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Which Candidate is Al Qaeda's Choice?
October 23, 2008 8:23 AM
The McCain campaign aggressively pushed back against stories in the Washington Post and the Associated Press about a commentary posted on the website al-Hesbah, which some have suggested is linked to al Qaeda, calling for Al Qaeda supporters to help elect Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
"Al Qaeda will have to support McCain in the coming election," the commenter said, arguing that McCain would continued the "failing march of his predecessor, Bush."
The poster, Muhammad Haafid -- who experts say is said to NOT have "a direct affiliation with Al Qaeda plans or knowledge of its operations" -- also said that a terrorist strike against the U.S. "will push the Americans deliberately to vote for McCain so that he takes revenge for them against al-Qaeda. Al Qaeda then will succeed in exhausting America."
Adam Raisman, a senior analyst for the Site Intelligence Group, which monitors the al-Hesbah website, told the Post that "The idea in the jihadist forums is that McCain would be a faithful 'son of Bush' -- someone they see as a jingoist and a war hawk. They think that, to succeed in a war of attrition, they need a leader in Washington like McCain."
"If one takes one individual Islamist blogger from one terrorist Islamist blog, who has come up with this statement that it would be good to have McCain in the White House, I think one has to consider the motives," responded former CIA director Jim Woolsey, a McCain supporter.
On a conference call arranged by the McCain campaign, Woolsey said that Haafid "knows that the endorsement of people like him is a kiss of death, figuratively and literally, so it seems to me it's pretty clear that by making this statement that he wants, that it would be a good thing for McCain to be President, he is clearly trying to damage John McCain, not speaking from his heart. So I must say I think the overall structure of the debate as one analyzes it coming out of this story taken at face value is quite remarkable."
More importantly, Woolsey said, McCain as one of the original proponents of the surge strategy in Iraq has been responsible for crippling Al Qaeda.
"On important aspect of the change in strategy was to link up with the Sunnis and the Awakening Movement in the Anbar Province and to cooperate in going after Al Qaeda in Iraq," Woolsey said. "In posting after posting, it was clear from al-Qaeda itself and from Bin Laden's statements and Zawahiri's statements that this link up which John McCain was essentially the father of, this change in strategy, was what was causing al-Qaeda in Iraq, which Al Qaeda put at right in front of their struggle, the biggest difficulty and the biggest problem. It was killing Al Qaeda in Iraq, leaders that drew the biggest concern from Al Qaeda and from really all of the Islamists."
Concluded the former CIA director: "John McCain was responsible as much as anyone in the country for that turn around. It is ridiculous to believe that in its heart of hearts Al Qaeda wants John McCain to be the President. And it is ludicrous."
McCain's senior foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann said, "if we are going to talk about who had got support from terrorist groups in this election I am going to read some quotes, I am not going to characterize them, I will let others judge whether the amount of expression of support or opposition whether they amount to expressions of endorsement or opposition.
"First, this week a Hamas spokesman, Ahmed Yousef, said quote, 'I do believe Mr. Biden is a great man and we do count on him as also a good partner with Mr. Obama to put the right policy regarding how to handle problems in the region. It is good for America to have the new administration with someone like Mr. Obama and his vision for change. I do believe actually with this administration, the Bush administration, we don't have luck in ending our isolation. We as Palestinians are thinking we might have better luck with the new administration if Obama wins the election. I do believe that he will change American foreign policy in the way they are handling the Middle East.'
Scheunemann continued, "Second, last month when Iranian President Ahmadinejad was in the United States, he was asked by a student whether he supports Democratic nominee Barack Obama or Republican John McCain. This is what president Ahmadinejad, who has called for the extinction of Israel has said, quote, 'the American government 28 years ago decided to cut its own ties with Iran. We do prefer to have relations whereas one of the candidates in this election would prefer that.' I think everybody on this call understands which candidate for president has endorsed unconditional meetings with president Ahmadinejad.
"Three, from Muammar Qaddafi of Libya, he said talking about Obama 'all the people in the Arab and Islamic world and in Africa applauded this man. They welcomed him and prayed for him and for his success and they may have even been involved in legitimate contribution campaign to enable him to win the American presidency.'"
The McCain adviser then seemed to suggest that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., would clearly be Al Qaeda's choice.
"Only Senator Obama has advocated withdrawal and surrender to Al Qaeda in Iraq when Al Qaeda was at the peak of its power," he said. "Senator Obama advocated a withdrawal and voted against funding for our troops while we were engaged in fighting with Al Qaeda in early 2007, when Al Qaeda was at the peak of its power."
The Obama campaign had no comment about Haafid's posting.
-- jpt
October 23, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (112)
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the war in Iraq has created more terrorists than Bin Laden could have ever dreamed of, and has seeded enough hatred for generations to come.
