Al Qaeda captures American, then makes outrageous demands.

Quad4_72 · 8th May 2012, 03:40 AM

Apparently Al Qaeda captured an American citizen over in Pakistan. Here is a list of their demands:

Quote:

Al Qaeda's demands include the lifting of the blockade on movement of people and trade between Egypt and Gaza; an end to bombing by the United States and its allies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and Gaza; the release of anyone arrested on charges of belonging to al Qaeda and the Taliban.
It also calls for the release of all prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and American secret prisons and the closure of Guantanamo and the other prisons.
The group also wants the release of terrorists convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the release of relatives of Osama bin Laden, the founder of al Qaeda who was killed last year in Pakistan.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/...html?hpt=wo_c2

Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they?

Carnivore · 8th May 2012, 04:02 AM

It could be cover to distract attention from their elaborate bearer bonds heist. The CIA should parachute a barefoot wisecracking off duty cop into Pakistan immediately.

Beerina · 8th May 2012, 05:02 AM

I wouldn't rule out a ransom demand "on the side".

Moon-Spinner · 8th May 2012, 06:07 AM

The Taliban also demands that from this day forward, everyone must wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes!!

IDB87 · 8th May 2012, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by Moon-Spinner

The Taliban also demands that from this day forward, everyone must wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes!!

Good thing I don't wear underwear - I will not be a hostage to terrorist demands! USA USA!

welshdean · 8th May 2012, 07:01 AM

All jokes aside, this poor fella will probably end up with his throat cut.

jasonpatterson · 8th May 2012, 07:06 AM

I feel bad for the guy they captured, but yes, I definitely agree that the people who have him are not the sharpest spoons in the drawer.

Quad4_72 · 8th May 2012, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by welshdean

All jokes aside, this poor fella will probably end up with his throat cut.

More then likely he will get a beheading. I also wouldn't be surprised if his security guards were in on the deal.

Belz... · 8th May 2012, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by Quad4_72

Apparently Al Qaeda captured an American citizen over in Pakistan. Here is a list of their demands:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/...html?hpt=wo_c2

Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they?

Gee, do they want some pankakes with that ?

Mycroft · 8th May 2012, 07:47 AM

A little biographical information on the victim.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Weinstein

RenaissanceBiker · 8th May 2012, 10:24 AM

Quote:

"My life is in your hands, Mr. President," said the American captured in August from his home in the Pakistani city of Lahore. "If you accept the demands, I live. If you don't accept the demands, then I die."

I hate this line of reasoning. I understand that Mr. Weinstein is being forced to say this but I must reject the premise. Al Qaeda has him and they have the knife to his throat. No one is responsible for his death but Al Qaeda. Whenever I hear something like this it just makes me mad. You simply cannot make others responsible for your actions.

McHrozni · 8th May 2012, 10:29 AM

It is a pity due process interferes with the only just response: executing one AQ detainee every hour, until this man is freed. Ah well, I hope they rescue him alive and unharmed, although these hopes are slim indeed.

McHrozni

jbjr · 8th May 2012, 10:37 AM

This line of reasoning fits perfectly within the goals of terrorism. It's not about causing enough destruction to make the other side bend to your will. Its about making the other side fear you enough or destroying their morale enough to bend to your will. Everybody "knows" who is responsible for what happens to this man but thats not always the same as how it feels. Terrorism isn't about sound logic or well reasoned arguments. Its about destroying your enemy's morale.

Also, it seems pretty likely that they are making demands this outrageous on purpose. That way they are certain that they dont get met and they can have another victim.

Monketey Ghost · 8th May 2012, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Moon-Spinner

The Taliban also demands that from this day forward, everyone must wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes!!

so we can check...furthermore, all children under sixteen years old are now... sixteen years old!

Xulld · 8th May 2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Terrorism isn't about sound logic or well reasoned arguments. Its about destroying your enemy's morale.

I agree, which to me makes it all the more paramount that we remain rational in our policy making, and not allow fear to guide our legal system nor foreign policy., The erosion of personal rights is a direct result of emotional reactions to terrorism.

geni · 8th May 2012, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Quad4_72

Apparently Al Qaeda captured an American citizen over in Pakistan. Here is a list of their demands:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/...html?hpt=wo_c2

Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they?

Well the first and last demand have to a large part already been realised.

Skeptical Greg · 8th May 2012, 04:40 PM

Almost a year ago ?

Why is this news now ?

Puppycow · 8th May 2012, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Quad4_72

Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they?

