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Be Alert! - Oct. 31, 2006
Article List Ezekiel 5:5 Zechariah 12:2-3 1 John 2:22 'Is There Now a Muslim Caliphate?' Many times over the years I have heard from all fronts that Islam is scattered due to not having a shepherd. The Catholics have their Pope, and other denominations have their leadership to explain their practiced dogmas. Since Mohammed died, Islam has been dealing with a scattered sense of right and wrong, specifically in the conflict between Sunni and Shiite factions. There have been other factions in Islam that have fought against Muslims, and even the void today between the terrorist element and Muslims who do not practice Islam this way exists globally. What I have seen in the recent years is the battle to define mainstream Islam and to try and eliminate the Jihadist mentality in order to put forth a more moderate view of Islam, and to accomplish the peace process in the Middle East that has been hindered by extremists bent on the eradication of Israel. For years I have been wondering who on this Earth could handle a task that large, as well as gain the trust of Israel and the West. Who could make a claim to be able to accomplish this, but also begin this with the consent of the entire globe? Enter King Abdullah II of Jordan, son of Hussein, 43rd direct descendent of Mohammed in a long line of Hashemites. The Hashemite Kingdom, once controlled the Middle East as well as having had the task of maintaining all Muslim scared places and shrines, Mecca, Medina, and of course the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Chased out by Wahabbi extremists in Saudi Arabia, and double crossed by the I do believe Abdullah II has aspired to greatness in a few areas here. He was most instrumental in drafting the peace treaty between the Arabs and Jews that was agreed upon in Rome and once again in Egypt a couple of months ago. He has taken away the Temple Mount authority from the Palestinians, and was given sole authority to that same place. He has pulled together an Arab Muslim alliance of 10 nations that have been trying to push his peace plan into action, while Libya, Iraq, and Syria were the Arab elements that disagreed with him. Two of those three nations are now powerless so to speak, and Syria is about to change drastically with Assad heading out the door here very soon. He has been called The Great peacemaker by the Jews, he ahs been praised by the E.U., U.N., and the Unites States. He has visited about every single nation on Earth pushing his agenda, and seems to find wide acceptance in his plans for peace. Now he has outlawed terrorism in Islam. Flying the Hashemite flag over countries in his coalition, as well as his plans to build a 400 some foot tower on the Temple Mount emblazoned with Hashemite symbols. He has shown that he will not tolerate terror, he has basically redefined Islam to the West, and he has gained the trust of the world. By flying the Hashemite flag, he has already basically claimed to be ruler of the Hashemite Kingdom, i.e.- Islam. Restoration of the once glorious Kingdom to bring back the honor of Islam as it was in it's heyday. Being a direct descendant of Mohammed, he is untouchable by Muslims who would want him dead. Being a King, and living in the area that used to be part of the old Hashemite Kingdom, he ahs basically begun to take on what I see as the Grand Caliph, and as he publicly stands to redefine Islam, as well as rebuilding the parapet of Saladin, and a parapet on the Temple Mount with Hashemite symbols, it seems obvious to me. This King has set himself up as the leader of Islam, the great unifying force behind Islam, a mediator of peace between Israel and her neighbors, and the wealth and worldwide acceptance to back him up. This one man with such a giant purpose, flying under the radar so softly, seemingly goes unnoticed by the world media and populace. He offers the globe a peace plan, he unites Islam, he has gained the trust of the Jews and has a 10 nation coalition with 3 uprooted dissenting nations in his neighborhood. He offers the world peace and safety. And we hear about Jon Benet ramsey and Tom Cruises' latest marriage. The scary part of this is in the biblical book of Daniel when speaking of the Anti i-Christ, it shows a man who would come from the Seleucid portion of the old Roman Empire. Jordan is there. He will lead 10 nations; he will uproot 3 of those who dissent. He will offer Israel a truce, as well as allow them to build their temple across from the Dome in Jerusalem. Last weeks news actually, but it did happen. And eventually as he instills his Kingdom on Earth, the Bible tells us that anyone refusing to follow will literally lose their heads. Hmmm, where have we seen this before? And those who know Islam understand it will deceive with a false sense of peace and security in order to eventually gain enough footholds to take over. This guy