Free Republic

WASHINGTON – Despite a government crackdown, Al Qaeda continues to recruit members in U.S. prisons. U.S. officials said Al Qaeda’s recruitment has been facilitated by Muslim clergy with access to federal and state prisons. They said the organization has succeeded in winning new members despite tighter rules instituted by authorities since the Al Qaeda suicide attacks in September 2001. “These terrorists seek to exploit our freedom to exercise religion to their advantage by using radical forms of Islam to recruit operatives,” FBI counter-terrorism chief John Pistole said. “Unfortunately, U.S. correctional institutions are a viable venue for such radicalization and recruitment.”...

The speaker quoted late Air Force Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James, who said his mother told him, "Don't stand there banging on the door to opportunity, then when someone opens it, you say, 'Wait a minute, I got to get my bags.' "You be prepared with your bags of knowledge, your patriotism, your honor -- and when somebody opens that door, you charge in," Charles Abell recited from James' account. Abell, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, was giving opening remarks at an African-American History Month reception here at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Feb. 18. The reception...