I think I know who Al Qaeda want here. isnt it obvious?
Posted by: Goon | Oct 31, 2008 1:19:25 AM
Let's see....extreme Islamic terrorists.........John Sydney McCain or Barack Hussein Obama.......hmmmmmm
I'll have to give that some thought....
Posted by: equalityrpt | Oct 23, 2008 11:12:10 PM
McCain, Rove, Bachmann, Hayes, Palin have to go!!!
I will not help the economy if McCain is elected president. I will only buy gas and groceries. McCain, Rove, Hayes, Bachmann, and Palin really feel our pain. Who do they think they are, they are the rich not middle class. I blame them for the failure of the stock market. How soon the American people forget, remember how mad we were when they passed the bail out bill..well here is our chance to answer how we felt. Get rid of the bums!!!
Posted by: alex | Oct 23, 2008 4:56:06 PM
Pelosi, Reed, Frank, Dodd, Schumer have to go!!!
I will not help the economy if Obama is elected president. I will only buy gas and groceries. Pelosi, Reed, Frank, Dodd, Schumer, and Obama really feel our pain. Who do they think they are, they are the rich not middle class. I blame them for the failure of the stock market. How soon the American people forget, remember how mad we were when they passed the bail out bill..well here is our chance to answer how we felt. Get rid of the bums!!!
Posted by: Valley Queen | Oct 23, 2008 2:57:36 PM
MasterYodaFreak, your opinions are well taken. My rant is actually meant for Jake Tapper, the reporter and author of the article. Sorry for the confusion, again they were not meant for you. A reporter of this caliber should do a better job of documenting a source.
Posted by: JoePilot | Oct 23, 2008 2:30:35 PM
What a crock. Just to make my viewpoint clear; I don't like either candidate but I've had my fill of news reporting bias. Just put out the facts and back them up with links so I can read the PRIMARY source...no offence but I don't want your slanted opinion..the reporter.
Posted by: JoePilot | Oct 23, 2008 2:07:55 PM
wow i can't believe how divided this electon has made this country..
either way.. Obama or McCain.. whoever gets in, they will have a lot of work to do and a lot to live up to..
I hope that all americans will be able to put differences aside and attempt to correct this country's problems.
I swear, just to be right some ppl are trying to fight our own citizens.. insane!
[for the record: OBAMA FTW!]
Posted by: no.fear.mongers.here | Oct 23, 2008 1:31:03 PM
Wow this is a really intense discussion. Please allow me to apply my own input into this discussion. Forgive me for not citing which one of you said which of these statements I plan to respond to but you know which statements belong to you.
“Obama is afraid to go on Sean Hannity's show.”
OK so when is Sarah going to go on the Rachel Maddow show. Or for that matter when is John going to be on Hardball(especially after his vial attacks on Keith) I suppose we won’t be seeing either of these two scenarios anytime soon.
“This has got to be the dumbest, most tortured spin on a non-issue that has yet come forth in Obama's mainstream media. Every literate person knows that both Osama bin Laden and Hamas have expressed support for Obama's election.”
I sort of remember a clip on the news a few months ago where Bin Laden was stating that if we elected Obama there was sure to be another attack on US soil.
“The bible says homosexuality is an abomination to God. Last I checked, abortion stops a beating heart. Obama supports same sex marriage and is pro-abortion. THIS FITS CHRISTIANITY AND WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS?? I hope you vote with your morals before your wallet.”
Wow!! I sort of recall Obama stating in the third debate that he opposes same sex marriage but it should not be the governments place to determine who gets married and who doesn’t. He did say however that if a person is sick in the hospital their loved ones (gay or not) should be allowed to visit them. (I suppose that is a violation of God’s laws too). I also recall him stating he was opposed to late term abortions, but I want to know when it became my responsibility to prevent another person’s sin. As a sinner myself I am hardly qualified to tell someone else not to sin ( For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God). If that verse doesn’t work for you then how about “those who are without sin let him cast the first stone” or “ How can you tell your brother he has a splinter in his eye when you have a beam in yours, Look to thine own eye first.” No!!! how about “my righteousness is as filthy rags”. Since you are such a good Christian I know you remember one of those right. OH, By the way could you please remind me which verse the word Homosexual is even used I think I may me a little rusty on that one. But I do remember other parts really well like Proverbs Chapter 6 verse 2 “These six things doth the lord hate the most yea seven are an abomination unto him, A proud heart( and hears my favorite part) A LYING TONGUE ( I will spare you the rest ) I suppose that Opposing the bridge to nowhere after you were for it is honesty, or the teleprompter stopped working or the last 30min was amazing when no one else saw the flaw. Here are a few more parts I remember though “Thou shalt not commit adultery”. Or I Cor. chapter 7 “If you are bound to a wife seek not to be loosed” I suppose that means it was perfectly acceptable for John to cheat on his wife and then leave here for Cindy. And I guess it is ok to brag to your children about almost marrying a stripper. Perhaps before you go pointing out someone else’s religious flaws you should look at the flaws of the person you are defending. After all even a fool is considered wise if he holdeth his tongue.
