Posted on 02/21/2003 12:42:17 AM PST by kattracks
Edited on 05/26/2004 5:12:14 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
February 21, 2003 -- THE indictment yesterday of the Islamic Jihad terrorist leadership operating out of the United States since 1984 was unprecedented in scope and magnitude. With 50 counts (166 pages), it revealed in fascinating detail the internal conversations, discussions, planning and covert financing of one of the most murderous terrorist enterprises in the world. It uncovered a world we never get to see: how a terrorist enterprise was created, maintained, financed, and coordinated from the safety of the United States.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
FOX NEWS.com: "FLORIDA PROFESSOR CHARGED WITH OPERATING GLOBAL TERROR ORGANIZATION" (ARTICLE NOTE: The Florida professor is Sami Al-Arian. The terror organization is Palestinian Islamic Jihad.) (February 20, 2003)
US DOJ.gov: "MEMBERS OF THE PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH RACKETEERING AND CONSPIRACY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO TERRORISTS" (PRESS RELEASE SNIPPET: "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General John Ashcroft, Assistant Attorney General Michael Chertoff of the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Paul I. Perez of the Middle District of Florida, and James F. Jarboe, FBI Special Agent In Charge of the Tampa Field Office, today announced the arrest of four members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a designated foreign terrorist organization, following the return of a 50-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Tampa, Florida. The indictment, returned Feb. 19 and unsealed today, charges a total of eight defendants under RICO with operating a racketeering enterprise from 1984 until the present that engaged in a number of violent activities. In addition, the indictment charges conspiracy within the United States to kill and main persons abroad, conspiracy to provide material support and resources to PIJ, conspiracy to violate emergency economic sanctions, engaging in various acts of interstate extortion, perjury, obstruction of justice and immigration fraud. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison. "The individuals named in this indictment play a substantial role in international terrorism – they are 'material supporters' of foreign terrorist organizations. They finance, extol and assist acts of terror," said Attorney General John Ashcroft. "Our message to them is clear: We make no distinction between those who carry out terrorist attacks and those who knowingly finance, manage or supervise terrorist organizations. We will bring justice to the full network of terror." The defendants arrested today are: *Sami Amin Al-Arian, 45, born in Kuwait, a resident of Temple Terrace, Fla., and for many years a professor at the University of South Florida's College of Engineering. Al-Arian was the alleged leader of the PIJ in the United States, and Secretary of the "Shura Council," or worldwide governing group of the PIJ; *Sameeh Hammoudeh, 42, born in the West Bank, a resident of Temple Terrace, Fla., an instructor and student at USF, and administrator at the Islamic Academy of Florida. Hammoudeh was an alleged member of the PIJ in the Tampa area; *Hatim Naji Fariz, 30, born in Puerto Rico, a resident of Spring Hill, Fla., and a manager for a medical clinic. Fariz also was an alleged PIJ member; and *Ghassan Zayed Ballut, 41, born in the West Bank, a resident of Tinley Park, Illinois, and a small business owner. Ballut was an alleged member of a PIJ cell in Chicago, Illinois. The other defendants charged in the indictment remain overseas. They are: *Ramadan Abdullah Shallah, 45, born in the Gaza Strip in the Occupied Territories, a resident of Damascus, Syria, current worldwide leader of the PIJ and a member of the PIJ's Shura Council. Shallah, formerly of Tampa, is former Executor Director of the World Islam and Studies Enterprise (WISE) and a former instructor at USF. Shallah was named by the United States as a Specially Designated Terrorist in November 1995; *Bashir Musa Mohammed Nafi, 50, born in Egypt, a resident of Oxfordshire, England, and a professor at Muslim College, formerly associated with WISE. Nafi was the leader of the PIJ in the United Kingdom, a member and founder of the PIJ, and a member of the Shura Council; *Mohammed Tasir Hassan Al-Khatib, 46, born in the Gaza Strip in the Occupied Territories, a resident in the Beirut, Lebanon area, formerly associated with Islamic Committee for Palestine (ICP) in Tampa. Al-Khatib was Treasurer of the PIJ and a member of the Shura Council; and *Abd Al Aziz Awda, 52, born in Gabaly, Israel, a resident of the Gaza Strip and Imam of the Al Qassam Mosque in the Gaza Strip. Awda was a founder and spiritual leader of the PIJ and a member of the Shura Council. In January 1995, Awda was designated by the United States as a specially designated terrorist.") (February 20, 2003) (Click here to read the full text of this press release.)
I'm sorry, Travis... but my ancient eyes and hairy ears are slowly failing their intended purpose. Will you please repeat you comment at a slightly higher level???
Thanks,Travis... no further problem understanding your post... and I totally agree therewith !!!
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There are two Jewish communities though. We have to understand the difference. They have their conservatives like any other group. Those are who we will stand by until we can no longer stand.
The other community are those who look upon Barabara Streisand as a role model, behavior and all. The Jewish equivelant of our Carvilles, Begalas and *choke* Clintons (although they have yet to surpass the later.)
At any rate, the "unbiased" news media will always favor the view of the lesser side of any group. Rest assured, just looking around FR you will see plenty who "get it" and stand by us as much as we will stand by them.
Believe me, living in Boca and watching the slobbering over Bob Wexler in political support, I used to ask the same question. FR has really helped to open my eyes. Take my word for it, though. We are far closer and have more in common that many believe, especially after 9/11. I have faith that it will be reflected in the next election.
Jews did NOT support Republicans trying to help Bush fight terrorism in the 2002 elections!! Bush is Israel's best friend and they refuse to see it!! There are none so blind....
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