It's possible, probable actually, that they know that these demands will never be met.

Puppycow · 8th May 2012, 05:05 PM

Remember that recently Israel traded thousands of Palestinian prisoners for just one captured Israeli soldier.

I don't think the USA will give up anything close to that in this case because the prisoner does not have a very high profile in the USA, but by putting video of him out there they are trying to raise his profile and value as a bargaining chip.

Quad4_72 · 8th May 2012, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Skeptical Greg

Almost a year ago ?

Why is this news now ?

I think they are just now making the demands.

Kevin_Lowe · 8th May 2012, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

It's possible, probable actually, that they know that these demands will never be met.

Stop that. The point of this thread is "hyuck hyuck them dumb arabs!".

Quad4_72 · 8th May 2012, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by Kevin_Lowe

Stop that. The point of this thread is "hyuck hyuck them dumb arabs!".

Interesting take on the thread. I noticed how you implied that I was racist towards Arabs. Is there any reasoning behind this or just a baseless assumption?

Mycroft · 8th May 2012, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by Quad4_72

Interesting take on the thread. I noticed how you implied that I was racist towards Arabs. Is there any reasoning behind this or just a baseless assumption?

It's because you said. "Al Qaeda isn't too bright..." and he's interpreting that to be a statement about all Arabic people.

If there is racism here, it wasn't yours.

Quad4_72 · 8th May 2012, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by Mycroft

It's because you said. "Al Qaeda isn't too bright..." and he's interpreting that to be a statement about all Arabic people.

If there is racism here, it wasn't yours.

Indeed. I don't recall Kevin_Lowes posting style. Is he always like this?

Kensington Bailey · 8th May 2012, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Moon-Spinner

The Taliban also demands that from this day forward, everyone must wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes!!

The Taliban's underwear? OK. Send it parcel post.

Cuddles · 9th May 2012, 03:23 AM

Originally Posted by Quad4_72

Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they?

Apparently not:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0504/us-...-compound.html

Quote:

the documents show that Bin Laden was not a 'puppet master' of jihadist groups around the world. Instead he was burdened by what he saw as their incompetence.

Mycroft · 9th May 2012, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by Cuddles

Apparently not:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0504/us-...-compound.html

Ooh! That's gotta smart!

aggle-rithm · 9th May 2012, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by Carnivore

The CIA should parachute a barefoot wisecracking off duty cop into Pakistan immediately.

"Come on out to Pakistan, have a few laughs...<grumble>"

aggle-rithm · 9th May 2012, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Mycroft

Ooh! That's gotta smart!

I think a variation of the Peter Principle hit al Qaeda hard. If someone demonstrated ability, they moved up the ranks and became visible enough to attract the attention of anti-terrorist forces. They were then retired in one way or another.

Repeat until incompetence is the status quo.

RenaissanceBiker · 10th May 2012, 05:55 AM

I can imagine the meeting they had to come up with the list of demands. It started small and snowballed into the ridiculous as each jihadist tried to one up the others. Finally one said, "They must give us Newt Gingrich's secret moon base!" It got quiet for a moment and Zawahiri said, "I think this will do."

wheunis · 10th May 2012, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by RenaissanceBiker

I can imagine the meeting they had to come up with the list of demands. It started small and snowballed into the ridiculous as each jihadist tried to one up the others. Finally one said, "They must give us Newt Gingrich's secret moon base!" It got quiet for a moment and Zawahiri said, "I think this will do."

Makes me think of this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjLV4VHVjk0

3point14 · 10th May 2012, 09:23 AM

If I were ever offered a lucrative contract working in the middle east (let's face it, that's why he was there, to make money) then I would lodge a letter with a loved one leaving strict instructions that no-one is to pay anything to anybody if I get kidnapped.

I'd be aware I was headed into a very dangerous area, I would clearly have weighed up the pros ($$$) and cons (being kidnapped), and have decided that the pros outweighed the cons. I'd be aware that kidnap was a possibility. I wouldn't want anyone's money spent or anyone's life in jeapordy as a result of my being kidnapped.

Sword_Of_Truth · 10th May 2012, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by 3point14

If I were ever offered a lucrative contract working in the middle east (let's face it, that's why he was there, to make money) then I would lodge a letter with a loved one leaving strict instructions that no-one is to pay anything to anybody if I get kidnapped.

