Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.1
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Ayman al-Zawahri Named Al Qaeda Leader
Via the NY Times:
Zawahri has been called the operational brains of Al Qaeda. Really no shock here that he would assume the leadership role. In some ways, this is actually good for the United States. Zawahri has long been a target of U.S. forces and is a known entity. The intelligence community does not have to readjust to a new leader that they know little or nothing about. Plus, given his lack of broad appeal across Al Qaeda, this could mean some in fighting or even a weakening of the group.
What it does show is that Al Qaeda is still a dangerous entity that the U.S. and the world cannot write off. The U.S. cannot fall back on a pre-9/11 mentality just because Bin Laden is dead. Zawahri is a dangerous individual, Al Qaeda is a dangerous group, and America must remain vigilant to be secure.
More than six weeks after Osama bin Laden was killed in an American commando raid, Ayman al-Zawahri, Al Qaeda’s No. 2, is assuming the leadership of the international terrorist organization, according to a statement posted online Thursday.
Mr. Zawahri, an Egyptian who long served as second in command to Bin Laden, had been expected to inherit leadership of the terrorist organization, though the delay in announcing his succession led some counterterrorism analysts to see signs of a power struggle at the top of Al Qaeda following Bin Laden’s death in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2.
“The general command of Al Qaeda, after the completion of consultation, announces that Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahri has assumed the responsibility of the leadership of the group,” Al Qaeda said in a statement presented by the Al Fajr Media Center, the terror network’s online voice, and posted on jihadist Internet forums.
***
Trained as a doctor, Mr. Zawahri, 59, has been described as the operational leader of the group. But he is seen as abrasive to fellow militants, and lacking Bin Laden’s charismatic appeal to Islamists and ability to command their loyalty, leading to questions over whether he would be able to continue drawing jihadist recruits. In addition, his new role may widen the longstanding split in Al Qaeda between his Egyptian contingent and militants of other nationalities.
Zawahri has been called the operational brains of Al Qaeda. Really no shock here that he would assume the leadership role. In some ways, this is actually good for the United States. Zawahri has long been a target of U.S. forces and is a known entity. The intelligence community does not have to readjust to a new leader that they know little or nothing about. Plus, given his lack of broad appeal across Al Qaeda, this could mean some in fighting or even a weakening of the group.
What it does show is that Al Qaeda is still a dangerous entity that the U.S. and the world cannot write off. The U.S. cannot fall back on a pre-9/11 mentality just because Bin Laden is dead. Zawahri is a dangerous individual, Al Qaeda is a dangerous group, and America must remain vigilant to be secure.
Anthony Weienr Reportedly to Resign Today
According to reports, Anthony Weiner is going to announce his resignation today.
I love how pressure has been mounting for Weiner to quit, yet Charles Rangel, Joe Baca and Barney Frank are allowed to keep their offices. Lets face it, Rangel and Baca actually stole money, and in the case of all three, abused their power and position. I am not saying that Weiner should or should not resign, but why the pressure on him to go, when others have done far worse. Its interesting who Nancy Pelosi chooses to "drain the swamp" of, and who she chooses to keep.
As for Weiner, his future is bleak. He has not had any other career other than politics his adult life. He has no law degree or other professional license to fall back on. I am not sure what golden parachute he will have and how soft his landing will be.
Randy Rep. Anthony Weiner has finally decided to step down from his congressional seat, sources told The Post.
He has informed House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other key party leaders of his decision, the sources said.
Weiner called Pelosi and Rep. Steve Israel, who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, at the White House picnic last night and told them of his decision, a Democratic Party leadership aide said.
One ranking House Democrat said, "All the choreography is there. Now all he has to do is get in front of the camera."
Weiner is expected to issue a statement before noon today, the Democratic aide said.
"I believe it's a done deal. He has talked to his governor," a second key House Democrat said.
"It's sad," this person said. "He knows his behavior is reprehensible and he needs to make a human comeback. This is heartbreaking."
Weiner's decision came after his wife Huma Abedin returned early yesterday to discuss the widening scandal with him. He had been said to be waiting for her to return home from an overseas trip with her boss, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, before making a decision.
Indeed, without his wife's counsel, Weiner may not have decided to leave.
Two sources who have spoken directly with Weiner said he was set to stick it out even though he knew House Democrats were set to strip him of his committee assignments and bar him from taking part in the caucus.
Weiner felt that his behavior was not criminal and shouldn't end his career.
But Abedin apparently helped him reach the decision to resign.
"This is the most stubborn guy in Congress," said one of the people who spoke with Weiner.
Pressure had been steadily building on Weiner to step down since he disclosed that he had indeed had online relationships with six women over three years. Among other things, Weiner sent photos of his penis to some of these women.
I love how pressure has been mounting for Weiner to quit, yet Charles Rangel, Joe Baca and Barney Frank are allowed to keep their offices. Lets face it, Rangel and Baca actually stole money, and in the case of all three, abused their power and position. I am not saying that Weiner should or should not resign, but why the pressure on him to go, when others have done far worse. Its interesting who Nancy Pelosi chooses to "drain the swamp" of, and who she chooses to keep.
As for Weiner, his future is bleak. He has not had any other career other than politics his adult life. He has no law degree or other professional license to fall back on. I am not sure what golden parachute he will have and how soft his landing will be.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Assad Bombards Northern Town for Second Day
NYTimes: Residents Flee as Syrian Forces Bombard Town. Will anyone ever hold Assad and his vile regime accountable? The body count grows daily and he's unleashed his brother on Jisr al Shugur. It's the Hama rules once again in action.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.9
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)