is walking the same line Mohammed walked in Mecca. He will deceive many with peace, says Daniel, not terror or power. Muslim Caliphate and Maker of Peace, or Anti-Chris, is there really a difference? A leader of Islam would in time most certainly attempt to globalize Islam, even under the false peace. A Caliph who is descended of Mohammed himself has this right as well to decree it. In my opinion, nothing would make a better Anti-Christ than one who serves a religion that denies His purpose and Jihads for the death of His followers as commanded in the Koran. Just wouldn't be right for any other religion to pull this off, would it? Though I leave this entire idea to the independent reader, to date I have not seen anyone in my life who has taken on the role Daniel said would be taken on, and actually accomplish about 99.9% of it all before my eyes. And with such subtlety at that. I am now waiting for Syria to fall into line with Abdullahs’ definition of moderation and peace to make it 100%. Then, the rest will remain to be seen. Scary, isn’t it? Pete Fisher is a concerned citizen in the Chicago area who has written several articles on the economy, educational system, politics, and religion. He has been feature on several sites such as RenewAmerica.us, Chronwatch.comBlessedcause.com, Michnews.com, mensnewsdaily.com, The Rant.us, and has been circulated on various other sites worldwide. He is a 6 year veteran of the Armed Forces. http://americandaily.com/article/16240 Ex-official: Muhammad reveals key to overcoming jihadists The failure of Pentagon brass to implement a "systematic study" of Muhammad's military doctrine is hurting the U.S. military's effort to control and defeat insurgents and terrorists, complains William Gawthrop, who until recent months headed a key counterintelligence and counterterrorism program set up at the Pentagon after 9/11. During this year's Ramadan, just ended, U.S. troops suffered another spike in casualties. Ramadan is the Islamic holy month when Muslims believe Muhammad received the Quran, the Muslim scripture, in a divine revelation. Almost 100 GIs have been killed in Iraq this month alone. Attacks on U.S. and other coalition soldiers in Afghanistan also increased during Ramadan. The U.S. still does not have an in-depth understanding of the war-fighting doctrine laid down by Muhammad, says Gawthrop, who recently stepped down as program manager for the Joint Terrorism Task Force of the Defense Department's Counterintelligence Field Activity, or CIFA. "As late as early 2006, the senior service colleges of the Department of Defense had not incorporated into their curriculum a systematic study of Muhammad as a military or political leader," Gawthrop said. "As a consequence, we still do not have an in-depth understanding of the war-fighting doctrine laid down by Muhammad, how it might be applied today by an increasing number of Islamic groups, or how it might be countered." Washington-based CIFA is a key Pentagon intelligence agency involved in homeland security. It staffs hundreds of investigators and analysts to help coordinate Pentagon security efforts at home and abroad. CIFA also supports Northern Command in Colorado, which was established after 9/11 to help military forces react to terrorist threats in the continental United States. Gawthrop says jihadists in Iraq and Afghanistan are simply following the example of Muhammad, who some 1,400 years ago personally led 27 attacks and sent his armies out 47 additional times against non-Islamic communities averaging about seven operations a year. He says the Muslim prophet's military doctrine is contained in the Quran and its supplements, and the insurgents and terrorists are using them as their manual of warfare. They are Muhammad's soldiers in the 21st century. Homegrown and freelance terrorists are also following his example, he notes. "There is evidence to support the contention that sources of terrorism in Islam may reside within the strategic themes of Islam," Gawthrop said. They include "the example of Muhammad, the Quran, the hadiths, Islamic law, the pillars of faith and jihad." The Muslim sacred books cover all aspects of warfare, from methods and tactics of violence against kafirs to war booty to truces, he says. Even alms-giving is directed toward jihad, which is obligatory for Muslims, who are told by the Quran that "fighting is prescribed for you" (another translation says "warfare is ordained for you"). Gawthrop says the Pentagon needs to develop a broad new strategy to deal with the threat from Islamic terrorists. But to do so, officials must first overcome the political taboo of linking Islamic violence to the religion of Islam, its sacred scripture and the personal example of its revered prophet. "Muhammad's mindset is a source for terrorism," Gawthrop flatly says. Dealing with the threat on a tactical and operational level through counterstrikes and capture has proven only