What Is Al-Qaeda?

Question

-Al-Qaeda claims to be a force fighting for Islam which is undersiege by non-believers

-The Government says they are Muslim Terrorists bent on murdering non-Muslims

-The media says they are Muslim terrorists slaughtering innocent people left and right

A lot of criminal organizations have somewhat benevolent origins. Al-Qaeda is no exception. It started out fighting against opressive regimes and to this day it is still fighting opressive regimes, at least in its own eyes.

Also like a lot criminal organizations, Al-Qaeda is very ritualistic with its religous customs. Take a look at the practices of the Sicilian Mafia or Japanese Yakuza.

Religion is the binding factor between the members of Al-Qaeda not the driving force. I think its safe to say the driving force is a thirst for power and that their motivations are politcal not religious.

If Terrorists are defined as a very sophisticated criminal organization then yes, Al Qaeda are terrorists.

Isn't it counterproductive in stopping these psychopaths by labeling them "Muslim Terrorists" and make no mention of the criminal element of the organizaiton?

Think about, Islam is the binding factor between its members and they claim to be fighting "oppressive regimes" that see them as less than human. So by cosntantly labeling them Muslim Terrorists and not criminals aren't we empowering them?

I find it alarming that both Al-Qaeda and its enemies are preaching practically the same thing.

I wanted to further point out that fundamentally Al-Qaeda is working against corrupt bureaucratic and political systems. Who can say that corrupt bureaucratic and political systems is not a problem in todays world. So I think it is a bit socially irresponible to keep making Al-Qaeda out as this unstoppable and devastating force.

Answer 1

I think you're on to something when you note the empowering aspect. I imagine more than a few applicants or aspiring members go there thinking they are serving a jihad, and may find it awkard at best to back out one they're at the training camps or militant madrassas.

Answer 2

Al-Qaeda is definitely a terrorist group, their main target is to cause terror or to terrorize people.

It is an Islamic Fundamentalist Group, they use the Koran for their teachings but the Koran is not a terrorist handbook, it is very much like a Christian Bible, written in beautiful verses. In Al-Qaeda's project the use of the Koran is to obtain mental and emotional control and influence over people, it seems to be easier to catch someone buy their believes instead of by their reason.

The problem lies in the fact that the Koran is very much left to interpretation, Al-Qaeda has its own and based on terrorism. There is a second factor in this group of people, they need by all means to have political control or they would disappear as what ever you call them.

Bye

Answer 3

Well, I believe this group of "terrorist" take Islam out of its true context to fit there own agenda. Wars have been fought and nations have been destroyed in the name of Christianity. Kings used "Gods Will" to crush nations and build-up their own. They were not labled terrorist. Blacks were enslaved, beaten, raped, and murdered for hundreds of years and those responsilbe were not labled as terrorist. Indians were forced off of their land and onto small reservations and their tormentors were not labled as terrorist. The Black Panthers were labled terrorist for being sick of the violence directed at blacks and picking up arms. They provided food to inner city school kids, ran soup kitchens, patrolled streets, etc... You have to look at who is placing the label. When you look at the true meaning of terrorism you will find that a lot of people are guilty. I don't agree with killing innocent people, but I've never lived in Iraq, Bosnia, Haiti, Rowanda, etc... I don't know what it's like to be invaded, jailed, bombed, murdered, etc...Losing children in a war over oil. Until we really know what has led to such acts, one cannot judge those at fault. The media has a way of painting pictures of terrorist too. I guarantee most people picture a muslim man with a thick beard, etc... You know the type. The mob ( as you mentioned) was labeled as organized crime or criminals. Not terrorist. Most members of Yakuza were government officials. Ofcourse they couldn't be labeled terrorist. Most of the "things" that happen in the world today, happen because those with power want them to happen. There's always an agenda. Figuring out what that agenda is can be the problem. Most of the time greed and a thrist for power ( as you mentioned) are the driving force for terrorist. But sometimes survival and the need to stand up for yourself and your people is enough.

Answer 4

They are the Arabic and blown up version of the KKK!! Just some red-neck/low class citizens bent on getting revenge on their governments and any external influences...

Basically, a product of good CIA training and abuse or depravity or abundanement from their own governements/leaders...

They definetely don't represent Islam in any way,shape or form...got nothing to do with religion.....its politics, economy and territorial (the bases of most conflicts in modern history)....

Answer 5

As the KKK is to Chrisitanity so is Al-queda to Islam. They openly take credit for murdering the innocent.

Answer 6

Religion is the cause of many wars plus their leaders

Answer 7

Just KILL the s.o.b.s, they would not think twice about killing anyone who won't worship as they, or support their ideals.

Answer 8

a global terrorist organisation