I'd be aware I was headed into a very dangerous area, I would clearly have weighed up the pros ($$$) and cons (being kidnapped), and have decided that the pros outweighed the cons. I'd be aware that kidnap was a possibility. I wouldn't want anyone's money spent or anyone's life in jeapordy as a result of my being kidnapped.

I'd have a GPS tracker and a radio beacon surgically implanted inside me and then tell the CIA/USAF guys flying the predator drones to expect a phone call from me every 24 hours to let them know I'm ok.

theprestige · 10th May 2012, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by Quad4_72

Apparently Al Qaeda captured an American citizen over in Pakistan. Here is a list of their demands:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/...html?hpt=wo_c2

Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they?

Depends what you think the real purpose of these demands is. I don't think the real purpose is to achieve the goals listed.

I think the real purpose is propaganda: It's a list of excuses for their on-going campaign of violence. Expect items from this list to feature prominently in the terror-justifying rhetoric of useful idiots and Al Qaeda sympathizers in the next few months.

Al Qaeda--like the Taliban--isn't going to go away if Gitmo is closed. They'll just find some other target for their violence, and some other victims to threaten while they make unreasonable demands.

8th May 2012, 03:40 AM	#1
Quad4_72 AI-EE-YAH! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: USA Posts: 5,830	Al Qaeda captures American, then makes outrageous demands. Apparently Al Qaeda captured an American citizen over in Pakistan. Here is a list of their demands: Quote: Al Qaeda's demands include the lifting of the blockade on movement of people and trade between Egypt and Gaza; an end to bombing by the United States and its allies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and Gaza; the release of anyone arrested on charges of belonging to al Qaeda and the Taliban. It also calls for the release of all prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and American secret prisons and the closure of Guantanamo and the other prisons. The group also wants the release of terrorists convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the release of relatives of Osama bin Laden, the founder of al Qaeda who was killed last year in Pakistan. http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/...html?hpt=wo_c2 Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they?
	__________________ Looks like the one on top has a magazine, thus needs less reloading. Also, the muzzle shroud makes it less likely for a spree killer to burn his hands. The pistol grip makes it more comfortable for the spree killer to shoot. thaiboxerken

8th May 2012, 04:02 AM	#2
Carnivore Salad Dodger Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,383	It could be cover to distract attention from their elaborate bearer bonds heist. The CIA should parachute a barefoot wisecracking off duty cop into Pakistan immediately.
	__________________ "It's backwards thinking like this that made me leave Manchester. You Guinness swilling, Marmite blaspheming animal." - Malfie Henpox

8th May 2012, 05:02 AM	#3
Beerina Sarcastic Conqueror of Notions Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: A floating island above the clouds Posts: 23,835	I wouldn't rule out a ransom demand "on the side".
	__________________ "Great innovations should not be forced [by way of] slender majorities." - Thomas Jefferson The government should nationalize it! Socialized, single-payer video game development and sales *now!* More, cheaper, better games, right? Right?

8th May 2012, 06:45 AM	#5
IDB87 Illuminator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: In the Grass Posts: 3,414	Originally Posted by Moon-Spinner The Taliban also demands that from this day forward, everyone must wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes!! Good thing I don't wear underwear - I will not be a hostage to terrorist demands! USA USA!
	__________________ It's guaranteed I'm overreacting.

8th May 2012, 07:01 AM	#6
welshdean 2012 6Nations Grand Slam -------CHAMPIONS------- Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Spitting in Andrew Wakefields eye Posts: 1,398	All jokes aside, this poor fella will probably end up with his throat cut.
	__________________ Poe's Law!!! im christian if we came from apes how come were not hairy and have a big mouth and did we end up looking like we do know and besides there isnt any serious proof of apes they showd a video saying an ape was wondering around in the forest that thing looked exactly like a costume that i had saw at a store know one ever cought an ape (spelling/punctuation by original author)

8th May 2012, 06:07 AM	#4
Moon-Spinner Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Within a star too far to dream of Posts: 1,484	The Taliban also demands that from this day forward, everyone must wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes!!

