Trade Center in New York towers and one into Pentagon at Washington while the fourth plane crashed in rural Pennsylvania killing all the inmates. The WTC towers collapsed causing thousands of deaths.

The terrorists have misused freedom in US not only to undermine US interests, but also allegedly plotted against other nations. Hamas that has established a Base in USA has sent it’s cadres for training in USA. These men were trained in making car bombs and explosives. US have been also found to be fertile ground for fund raising. The most important activities in USA are fivefold. These are:

1. Recruitment of cadres

2. Fund Raising for terrorist activities

3. Money laundering to help terrorist organizations

4. Net working of terrorist organizations

5. Direct organizing by terrorist outfits

The terrorist organizations allure the US Citizens with US passports that facilitate easy travel in most of the countries. This is evident from use of Mohammed Salah(also known as Abu Ahmed), a car dealer in Chicago and American naturalized citizen to carry hundreds of thousands of US dollars from Head Quarters of Hamas political Bureau Mouna Abu Marzook in US and his US passport facilitated his travel to Palestine areas to facilitate purchase of various arms and ammunition for the terrorists. He was arrested by Israeli authorities in 1993 for funneling money to Hamas terrorists and was released in 1997 to finally return to Chicago. His assets were seized (5). US Govt also seized assets of Quranic literary Institute in Chicago in a civil forfeiture action as proceeds of Hamas money laundering operation (6).

In another case, Wadih- el- Hage a naturalized US citizen of 40 years age from Lebanon worked for Al Qaeda and was convicted in 2001 for the 1998 US Embassy bombings in Kenya nad Tanzania. FBI special Agent Robert Miranda testified at the trial of Wadia el Hage and others in 2001 for their role in these bombings (7).

Khalil Ziyad also known as Ziyad Sadaqa and Ziad Abdul Rehaman was associated with many addresses in Orlando, Detroit, Columbia(Missouri) and Denver. He also worked as billing contractor for Hamas official web site, Algerian salvation Front (FIS) and Palestine time web sites(8).

US is an attractive hunting ground for raising funds by the Terrorist outfits. Former Holy Land Foundation for relief and development has been suspected for funneling Millions of US dollars per year to Hamas activities. In another case FBI unearthed a such illegal activities in Charlotte in North Carolina. Imad Hammound and his ring of Lebanese Americans from Detroit area would buy boxes of cigarettes in North Carolina, where the State tax is the lowest in the country, allegedly transport the goods to Michigan and sell them at a profit of US $ 10 per carton. A portion of the money earned would be then wired to a member of the group in Lebanon. In 2002, the group was suspected to be running $ 500,000 worth of cigarettes a week across the State. Imad Hammound was convicted and sentenced to 155 years in prison for providing material support for terrorism (9). The accused were planning to purchase Night Vision Goggles, Radars, Binoculars, Laser range finders, Mine Detection Equipment and Advanced Aircraft Design and Analysis Software to be used by the terrorists. Support for Hizbollah runs high in local American Lebanese circles. Hizbollah flags, Pictures of Nasrallah, Supremo of Hizbollah, and his audio tapes were found in a search operation by Lt John Stedman (Deputy of Los Angels county Sheriff) at the house of a Lebanese immigrant in Los Angels in 2004. In case of Lebanese immigrant in Dearbon, Michigan, who is suspected in a tax fraud, prosecutors have showcased pictures of the suspect seated alongside Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, Hizbollah spiritual leader, at a 2002 fund- raiser in Lebanon( 10).

Thus, it is seen that the Hizbollah has made a good and strong base in USA. At present, they are content with such fund raising activities only and have not taken any terrorist actions in main land of USA for the fear of antagonizing the Super Power. In the words of Chris Hamilton, former FBI’s unit Chief for Palestine Investigations and who is a senior fellow now at the Washington Institute for Near East studies, “The fact is, they have ability (To attack) in the United States.”(11). Mr. Hamilton also observes that Hizbollah would be more likely to attack Americans abroad (12). In 1980, they blew up Marine Barracks and US Embassy in Lebanon killing 300 people.