Posted by: MasterYodaFreak | Oct 23, 2008 1:20:11 PM
Wow this is a really intense discussion. Please allow me to apply my own input into this discussion. Forgive me for not citing which one of you said which of these statements I plan to respond to but you know which statements belong to you.
“Obama is afraid to go on Sean Hannity's show.”
OK so when is Sarah going to go on the Rachel Maddow show. Or for that matter when is John going to be on Hardball(especially after his vial attacks on Keith) I suppose we won’t be seeing either of these two scenarios anytime soon.
“This has got to be the dumbest, most tortured spin on a non-issue that has yet come forth in Obama's mainstream media. Every literate person knows that both Osama bin Laden and Hamas have expressed support for Obama's election.”
I sort of remember a clip on the news a few months ago where Bin Laden was stating that if we elected Obama there was sure to be another attack on US soil.
“The bible says homosexuality is an abomination to God. Last I checked, abortion stops a beating heart. Obama supports same sex marriage and is pro-abortion. THIS FITS CHRISTIANITY AND WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS?? I hope you vote with your morals before your wallet.”
Wow!! I sort of recall Obama stating in the third debate that he opposes same sex marriage but it should not be the governments place to determine who gets married and who doesn’t. He did say however that if a person is sick in the hospital their loved ones (gay or not) should be allowed to visit them. (I suppose that is a violation of God’s laws too). I also recall him stating he was opposed to late term abortions, but I want to know when it became my responsibility to prevent another person’s sin. As a sinner myself I am hardly qualified to tell someone else not to sin ( For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God). If that verse doesn’t work for you then how about “those who are without sin let him cast the first stone” or “ How can you tell your brother he has a splinter in his eye when you have a beam in yours, Look to thine own eye first.” No!!! how about “my righteousness is as filthy rags”. Since you are such a good Christian I know you remember one of those right. OH, By the way could you please remind me which verse the word Homosexual is even used I think I may me a little rusty on that one. But I do remember other parts really well like Proverbs Chapter 6 verse 2 “These six things doth the lord hate the most yea seven are an abomination unto him, A proud heart( and hears my favorite part) A LYING TONGUE ( I will spare you the rest ) I suppose that Opposing the bridge to nowhere after you were for it is honesty, or the teleprompter stopped working or the last 30min was amazing when no one else saw the flaw. Here are a few more parts I remember though “Thou shalt not commit adultery”. Or I Cor. chapter 7 “If you are bound to a wife seek not to be loosed” I suppose that means it was perfectly acceptable for John to cheat on his wife and then leave here for Cindy. And I guess it is ok to brag to your children about almost marrying a stripper. Perhaps before you go pointing out someone else’s religious flaws you should look at the flaws of the person you are defending. After all even a fool is considered wise if he holdeth his tongue.
Posted by: MasterYodaFreak | Oct 23, 2008 1:20:07 PM
John McCain and Sarah Palin your campaigning is indecent. Just read the blogs to see how you've created undo fear in people. McCain; you said it yourself, Obama is a good man. In the same breath you've instilled fear by using untruthful incriminations. These poor souls don't get it that you're just trying to get votes and don't believe it yourself.
Posted by: akamai | Oct 23, 2008 1:15:45 PM
LOL. Ok, so their argument is that the endorsements of sundry unsavory foreigners for Obama means they really support Obama from their hearts, but on the other hand when Al Qaeda endorses McCain, they are just using reverse psychology and really prefer Obama.
Yeah, that's some twisted logic masquerading as "straight talk". No wonder moderate republicans are leaving the party in droves. No thinking person can look at McCain's lies and half-truths and imagine he'd make a good president.
Posted by: PennyP | Oct 23, 2008 1:01:40 PM
It really wasn't so much the surge strategy that made progress, it was technology and covert operations that had less to do with numbers of soldiers. McCain is taking credit for something that had more to do with certain technologies entering the scene at the same time. I definitely believe that the McCain reputation and Palin's Christian God war views fuels terrorism. Powell said it best to also concentrate on non-military action -- education, etc. to undermine the beacon of terrorism for youth in these regions.
Posted by: akamai | Oct 23, 2008 12:59:30 PM
I really don't understand how any "christian" can vote for Obama.... It is just totally incompatible. Well I guess if you feel killing millions of innocent lives which God produced on a yearly basis is ok, feel that God would be happy with unnatural unions between same sexes rather than the way He put one man with one woman, or think God would be jumping with glee at the thought of throwing Him out of every school or government and spiraling society down into the depths of hell..... well then I stand corrected, I guess you could vote for Obama!