marginally successful. Gawthrop and other military leaders want to combat it from a strategic standpoint, using informational warfare, among other things. A critical part of that strategy involves studying Islam, including the Quran and the hadiths, or traditions of Muhammad, and exploiting critical vulnerabilities and controversies within the faith itself. "The ideological lever has largely been ignored," he said, while the threat from Islamic terrorism and jihadism grows stronger and stronger – now now infecting Great Britain, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, in addition to Thailand, Indonesia (and indirectly Australia), Somalia, Russia and India. "Today the United States and an increasing number of other governments are beleaguered by an expanding array of states, groups and individuals whose goals, actions and norms are animated by Islamic values," Gawthrop said. "This places the defenders in the unenviable position of having to fight, at the strategic level, against an idea." How do you attack an idea? By hitting "soft spots" in the Islamic faith that, once exploited, "may induce a deteriorating cascade effect upon the target," Gawthrop says. "Critical vulnerabilities of the Quran, for example, are that it was uttered by a mortal," Gawthrop said. "Similar vulnerabilities may be found in Muhammad's character." As the jihad spreads, he says the government eventually will have to get involved in a such a controversial national education campaign, politically incorrect as it may be. "If the United States, moderate Muslim governments and the non-Muslim world seek to engage ideological adversaries on their own ground," he said, "they will have to develop, use and maintain the full range of capabilities in the ideological component of national power, and address Islam's strategic themes directly." Gawthrop notes that the Defense Intelligence Agency has produced reports on jihad, but not any detailed reports on Muhammad and his political and military doctrine. The reports discussing jihad include: "Y: The Sources of Islamic Revolutionary Conduct" by Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen P. Lambert and "Islam: The Peaceful Religion in Perpetual War" by the Joint Military Intelligence College. Gawthrop's analysis appears in the new fall 2006 edition of "The Vanguard," the professional journal of the Military Intelligence Corps Association published out of Fort Huachuca, Ariz., the Army's intelligence headquarters. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52644 Israel to step up operations in Gaza WORLDNETDAILY - By Aaron Klein - October 30, 2006 -- JERUSALEM – The Israel Defense Forces in the coming days will expand its military operations against terrorists in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Knesset today. " Israel is operating against Hamas centers in Gaza. We will expand the operations, but we will not remain for an extended period in Gaza," Olmert said. The prime minister did not publicly announce the new measures he approved for operations in Gaza, which came after a meeting Thursday with the senior IDF leadership. Israel withdrew from Gaza in the summer of 2005. Since then, Palestinians regularly have fired rockets at nearby Jewish communities. Terror groups reportedly smuggled hundreds of tons of weapons into the Gaza Strip as terror leaders there openly tell WND they are preparing for a confrontation with Israel. One week ago, WND broke the story the Israeli military was set to present battle plans for approval by the government here for a large-scale Gaza offensive, including possible reoccupation of parts of the territory, according to senior IDF officers. The officials said the offensive is "crucial" for Israel's security and would be the largest military operation launched against Palestinian terror groups in Gaza since Israel evacuated the territory last year. But the officials said they were worried the Gaza assault may be "watered down" by Olmert for political reasons. As WND reported, senior IDF officials told Israel's Knesset earlier this month more than 20 tons of weapons have been brought into Gaza from the neighboring Sinai desert in the last 10 months alone, including a large number of anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles. WND also obtained a report by the intelligence branch of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party which stated Hamas has smuggled between several hundred and 1,300 tons of weapons from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, including advance rockets; anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles; rocket-propelled grenades; raw explosives; rifles; ammunition; and other heavy weaponry. Yuval Diskin, director of Israel's Shin Bet Security Services, told the Knesset last month there are major fears Palestinian terror groups are "turning Gaza into south Lebanon." Diskin was referring to the Lebanese Hezbollah