8th May 2012, 07:06 AM	#7
jasonpatterson Philanthropic Misanthrope Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Space, The Final Frontier Posts: 2,180	I feel bad for the guy they captured, but yes, I definitely agree that the people who have him are not the sharpest spoons in the drawer.
	__________________ Sandra's seen a leprechaun, Eddie touched a troll, Laurie danced with witches once, Charlie found some goblins' gold. Donald heard a mermaid sing, Susie spied an elf, But all the magic I have known I've had to make myself. - Shel Silverstein

8th May 2012, 07:18 AM	#8
Quad4_72 AI-EE-YAH! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: USA Posts: 5,830	Originally Posted by welshdean All jokes aside, this poor fella will probably end up with his throat cut. More then likely he will get a beheading. I also wouldn't be surprised if his security guards were in on the deal.
	__________________ Looks like the one on top has a magazine, thus needs less reloading. Also, the muzzle shroud makes it less likely for a spree killer to burn his hands. The pistol grip makes it more comfortable for the spree killer to shoot. thaiboxerken

8th May 2012, 07:46 AM	#9
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In the details... Posts: 28,500	Originally Posted by Quad4_72 Apparently Al Qaeda captured an American citizen over in Pakistan. Here is a list of their demands: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/...html?hpt=wo_c2 Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they? Gee, do they want some pankakes with that ?
	__________________ The Onmyouza Theatre, An unofficial international fanclub forum dedicated to the Japanese heavy metal band Onmyo-Za: "In the interests of time and space, it is not unreasonable to cite one point at a time. Citing 30 is the equivalent of citing none. Obviously." - Robert Prey "Physical evidence must be observed and interpreted by witnesses which makes it subjective and subject to mistakes and to fraud." - Robert Prey

8th May 2012, 07:47 AM	#10
Mycroft High Priest of Ed Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 16,105	A little biographical information on the victim. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Weinstein
	__________________ Surely Israel is the party to blame? -a_unique_person I do have Mycroft on ignore, he is pretty much the Matt Giwer of your side. -a_unique_person Palestinian Refugees

8th May 2012, 10:24 AM	#11
RenaissanceBiker Eats shoots and leaves. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 6,803	Quote: "My life is in your hands, Mr. President," said the American captured in August from his home in the Pakistani city of Lahore. "If you accept the demands, I live. If you don't accept the demands, then I die." I hate this line of reasoning. I understand that Mr. Weinstein is being forced to say this but I must reject the premise. Al Qaeda has him and they have the knife to his throat. No one is responsible for his death but Al Qaeda. Whenever I hear something like this it just makes me mad. You simply cannot make others responsible for your actions.
	__________________ "Truth does not contradict truth." - St. Augustine "Faith often contradicts faith. Therefore faith is not an indication of truth." - RenaissanceBiker

8th May 2012, 10:29 AM	#12
McHrozni Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,563	It is a pity due process interferes with the only just response: executing one AQ detainee every hour, until this man is freed. Ah well, I hope they rescue him alive and unharmed, although these hopes are slim indeed. McHrozni
McHrozni Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,563

8th May 2012, 10:37 AM	#13
jbjr Student Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 45	This line of reasoning fits perfectly within the goals of terrorism. It's not about causing enough destruction to make the other side bend to your will. Its about making the other side fear you enough or destroying their morale enough to bend to your will. Everybody "knows" who is responsible for what happens to this man but thats not always the same as how it feels. Terrorism isn't about sound logic or well reasoned arguments. Its about destroying your enemy's morale. Also, it seems pretty likely that they are making demands this outrageous on purpose. That way they are certain that they dont get met and they can have another victim.
jbjr Student Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 45

8th May 2012, 10:39 AM	#14
Monketey Ghost Body of Work Join Date: May 2003 Location: I'm on your screen! Posts: 14,808	Originally Posted by Moon-Spinner The Taliban also demands that from this day forward, everyone must wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes!! so we can check...furthermore, all children under sixteen years old are now... sixteen years old!
	__________________ _{The membership of this forum is henceforth to refer to me as potato-headed Bobby} _{SSKCAS, member in long standing}

8th May 2012, 11:24 AM	#15
Xulld Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 1,113	Quote: Terrorism isn't about sound logic or well reasoned arguments. Its about destroying your enemy's morale. I agree, which to me makes it all the more paramount that we remain rational in our policy making, and not allow fear to guide our legal system nor foreign policy., The erosion of personal rights is a direct result of emotional reactions to terrorism.
	__________________ "Natural justice is a symbol or expression of usefullness, to prevent one person from harming or being harmed by another." -Epicurus

8th May 2012, 11:46 AM	#16
geni Anti-homeopathy illuminati member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: UK Posts: 26,559	Originally Posted by Quad4_72 Apparently Al Qaeda captured an American citizen over in Pakistan. Here is a list of their demands: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/...html?hpt=wo_c2 Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they? Well the first and last demand have to a large part already been realised.

