DUBAI (Reuters) - An audio tape purportedly from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, aired Monday urging Iraqis to boycott January parliamentary polls and saying anyone who takes part would be an "infidel."
The speaker on the tape, broadcast by Arabic television channel Al Jazeera, also praised bloody attacks by al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi on U.S. troops and government officials in Iraq, hailing the Jordanian militant as a true "soldier of God" and al Qaeda's leader in Iraq.
"The constitution imposed by the American occupier (Paul) Bremer is blasphemous ... and anyone who takes part in this election consciously and willingly is an infidel," said the speaker, who sounded similar to previous bin Laden recordings.
Much as it doesn't take much to be "anti-American", "terrorism supporter", "Saddam apologist", or even "flip-flopper". There are always extremists willing to tar their opponents with absurd, politically self-serving labels.Originally posted by: alchemize
Doesn't take much to be an infidel nowadays, does it.
Speaking of politically self-serving and tarring your opponents...Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Much as it doesn't take much to be "anti-American", "terrorism supporter", "Saddam apologist", or even "flip-flopper". There are always extremists willing to tar their opponents with absurd, politically self-serving labels.Originally posted by: alchemize
Doesn't take much to be an infidel nowadays, does it.
Originally posted by: kage69
Wow. I've never seen anyone 'politically self-serve' an opponent before...
I freely acknowledge doing this at times (other than the bad grammar part ). Are you man enough to do the same?Originally posted by: alchemize
Speaking of politically self-serving and tarring your opponents...Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Much as it doesn't take much to be "anti-American", "terrorism supporter", "Saddam apologist", or even "flip-flopper". There are always extremists willing to tar their opponents with absurd, politically self-serving labels.Originally posted by: alchemize
Doesn't take much to be an infidel nowadays, does it.
Originally posted by: Bowfinger
I freely acknowledge doing this at times (other than the bad grammar part ). Are you man enough to do the same?Originally posted by: alchemize
Speaking of politically self-serving and tarring your opponents...Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Much as it doesn't take much to be "anti-American", "terrorism supporter", "Saddam apologist", or even "flip-flopper". There are always extremists willing to tar their opponents with absurd, politically self-serving labels.Originally posted by: alchemize
Doesn't take much to be an infidel nowadays, does it.
Absolutely, Bowfinger. I just didn't do it in this thread. You did! You started it, and I'm telling mom!
One of my problems with the Bush-worshipers (oops, there's one) is that they never admit they are wrong about anything. They accept no accountability for their actions. They love to slime their opponents with no end of absurd labels, but they squeal like stuck pigs when someone returns the favor.
So!!! Mom likes me better!Originally posted by: alchemize
Originally posted by: Bowfinger
I freely acknowledge doing this at times (other than the bad grammar part ). Are you man enough to do the same?Originally posted by: alchemize
Speaking of politically self-serving and tarring your opponents...Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Much as it doesn't take much to be "anti-American", "terrorism supporter", "Saddam apologist", or even "flip-flopper". There are always extremists willing to tar their opponents with absurd, politically self-serving labels.Originally posted by: alchemize
Doesn't take much to be an infidel nowadays, does it.
Absolutely, Bowfinger. I just didn't do it in this thread. You did! You started it, and I'm telling mom!
Absolutely. While I think it is more prevalent among the Bush supporters, and it is certainly a defining characteristic of Bush himself, I agree there are exceptions, and that some on the left are just as deeply in denial.There we disagree. I don't think either side has a monopoly on lack of accountability. You are generalizing.One of my problems with the Bush-worshipers (oops, there's one) is that they never admit they are wrong about anything. They accept no accountability for their actions. They love to slime their opponents with no end of absurd labels, but they squeal like stuck pigs when someone returns the favor.
I think you misunderstood my original reply. It was not intended as an attack on you, or on anyone here in particular. I was simply pointing out that this tactic is widely used, especially by extremists. OBL says if you vote, you are an infidel. GWB says you're either with us or you support terrorism. (I'm sure you can probably find one or two examples of the left using this tactic too.)We don't see eye-to-eye often on much, but I think (hope?) you'll agree I'm generally a straight shooter (for a rabid bush-worshipping partisan neocon). I just didn't see the relevance to my post, which was how OBL will just toss muslims into the "infidel" category because, *gasp*, they didn't follow his advice? Boy, he's a partisan hack
Originally posted by: Gen Stonewall
This comes after Saddam denounced the elections. I'm convinced--we need to halt the elections; two prominent men told us to do so.
I AGREE!Originally posted by: Engineer
Originally posted by: Gen Stonewall
This comes after Saddam denounced the elections. I'm convinced--we need to halt the elections; two prominent men told us to do so.
I disagree. Have the elections and then start the pullout. No more of this socialist handout to Iraq...let THEIR oil pay for their sh!t.
Originally posted by: Train
I AGREE!Originally posted by: Engineer
Originally posted by: Gen Stonewall
This comes after Saddam denounced the elections. I'm convinced--we need to halt the elections; two prominent men told us to do so.
I disagree. Have the elections and then start the pullout. No more of this socialist handout to Iraq...let THEIR oil pay for their sh!t.
but, unfortunately, back to reality, election or not, happy Iraqi's or not, we will be in Iraq for at least another 3 years, my best guess is 5.
:: Prepares to spend 2 of the next 5 years in Iraq::
Originally posted by: Uhtrinity
Bin Laden is just being consistant. He believes that a Democracy is an afront to God as God is supposed to pick the leaders, not the people. Therefor they are infidels if they participate.
Originally posted by: Train
what an Idiot,
So if all the Iraqis who would actually listen to OBL didnt vote, the people who get elected are likely to be those who would be LEAST supported by OBL, and his followers. go figure.
Originally posted by: Bowfinger
One of my problems with the Bush-worshipers (oops, there's one) is that they never admit they are wrong about anything. They accept no accountability for their actions. They love to slime their opponents with no end of absurd labels, but they squeal like stuck pigs when someone returns the favor.
Originally posted by: Rainsford
Originally posted by: Uhtrinity
Bin Laden is just being consistant. He believes that a Democracy is an afront to God as God is supposed to pick the leaders, not the people. Therefor they are infidels if they participate.
Actually, I don't think bin Laden believes in God any more than any leader who uses religion to manipulate people. The suicide front line dummies are the ones who get conned by the whole "God's will" arguments, but I seriously doubt the people at the top really believe all that crap. I'm sure Bin Laden would like Bin Laden to pick Iraq's new leader. I could be wrong though, but religious nut jobs usually are too stupid to have the power and influence Bin Laden does.
Edit: To clarify, I think Bin Laden is a regular nut job who's figured out that religion is an excellent way to manipulate people.