militia's development in south Lebanon of large rocket and weapons arsenals for use against Israel. In a deal brokered in November by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Egypt-Gaza border, once controlled by the Jewish state, now is manned by Egyptian and Palestinian security officials and observed by European monitors. The monitors reportedly have fled their duty several times the past few months. Israeli security officials have noted multiple breaches in border security, including the open transport of terrorists and weapons across the border. They say several key sections of the border are penetrable, and smuggling tunnels that snake under the border are "thriving." Since Israel's Gaza withdrawal, Palestinian terror groups have been regularly firing rockets at Jewish communities neighboring the Gaza Strip. The targeted communities are inside what is referred to as "pre-1967 Israel," meaning territory certified by the international community as unquestionably part of the Jewish state. The IDF launched a major ground invasion of Gaza in June following the raid of an Israeli military installation just outside Gaza during which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was kidnapped. Since then, most Israeli operations inside Gaza were surgical and mostly utilized small numbers of ground troops. Gaza assault 'to badly damage terror infrastructure' At a scheduled meeting of Olmert's security cabinet last week, the IDF outline a major Gaza assault aimed at blocking Egypt-Gaza smuggling routes, confiscating weaponry already transferred into Gaza, halting the rocket-firing at Jewish communities and badly damaging Gaza's terror infrastructure. Senior IDF sources told WND the weapons confiscation operation would include a large ground invasion and sweep of southern and northern Gaza towns. They said, according to intelligence information, most weaponry is concentrated in and near Rafah, the south border city between Gaza and Egypt. But they suspect in the coming weeks the terror groups, anticipating an IDF onslaught, will transfer weaponry to private homes and underground storage centers in central and north Gaza. "The only way to get to the weaponry is a large sweep of the hot zones that includes house-to-house searches," said an IDF source. IDF plans to stem the weapons smuggling from Egypt into Gaza include the establishment of a permanent Israeli military presence at the Gaza-Egypt border to generate real-time intelligence at the site and to serve as a launch pad for pinpoint operations to stop the smuggling. Military sources, though, said Olmert was unlikely to approve what would amount to the reoccupation of parts of Gaza. "We should never have withdrawn in the first place," a senior IDF officer told WND. "The greatest admission of the Gaza withdrawal's failure would be for us to have to reoccupy any part of Gaza. I don't think that will happen. Olmert will also have to contend with major international backlash for any such move." The officer said another plan presented to Olmert entails the creation of a large ditch along the Gaza-Egypt border that would be filled with water from the nearby Mediterranean Sea, causing any weapons-smuggling tunnels constructed along the border to collapse. IDF sources said plans to stop Qassam rocket-fire include the reoccupation of the northern Gaza Strip, from which most rockets have been fired, or the stepping up of targeted operations to take out rockets and rocket crews before the projectiles are launched. The IDF is aware Palestinians have smuggled into Gaza longer-range rockets that can be fired from the central part of the territory so that if the northern Strip were occupied, rockets can still target nearby Jewish communities, military sources said. "Occupation of the northern Gaza Strip will inhibit a lot of rocket fire, but we know we would need to retake most of the central and northern Strip to completely stop the fire," an IDF source said. Senior military leaders said any major Gaza operation would be planned for later next month, after Olmert returns from a trip to the United States scheduled for Nov. 13. The military leaders worried politics might hamper what they say are "necessary" military operations. "Olmert cannot afford another disaster like Lebanon," a senior IDF officer explained. "Any major ground incursion includes risk to the lives of Israeli troops. Olmert might not want to risk anything unless he can be convinced the overall plan will be absolutely successful." Military chief: Israel may reoccupy Gaza Last, week, IDF chief of staff Dan Halutz announced the military is considering establishing a regular presence in Gaza. Halutz told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee IDF troops in recent days uncovered more than 100 tunnel entrances dug by Palestinian militants on the Egypt-Gaza border for intended weapons smuggling activities. The IDF chief said a military presence