U.S. to designate Palestinian militia Al Aqsa brigades as terrorist group

Canada.com ^ | March 21 2002

[knighthawk]

WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States is taking steps to designate the Al Aqsa brigades, a Palestinian militia, as a foreign terrorist organization, Bush administration officials said Thursday.

The brigades are linked to the Fatah faction of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The disclosure came hours after Al Aqsa claimed responsibility for a terrorist act in a Jerusalem shopping area in which a Palestinian suicide bomber killed himself and two bystanders. At least 60 people were wounded.

Secretary of State Colin Powell began taking steps to designate Al-Aqsa a foreign terrorist organization on Tuesday and notified Congress on Wednesday, said State Department spokesman Philip Reeker.

It is illegal for Americans to provide financial support for groups so designated.

Reeker, asked about links between Al Aqsa and Arafat, said the connection between the group and the top Palestinian leadership was unclear.

The administration has come under strong pressure from members of Congress in recent days to declare Al Aqsa a terrorist organization.

After the suicide bombing, Powell called Arafat and demanded that he condemn the attack, Reeker said. Powell added, according to Reeker, "The time to act is now."

[knighthawk]

It was about time!

[Tai_Chung]

When will the United States designate Islam as a terrorist organization?

[encm(ss)]

Good. Now let the elite news media eat on this. This should really upset CNN and Chritiana Amalampost.

[monkeyshine]

Reeker, asked about links between Al Aqsa and Arafat, said the connection between the group and the top Palestinian leadership was unclear.

None are so blind as those who refuse to see.

[Catspaw]

Long overdue. But add in Fatah, Force 17 and Tanzim and I'll be happy.

[crystalk]

Add in the House of Saud, ACLU, ADL, and PAW.

[Catspaw]

Reeker, asked about links between Al Aqsa and Arafat, said the connection between the group and the top Palestinian leadership was unclear.

I'll answer the question for Mr. Reeker: Al Aqsa Martyr's Brigade was founded by Yasser Arafat at the beginning of the intafada about 18 months ago.

Next question?

[Catspaw]

Let's say it's a good start.

[chiefqc]

Hey Ara-O-Fat - Remember the shot that you don't hear will be the one to send to your waiting virgins, and not soon enough.

Well maybe when the virgins see how fat, ugly and what bad breath you have they will revolt.

[Mark17]

When will the United States designate Islam as a terrorist organization?

When PC dies an ignominious death.

[crystalk]

There are very, very few virgins in the Islamic world, and those from the Christian world are also not VERY many, and mostly very devout in their faith and practice, that is why they are virgins.

I don't think many of them would be willing to marry outside their faith, especially not a Muslim.

[American in Israel]

When will the United States designate Islam as a terrorist organization?

BUMP!

[EternalHope]

Reeker, asked about links between Al Aqsa and Arafat, said the connection between the group and the top Palestinian leadership was unclear.

The connection is clear and known by all. We do not wish to make Arafat a martyr, so we choose to let him off. For now.

Hopefully that will change. Soon.