8th May 2012, 04:40 PM	#17
Skeptical Greg Agave Wine Connoisseur Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Just past 'Resume Speed' Posts: 12,873	Almost a year ago ? Why is this news now ?
	__________________ " Somewhere between Jesus dying on the cross, and a giant bunny hiding eggs,there seems to be a gap in information. " Stan - Southpark Prove your computer is not a wimp ! Join the JREF Folders ! Team 13232

8th May 2012, 04:52 PM	#18
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,749	Originally Posted by Quad4_72 Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they? It's possible, probable actually, that they know that these demands will never be met.
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

8th May 2012, 05:05 PM	#19
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Japan Posts: 15,749	Remember that recently Israel traded thousands of Palestinian prisoners for just one captured Israeli soldier. I don't think the USA will give up anything close to that in this case because the prisoner does not have a very high profile in the USA, but by putting video of him out there they are trying to raise his profile and value as a bargaining chip.
	__________________ “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

8th May 2012, 06:38 PM	#20
Quad4_72 AI-EE-YAH! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: USA Posts: 5,830	Originally Posted by Skeptical Greg Almost a year ago ? Why is this news now ? I think they are just now making the demands.
	__________________ Looks like the one on top has a magazine, thus needs less reloading. Also, the muzzle shroud makes it less likely for a spree killer to burn his hands. The pistol grip makes it more comfortable for the spree killer to shoot. thaiboxerken

8th May 2012, 07:09 PM	#21
Kevin_Lowe Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Queensland Posts: 10,276	Originally Posted by Puppycow It's possible, probable actually, that they know that these demands will never be met. Stop that. The point of this thread is "hyuck hyuck them dumb arabs!".
	__________________ Thinking is skilled work....People with untrained minds should no more expect to think clearly and logically than people who have never learned and never practiced can expect to find themselves good carpenters, golfers, bridge-players, or pianists. -- Alfred Mander

8th May 2012, 07:22 PM	#22
Quad4_72 AI-EE-YAH! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: USA Posts: 5,830	Originally Posted by Kevin_Lowe Stop that. The point of this thread is "hyuck hyuck them dumb arabs!". Interesting take on the thread. I noticed how you implied that I was racist towards Arabs. Is there any reasoning behind this or just a baseless assumption?
	__________________ Looks like the one on top has a magazine, thus needs less reloading. Also, the muzzle shroud makes it less likely for a spree killer to burn his hands. The pistol grip makes it more comfortable for the spree killer to shoot. thaiboxerken

8th May 2012, 07:44 PM	#23
Mycroft High Priest of Ed Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 16,105	Originally Posted by Quad4_72 Interesting take on the thread. I noticed how you implied that I was racist towards Arabs. Is there any reasoning behind this or just a baseless assumption? It's because you said. "Al Qaeda isn't too bright..." and he's interpreting that to be a statement about all Arabic people. If there is racism here, it wasn't yours.
	__________________ Surely Israel is the party to blame? -a_unique_person I do have Mycroft on ignore, he is pretty much the Matt Giwer of your side. -a_unique_person Palestinian Refugees

8th May 2012, 07:52 PM	#24
Quad4_72 AI-EE-YAH! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: USA Posts: 5,830	Originally Posted by Mycroft It's because you said. "Al Qaeda isn't too bright..." and he's interpreting that to be a statement about all Arabic people. If there is racism here, it wasn't yours. Indeed. I don't recall Kevin_Lowes posting style. Is he always like this?
	__________________ Looks like the one on top has a magazine, thus needs less reloading. Also, the muzzle shroud makes it less likely for a spree killer to burn his hands. The pistol grip makes it more comfortable for the spree killer to shoot. thaiboxerken

8th May 2012, 08:01 PM	#25
Kensington Bailey Critical Thinker Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: LO Posts: 414	Originally Posted by Moon-Spinner The Taliban also demands that from this day forward, everyone must wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes!! The Taliban's underwear? OK. Send it parcel post.

9th May 2012, 03:23 AM	#26
Cuddles Decoy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: A magical land full of pink fluffy sheeps and bunnies Posts: 16,580	Originally Posted by Quad4_72 Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they? Apparently not: http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0504/us-...-compound.html Quote: the documents show that Bin Laden was not a 'puppet master' of jihadist groups around the world. Instead he was burdened by what he saw as their incompetence.
	__________________ I am not a little teapot.