at the Philadelphi Route, the border road between Egypt and Gaza, would be preferable to the absence of IDF forces in the area. "We are close to the decision point regarding our presence along the Philadelphi Route, if the present reality of arms-smuggling doesn't stop," Halutz said. Defense Minister Amir Peretz immediately responded to Halutz' presentation saying Israel would not reoccupy the Gaza Strip, but the IDF would continue to operate against weapons smuggling if needed. "We have no intention of reoccupying the Gaza Strip," Peretz said during a tour of the Southern Command. "We have no intention of remaining in the Gaza Strip. (Still), there is no military operation that will not be carried out, should we reach the conclusion that it is the way to defend the citizens of Israel." Terror leaders prepare for war in Gaza During the past few weeks, senior terror leaders in Gaza, including militants from Abbas' Fatah party, told WND they are planning for war against Israel. "We are turning Gaza into south Lebanon," said Abu Ahmed, northern Gaza leader for the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group. "We learned from Hezbollah's victory that Israel can be defeated if we know how to hit them and if we are well prepared," Abu Ahmed said. "We are importing rockets and the knowledge to launch them, and we are also making many plans for battle." Abu Abdullah, a leader of Hamas' so-called "military wing," told WND his group is preparing for war against Israel. "In the last 15 months, even though the fighters of Hamas kept the cease-fire, we did not stop making important advancements and professional training on the military level. In the future, after Hamas is obliged to stop the cease-fire, the world shall see our new military capabilities," said Abu Abdullah, who is considered one of the most important operational members of Hamas' Izzedine al-Qassam Martyrs Brigades, Hamas' declared "resistance" department. Al Aqsa's Abu Ahmed said his group is receiving help from Hezbollah to import long-range rockets and train in guerrilla warfare tactics. "We have warm relations with Hezbollah, which helps with some of the training programs," Abu Ahmed said. "We don't have anything to be ashamed of – that we are dealing with Hezbollah and that we are receiving training and information from them." He said Hezbollah maintains cells in the Sinai. "The Sinai is an excellent ground for training, the exchange of information and weapons and for meetings on how to turn every piece of land into usable territory for a confrontation with Israel," Abu Ahmed said. The terror leader said Palestinian groups are developing war bunkers inside Gaza similar to the underground Hezbollah lairs Israel found during last month's war in Lebanon. "Our preparations include the building of special bunkers. Of course, we are taking into consideration that Gaza is not the same topography as Lebanon," Abu Ahmed said. During its confrontation with Hezbollah, Israel destroyed scores of complex bunkers that snaked along the Lebanese side of the Israel-Lebanon border. Military officials said they were surprised by the scale of Hezbollah bunkers, in which Israeli troops reportedly found war rooms stocked with advanced eavesdropping and surveillance equipment they noted were made by Iran. Abu Ahmed said the most important "tool" in the "Palestinian resistance" arsenal was rockets. He said his group learned from Hezbollah that Israel can be defeated with missiles. "We saw that with the capacity to bombard the Israeli population with hundreds of rockets every day we can change the strategic balance with Israel," he said. Palestinian terror groups generally have fired at Israeli towns three versions of Qassam rockets, improvised steel projectiles filled with explosives and fuel. Qassams can travel between one and five miles depending on the sophistication of the particular rocket. Israel has noted improvements in Qassams, including rockets carrying double engines. Israeli security officials say a large number of Katyusha rockets have been brought into Gaza. Katyushas can travel about 12 miles and can deliver large payloads. Hezbollah fired more than 2,800 Katyusha rockets into Israel in July and August, devastating many northern towns. In August, Islamic Jihad fired a Katyusha rocket into the Israeli Negev. It landed in an empty area. In June, the group fired a Katyusha-like rocket that traveled about nine miles. "The Katyusha we fired (in August) shows we can have every weapon we need," said Abu Ahmed. "It is only a matter of a small period before Gaza is ready for war." http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52683 Israel preparing extensive Gaza operation:MP "The army is preparing for an even more extensive operation in the Gaza Strip," the prime minister was quoted by the source as telling parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee. "The government intends to reach a