In the words of Dennis Lormel, who was the FBI’s Section Chief for terrorist financing until 2003, “ Their fund raising activities have been very fruitful in the United States”… “With Israel clamping down on their other sources of revenue, it wouldn’t make sense for them to wreck their own ability to continue making money here.”(13)

There are many Muslim organizations in USA that are legal but some are proving to be source of trouble. Most of the organizations react sharply to criticism, but are least accountable. The important organizations are given under:

1. Muslim Arab Youth Association (MAYA)

2. The American Islamic Group (AIG)

3. Islamic Cultural workshop (ICW)

4. The council of American Islamic Revolution (CAIR)

5. The American Muslim council (AMC)

6. Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)

7. The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

8. The American Muslim Alliance (AMA)

9. Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

   1. Islamic Supreme Council of America

10. Ibn Khaldun south

Majority of American Muslims and some of these organizations are peace loving and condemn terrorism. There are nearly 12000 mosques in USA and are mostly funded by Saudi Arabia that promotes Wahaabi cult. Those who fund the mosques can appoint Imams and thus, the clergy at the mosques are invariably dominated by Wahhabi cult. Thus, majority of peace loving and moderate American Muslims are shadowed by a minority group of Wahhabi school who advocate Jihad (14).

Sheikh Abdullah Azzam, a Palestinian scholor and highly infamed and notorious fundamentalist, exhorted American Muslims to resort to Jihad in US too. He was responsible for turning Afghan Jihad into full-scale international terrorism. When Soviets invaded Afghanistan, the balance of power in the region tilted towards USSR. As a policy, the forces fighting Soviet invasion in Afghanistan were reinforced from outside. Pakistan played a great part in this effort. Certain Islamic organizations were allowed to operate in US too and Sheikh Abdul Azzam was a part of this effort. However, once Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan resulting in rise of Talibans, the same Islamic organizations turned counter productive to USA and culminated in the rise of Al Qaeda with a strong base in USA. People are attracted by Azzam’s oratory and fundamentalist inspirational speeches. He along with top Palestinian aid Sheikh Tumin Al Adnani during 1980-1989 visited more than 50 cities in USA and exhorted American Muslims to pick up sword. His Al Kifah Refugee Center (Office Services) opened branches in dozens of US cities with the help of Saudi Multa Millionaire Bin Laden who did not come into limelight then. Subsequently, Bin Laden, taken over by fundamentalism, shifted from Saudi Arabia to Afghanistan leaving his comfortable life and joined the Terrorist gang of Talibans. The Maktab Al Khadimat Lil Mujahideen was established by Palestinian scholar Sheikh Abdul Azzam in Peshawar of Pakistan to recruit Mujahideen to fight Soviets who invaded Afghanistan. It was taken over by Bin Laden subsequently that led to the formation of Al Qaeda terrorist group to wage Jihad against all non- believers throughout the world.

Thus, fundamentalists also resorted to ‘Direct Organizing’ in America that proved to be a haven for organizing. First conference of Jihad was held at Al Farooq Mosque in Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn in 1988. Sheikh Abdul Azzam, Director of Al Kifah Center, at the conference in a spirited speech exhorted American Muslims (15):

“ The Jihad, the fighting, is obligatory on you wherever you can perform it. And just as when you are in America. You must fast unless you are ill or on voyage. So too must wage Jihad. The word Jihad means fighting only, fighting with sword…Every Muslim on earth should unsheathe his sword and fight to liberate Palestine. Jihad is not limited to Afghanistan… Jihad means fighting… you must fight in any place you can get. Whenever Jihad is mentioned in Holy Book, it means obligation to fight. It does not mean to fight with the pen or write books or articles in press or fight by holding a letter….”. He said that Jihad meant to fight others (Kafirs or non believers) are fully converted or have accepted to pay Jizia Tax accepting humiliation as second rate citizens in a Muslim State.

The Al Kifah Refugee Centers in Brooklyn, New York, Arizona and Tucson distributed magazine ‘Al Jihad’ to nearly 50 % of Muslims in USA. This magazine published highly provocative articles criticizing America for their role in Middle East and at other places and exhorted Muslims to rise and fight and conduct Jihad against Christians, Jews and propagated hatred to kill infidels. The Al Jihad magazine was monthly Arab Magazine published by the Office services (16).

At times, Terrorists operate under own name. Organization such as Advise and Reformation Committee (ARC) was not incorporated in US but it is linked to many addresses in Denver, Kansas City, Missouri and Colorado. ARC was set- up by Khalid Al Fawway (indicted by US for 1998 bombing in Kenya and Tanzania) in London at the directions of Bin Laden to promote his hateful propaganda. Some of the Organizations established by Palestine Islamic Jihad to take care of Afghan Mujahideen and refugees located in 30 cities in US including New York and Tucson were taken over by Al Qaeda.