9th May 2012, 07:03 AM	#27
Mycroft High Priest of Ed Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 16,105	Originally Posted by Cuddles Apparently not: http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0504/us-...-compound.html Ooh! That's gotta smart!
	__________________ Surely Israel is the party to blame? -a_unique_person I do have Mycroft on ignore, he is pretty much the Matt Giwer of your side. -a_unique_person Palestinian Refugees

9th May 2012, 07:10 AM	#28
aggle-rithm Ardent Formulist Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 14,150	Originally Posted by Carnivore The CIA should parachute a barefoot wisecracking off duty cop into Pakistan immediately. "Come on out to Pakistan, have a few laughs...<grumble>"
	__________________ To understand recursion, you must first understand recursion. Woo's razor: Never attribute to stupidity that which can be adequately explained by aliens.

9th May 2012, 07:13 AM	#29
aggle-rithm Ardent Formulist Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 14,150	Originally Posted by Mycroft Ooh! That's gotta smart! I think a variation of the Peter Principle hit al Qaeda hard. If someone demonstrated ability, they moved up the ranks and became visible enough to attract the attention of anti-terrorist forces. They were then retired in one way or another. Repeat until incompetence is the status quo.
	__________________ To understand recursion, you must first understand recursion. Woo's razor: Never attribute to stupidity that which can be adequately explained by aliens.

10th May 2012, 05:55 AM	#30
RenaissanceBiker Eats shoots and leaves. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 6,803	I can imagine the meeting they had to come up with the list of demands. It started small and snowballed into the ridiculous as each jihadist tried to one up the others. Finally one said, "They must give us Newt Gingrich's secret moon base!" It got quiet for a moment and Zawahiri said, "I think this will do."
	__________________ "Truth does not contradict truth." - St. Augustine "Faith often contradicts faith. Therefore faith is not an indication of truth." - RenaissanceBiker

10th May 2012, 07:08 AM	#31
wheunis Thinker Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 157	Originally Posted by RenaissanceBiker I can imagine the meeting they had to come up with the list of demands. It started small and snowballed into the ridiculous as each jihadist tried to one up the others. Finally one said, "They must give us Newt Gingrich's secret moon base!" It got quiet for a moment and Zawahiri said, "I think this will do." Makes me think of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjLV4VHVjk0
wheunis Thinker Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 157	Last edited by wheunis; 10th May 2012 at 07:14 AM.

10th May 2012, 09:23 AM	#32
3point14 Pi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: London ish Posts: 3,596	If I were ever offered a lucrative contract working in the middle east (let's face it, that's why he was there, to make money) then I would lodge a letter with a loved one leaving strict instructions that no-one is to pay anything to anybody if I get kidnapped. I'd be aware I was headed into a very dangerous area, I would clearly have weighed up the pros ($$$) and cons (being kidnapped), and have decided that the pros outweighed the cons. I'd be aware that kidnap was a possibility. I wouldn't want anyone's money spent or anyone's life in jeapordy as a result of my being kidnapped.
	__________________ Cull the delusional.

10th May 2012, 09:40 AM	#33
Sword_Of_Truth Penultimate Amazing Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 11,497	Originally Posted by 3point14 If I were ever offered a lucrative contract working in the middle east (let's face it, that's why he was there, to make money) then I would lodge a letter with a loved one leaving strict instructions that no-one is to pay anything to anybody if I get kidnapped. I'd be aware I was headed into a very dangerous area, I would clearly have weighed up the pros ($$$) and cons (being kidnapped), and have decided that the pros outweighed the cons. I'd be aware that kidnap was a possibility. I wouldn't want anyone's money spent or anyone's life in jeapordy as a result of my being kidnapped. I'd have a GPS tracker and a radio beacon surgically implanted inside me and then tell the CIA/USAF guys flying the predator drones to expect a phone call from me every 24 hours to let them know I'm ok.

10th May 2012, 09:41 AM	#34
theprestige Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,574	Originally Posted by Quad4_72 Apparently Al Qaeda captured an American citizen over in Pakistan. Here is a list of their demands: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/world/...html?hpt=wo_c2 Al Qaeda isn't too bright these days are they? Depends what you think the real purpose of these demands is. I don't think the real purpose is to achieve the goals listed. I think the real purpose is propaganda: It's a list of excuses for their on-going campaign of violence. Expect items from this list to feature prominently in the terror-justifying rhetoric of useful idiots and Al Qaeda sympathizers in the next few months. Al Qaeda--like the Taliban--isn't going to go away if Gitmo is closed. They'll just find some other target for their violence, and some other victims to threaten while they make unreasonable demands.
theprestige Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,574