decision on the exact pattern of the operation in the coming days," Olmert was reported to have said. At least 260 Palestinians, many of them civilians, have been killed since current operations began late last June.... The prime minister reiterated insistence from top Israeli officials that the government had no intention of keeping troops in the Palestinian territory permanently after last year's historic withdrawal. "We will operate in the Gaza Strip but we do not intend to stay there permanently," the committee member quoted Olmert as saying. Officials have repeatedly warned that Israel will intensify its four-month-old offensive, launched in late June after Gaza-based militants seized an Israeli soldier and killed two others in a cross-border raid. Cabinet ministers have recently called for the military campaign to be stepped up, including seizing control of the Gaza-Egyptian border to stem an alleged flow of smuggled weapons. Olmert said Israel is also working to strengthen the hand of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, whose Fatah faction Israelis hope can counter the growing influence of the ruling Islamists Hamas.... Olmert claimed Israel has killed 300 Gaza militants since the start of the operation, other committee members said. An AFP count, however, puts the number of dead Palestinians at 260, along with two Israeli soldiers, since the offensive began on June 28. http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/30/061030141708.s6efl63t.html Hamas Arming for War Against the IDF in Gaza Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Monday told members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee that he is ordering stepped-up IDF activities in an effort to bring a halt to Kassam rocket attacks from northern PA (Palestinian Authority) controlled Gaza. Peretz added that at present, he is not ordering a major IDF incursion into Gaza. Rocket attacks into the Sderot and western Negev areas are a daily affair, striking Israeli civilian population centers inside pre-1967 Green Line Israel.... On Monday, a Hamas spokesman issued a warning to Israel, stating, “We will destroy your tanks,” in reference to a possible major IDF incursion into Gaza. Hamas has announced preparations for an all-out conflict with Israel are complete. Israel intelligence report state Hamas is amassing anti-tank rockets, similar to those used in southern Lebanon, rockets which claimed a high price during the recent war, resulting in the deaths and serious injuries of many IDF soldiers. Israeli intelligence community officials have confirmed that since the government-ordered retreat from Gaza in the summer of 2005, terrorists based in Gaza have significantly stepped-up weapons smuggling from Sinai, including explosives, automatic weapons, anti-tank rockets and more. Kassam rocket attacks into southern Israel continue .... http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=113669 Palestinians training for possible civil war WORLDNETDAILY - By Aaron Klein - October 20, 2006 -- JERUSALEM – Security organizations and militant groups associated with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party are currently undergoing training for the possible breakout within weeks of large-scale clashes with Hamas, WND has learned. The possible infighting, which Palestinian leaders speaking to WND warned could result in a "Palestinian civil war," is feared if Abbas follows through with recent threats to dismantle the Hamas-led Palestinian government. Israeli officials are worried any major Palestinian clashes could spill over into attacks against the Jewish state. Sources in Fatah's Force 17, which serves as Abbas' personal security detail and as special police forces in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, said the group has been training "ferociously" this week. "Even though it is Ramadan, we are checking very hard all of the local units and training night and day in the special use of arms and combat techniques," said a Force 17 officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The training will continue all of next week," the officer said. Fatah officials said the training is taking place in the party's strongholds in Gaza and in northern Samaria, including in Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah and at special training bases in Jericho. They said most of Fatah's "security organizations" are taking part, including Force 17, the General Security Services and the Palestinian Preventative Security Services. Members of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group, which is the declared "military wing" of Fatah, told WND they are training, as well. Abu Nasser, second in command of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Nablus' Balata refugee camp, told WND, "I don't even have much time to talk because of the training. All our forces are working to prepare for any possibility." Many members