Sheikh Abdullah Azzam is highly respected in Terrorist circles and Mujahideen. Hamas calls it’s West Bank Military Wing as Abdullah Azzam Brigades in memory of the slain Terrorist who internationalized and glorified Terrorism. All those men who live by sword shall also perish by sword. Abdullah Azzam was killed in a car blast in Pakistan along with his two sons in 1989 engineered by some unknown assailants not identified till today. Some accusing fingers point towards Bin Laden for the crime. A struggle for control of funds of Al Kifah Refugee Center ensued between Sheikh Omar Abdul Rehaman (Brooklyn settled) and Mustafa Shalabi, an Egyptian born militant approved by Sheikh Abdullah Azzam. One section wanted to focus on carrying out Jihad in Afghanistan while the Bin Laden faction preferred global Jihad. Shalabi was murdered on 26 Feb 1991. The Laden faction took control of the organization.

Although these acts of direct organizing of Jihad were going-on in US main land under the very nose of various security agencies, most of the persons got away Scot free from the authorities owing to the American rights for liberty, speech, assembly etc. They could not be booked or apprehended for inciting religious hatred and violence although they were watched. Consequently, these activities resulted in phenomenal growth of Bin Laden Group with strong US base and meticulous planning, organizing and successful execution of attacks on WTC in New York and Pentagon on 9/11 Sept 2001.

The attack on American main land and the sheer numbers of resulting deaths did not materially weaken US, but the perception that the American security and it’s sense of being an invincible secured country has been thoroughly shattered. It has blown-up the prevailing myth of America as an impregnable fortress and nation of high security systems (17). It also has resulted in great indignation for the Super Power. The real threat to USA from these internal enemies and the gravity of the danger was recognized seriously after the attack on WTC towers on 9/11 Sept 2001. The seriousness of harboring Jihadi organizations in USA over the years as a nation committed to liberty was atonce realized. But it was too late. Because they were more powerful, More than 80 % of the American Mosques have been taken over by the fundamentalists (18). Great damage was already done to the great nation that stood for liberty and a beacon of light for the whole world.

Thus, Terrorist organizations are able to co- ordinate their activities in USA owing to the liberties available in the land. The terrorists who engineered attack on WTC on 9/11 Sept 2001 were all young men. Many were students studying technical courses in USA. Some of them took training in flying aero- planes in the country and could hijack the planes and crash them according to the plan. This shows the extent of threat to which the nation is open internally and fragility of the existing security systems.

Terrorism is an unconventional warfare. It is unconventional in tactics characterized by attack on civilians. The official definition of US is “Pre-meditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents”(19). The motivation of this group is not a definite characteristic. Terrorism has been used throughout history by smaller states to defeat powerful ones. Their case may be sectarian, nationalist, or ideological, but they hold in common the use of this form of irregular warfare (20). Thus, the fight against Terrorism is rather more difficult than a conventional war against known and defined enemy. This would be protracted, undefined, inconclusive, elongated and extended.

US has to make it’s internal security much stronger, by revitalizing it’s intelligence wings and Counter Terrorism National Network such as Special Operating Forces (SOF) that were originally conceived to be used as forces for supporting or leveraging conventional forces or for undertaking discrete and limited strategic missions. American tradition is to frown on secrecy and favors accountability. The nation’s legislature nevertheless has seen the need for forces that can conduct operations in the interest of national security in a low visibility, clandestine or covert manner. In view of enlarged terrorist threat to USA, SOF has emerged as a prominent, front line, essential element in the defense of United States (20). However certain areas of operation of SOF and CIA overlap leading to inherent tensions between these agencies. However, national security is much more important than interdepartmental tensions and rivalries and needs to be set right.