Posted by: Highly Concerned Christian | Oct 23, 2008 12:56:21 PM
"LOL. Al Qaeda doesn't know what they want. Assuming "they" is even referring to something resembling an organized group. They are in shambles. Like they have some master plan that is working out. Hilarious. Reminds me of the Taliban guy saying that they will defeat the American invaders. Hahaha. This is the same group that thought the 9/11 attack would scare the fat, lazy Americans out of the middle east. Yeah I guess that master plan didn't work out so well, eh?"
Dear Joe Mama,
9/11 wasn't to scare America out of the middle east, it was to bring America in and destroy our economy. Bush and McCain play right into "some master plan".
Posted by: yellowbird | Oct 23, 2008 12:56:15 PM
Al Queda would want McCain/Palin to win. That would finish this country off for good and they wouldn't have to lift a finger.
Posted by: Lori | Oct 23, 2008 12:52:23 PM
Posted by joel:We should learn from history as it does repeat itself! -- Last time America was trying to end a war and fix the economy we made the decision to elect a Democrat named Carter. The Democratic policies did wonders for our nation??? Seems a Republican named Reagan was the answer -- not another Democrat. Democrats have controlled the Congress -- that's why we are in the economic turmoil. Study the facts!
Joel, you are absolutely right. Couldn't have said it better myself!!!
Republicans- 6 years controlling everything
Democrats- 2 years of congress
Equals- Blame the Dems for everything......... AH...That doe not make any sense.
Posted by: MADMAK | Oct 23, 2008 12:33:04 PM
McCain is the scariest dude since Goldwater to run for president. Angry little old guy still stunted from hanging with the enemy for 5 years (how do you survive in POW camp for 5 years - a little kiss butt maybe?) Now he's a bag of wind and lies and with a trigger finger so jumpy, so hot, this man and his little Barbie Saks Fifth Ave. sidekick who can see Russia from her doorstep when "Putin sends his bombers over" will wield a mighty big stick and talk mighty little like his "hero" TR and get us all killed in the process. Because there are two things McCain/Palin are not: diplomats or Christians. They know one thing - they like to kill their enemies and make their ignorant Joe Plumber base feel mean and righteous - whether the Bible says "Blessed are the peacemakers" and "thou shalt not kill" or not. Screw the bible!! McCain wants to bomb and scare the crap out of the enemy!!!! God help us all. The devil and his bride are trying to finish W.'s legacy once and for all and bring my children's world to ruin. AlQueda needs a lunatic American president to keep America focused on war and not prosperity and McCain/Palin are surely their men.
Posted by: Johnnyr51 | Oct 23, 2008 12:31:31 PM
Regarding McCain and Palin
Let's look at the educational background of our two options:
Obama:Occidental College (Los Angeles) - 2 years studying Politics and Public Policy. Columbia University (New York) - B.A. Political Science with a specialization in International Relations. Harvard Law School - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna #### Laude, and also where he became the first African-American editor, of the Harvard Law Review. GPA = 3.89
Biden: University of Delaware - B.A. in History and a B.A. in Political Science.Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.) GPA = 3.0
McCain:United States Naval Academy - Class rank 894 of 899.!!!!!! GPA = 2.53
Palin:Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester.North Idaho College - 2 semesters - General Studies.University of Idaho - 2 semesters - Journalism.Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester.University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism. GPA = 1.89!!!! 1.89 thats about as low as you can go without failing. – took 4 schools to do it…
John and Sarah both have the dubious distinction of being censured - McCain by the US Senate and Palin the Alaksa Senate for bad judgement - the only president and vp EVER in history to have that "qualification"!!
Add low grade points, minimal schooling, throw in some bad judgment and lies and you McCain supporters - should you win - are going to get the rudest awakening of your lives - YOU BETCHA!! - You just elected certifiably dumb, deceitful, slandering, hypocritical crooks to run our country.
Posted by: Johnnyr51 | Oct 23, 2008 12:14:06 PM
TO: Sue,
You are again drinking the kool-aid...
The two most accurate and respected polls in America (and the ones that have been DEAD NUT RIGHT in the las 8 Election cycles) are I.B.D. & A.P.
Both HAVE IT DEAD EVEN !!!
IBD SHOWS McCAIN UP IN FL AND OH also!
So enjoy the kool-aid, I like the grape best myself.
Posted by: Mark Garnett | Oct 23, 2008 11:53:07 AM
Mccain is good for buisness.
Posted by: Bank of Paskistan | Oct 23, 2008 11:42:54 AM
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