It is also necessary to strengthen internal security systems to prevent fraudulent entry of people from foreign countries into the country for working, studies, business, research and political asylum to indulge in treasonable and subversive activities. It has to find ways to prevent and curb preaching of hatred against any section by indulging in speeches, distribution of printed literature and cassettes and CD of all sorts. This would be resisted by various agencies as infringement on their rights going against the spirit of Liberty the most cherished word for Americans. But it should be remembered that when a section of people resort to misuse of freedom, they have to pay heavily for their deliberate lapses. Freedom does not mean it to be a state of “Free for all”. Necessary laws are required to be made in this direction, if the existing laws do not meet the requirements. If certain religious Institutions are misusing the freedom given to them for subversive and activities of hatred, they have to be closed and the respective people involved have to be charged accordingly and punished. Waiting for the offensive deeds to be done by them to draw criminal proceedings has helped terrorists to grow, become bold, consolidate internationally and become very strong. Doubtful persons should be deported immediately. America is a nation where people from all countries of the world have come and settled. Most of them merged into local culture while many try to maintain their moorings and loyalties. In the words of Bernard Lewis (22), a noted scholar, Muslims of different countries speaking different languages share the same memories of the past; have corporate identity, and destiny. The problem is not unique to USA. The problems are identical with those of UK, India, Russia and other secular nations, where Muslims also constitute sizeable numbers. It is true that all Muslims are not terrorists, but unfortunately the terrorists are found to be Muslims practicing mostly Wahaabi cult and have proved dangerous to the world order. Can the free world tolerate the growing threat that a major city could be blown off by a softball sized lump of Uranium 235, “Yellow Cake” that could easily be smuggled in a briefcase by a terrorist under the orders of Bin Laden or a Iranian perverted mullah? (23). Future is highly threatening indeed and no country is safe from these terrorists. Unfortunately in USA the opinion is much divided. The Government of George W Bush went Hammer and Tong against the terrorists in Afghanistan immediately after 9/11, 2001 attack and pounded that nation to dust thrashing Talibans out of power. Subsequently, Iraq was invaded and Saddam Hussein has been removed from power. He has been as the source of evil. But peace has not been established in Iraq and the situation is almost like a civil war. American casualties are mounting. President George Bush knew that casualties would be there in war and he made no secrets about it. However the involvement in Iraq and the resulting expenditure and casualties are drawing criticism at home and anti Bush sentiment has been thoroughly built up in the country. Democrats are trying to cash on this sentiment and the November polls in 2006 are crucial for the President. Can Democrats put across a strong President in future who can stand up against Terrorism that is knocking at its shores? Americans can not run away from terrorists. They have to stand and fight with determination. The nation is divided on the issue of tackling terrorists. Americans must rise to the occasion and learn to sacrifice for their country as one team if they have to fight and succeed against the evil of terrorism that has targeted them and threatening them.. Withdrawal from Iraq does not make any difference to national security and terrorists are not suddenly turning 180 degrees to become friends and bosom mates to have a drink across the table. Iran has emerged as a strong replacement for Iraq in Middle East with anti western sentiment and declarations. US will be still threatened by Iran. The fight against international terrorism spearheaded by US must go on till it is wiped out. US has very great role to play in this effort. However they have to clean their stables rapidly first if they have to succeed.

Bibliography

1. Bernard Lewis, Islam and West, Oxford University press, 2000 Madison’s Avenue, New York, USA, ISBN 0-19-509061-6, PP 136

2. Steven Emerson, The American Jihad, The Free press, 1230 Avenue, New York 10020, USA, ISBN-0-7432-3435-9, PP 12

3. Bernard Lewis, Assassins, Basic Books, 387 Park Avenue, South New York 10016, USA, ISBN-0-465-00498-9, PP xi, xii

4. Steven Emerson, The American Jihad, the Free Press, 1230 Avenue, New York 10020, USA, PP

5. 60 Federal Register 41152, August 11, 1995

6. US V One 1997, E 35 Ford Van, US Dist Court for the Northern district of Illinois, Case No. 98C –3548 Field, June 8, 1998

7. Southern District Court of New York Case No. 5(7). 98 Cr 1023 Trial Transcripts. March 20, 2001

8. Steven Emerson, The American Jihad, The Free Press, 1230 Avenue, New York, USA, PP 32-33, Dallas Morning News, March 23, 2000, Judith Miller, “US suspects charities are linked to terrorists”, The Austin American Statesman, Feb 19, 2000

9. Dan Ephron and Michael Isikoff, Nasrallh’s men inside America, News Week, ISSN August 14, 2006 Volume CXLVIII NO 7, PP 25

10. Ibid, PP 25

11. Ibid, PP 24

12. Ibid, PP 25

13. Ibid, PP 25

14. A study conducted by the council of American Islamic relations(CAIR) and the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, USA April 26, 2001

15. Arabic video tape of I st conference of Jihad at Al Farooq Mosque, Brooklyn, New York, USA, 1988 as cited in Serial 8 above at PP 130

16. www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/knew/etc/cron.html at 1118 pm

17. Linda Robinson, Masters of chaos, Public Affairs, 250, West, 57 Street, Suite 1321, New York, 2004, USA, ISBN 10-1-58648-352-8, PP xv

18. Sheikh Mohammed Hisham Kubbani. Islamic extremism, a viable threat to US national security. An open forum at the US State department-January 7, 1999

19. National Strategy for combating Terrorism Feb o3 at www.whitehouse.gov and State annual report, “ Patterns of Global Terrorism at www.state.gov( as cited in above at PP xvi)

20. Linda Robinson, Master of Chaos, Public affairs, 250 west, 57 Street, suite 1321, New York, USA, 2004, PP xvi, xvii

21. Ibid, PP xvii

22. Bernard Lewis, Islam and the West, Oxford University Press, New York, USA, 10016, PP 136

23. Jerome R Corsi, Atomic Iran, WMD Books, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, ISBN 1-58182-540-3