of the Brigades are also officers of Force 17. Together with the Islamic Jihad terror group, the Brigades has taken responsibility for every suicide bombing inside Israel the past two years, including an attack in Tel Aviv in April that killed American teenager Daniel Wultz and nine Israelis. The Brigades also has carried out scores of deadly shooting and rocket attacks against Israeli civilians in recent months. Hamas won a majority of Palestinian parliamentary seats in elections earlier this year. According to multiple press reports Abbas has been considering dismantling the Hamas-led PA. As Palestinian president, Abbas has the authority to abolish the PA and establish an emergency government that he would head for three months, at which point new elections would be held. Under certain circumstances, Abbas can maintain and lead the emergency government indefinitely, usurping Hamas' power Major Hamas-Fatah clashes are feared if Abbas dismantles the PA, said Israeli and Palestinian security officials. Last month Hamas and Fatah engaged in heavy gunfights in Gaza, Judea and Samaria after negotiations to establish a national unity government between the two appeared to have fallen through. A senior Palestinian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told WND Fatah security officials noted in recent firefights Hamas members in Gaza used weaponry more advanced than what was known to have been in the Hamas arsenal, including newer styles of assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. The official said he feared Hamas could overpower Fatah's forces in Gaza if major fighting broke out. Fatah is known to be stronger in Judea and Samaria than in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. has reportedly been working on ways to build up Abbas' security forces against Hamas. The Washington Times reported this week the U.S. has drafted a plan to enhance Force 17. Last week, the New York Times reported the U.S. proposed expanding Abbas' Force 17 from 3,500 men to 6,000 as part of a $26-million plan to strengthen the Palestinian leader. The Associated Press and Israel's leading Yediot Aharonot daily reported new training facilities for Force 17 are slated to be set up in the West Bank town of Jericho and in Gaza, at a cost of $2 million each, according to the U.S. proposal. As WND reported, there is a fear any American money or weapons provided to Fatah could make its way to associated Palestinian terror groups, including the Al Aqsa Brigades. 'Clashes could break out within weeks' Meanwhile senior Fatah sources tell WND U.S. aid to bolster Force 17 is part of a long -term project and may be "too late" to help with possible upcoming clashes. The Fatah sources fear clashes could break out within weeks if Abbas decides to dismantle the PA. "It's possible Abbas can act right after Ramadan," said a Fatah source. The month long Ramadan holiday ends October 24 with the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr. Israeli security officials fear any major Palestinian clashes will result in increased attacks against the Jewish state. In particular, the security officials say, if Hamas loses its government position the terror group may resume direct attacks against Israeli targets. Since it assumed power, Hamas largely has refrained from attacking Israel under its name, although the group carried out a major raid in June of an Israeli military station during which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was kidnapped. Also, the group has been aiding rocket fire against Jewish towns near Gaza and has directed the Gaza-based Popular Resistance Committees terror group to carry out attacks, Israeli security officials say. 'Hamas debating attacks against U.S. interests' There is also fear if Hamas loses government power it could direct attacks against U.S. regional interests. A report in Time Magazine this past weekend quoted several anonymous Hamas sources claiming the U.S. was urging Abbas to dismantle the PA. The sources, speaking to Time anonymously, said clandestine meetings were held in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank to discuss the possibility of targeting the U.S. The report said the Israeli intelligence estimate is that for now Hamas will restrain from targeting the U.S., but if its government is toppled such restraint could dissipate. Speaking openly to WND Sunday, Abu Abdullah, a leader of Hamas' so-called military wing in Gaza, confirmed the Time report. "The Americans are supporting Israel unfairly and are playing a leading role in the conspiracy against the (Hamas led) Palestinian government. All Palestinians feel a hatred toward the American government and wouldn't mind attacks [against it], but for now we are limiting our fight to Palestine," said Abu Abdullah, who is considered one of the most important operational members of Hamas' Izzedine al-Qassam Martyrs Brigades, Hamas' declared "resistance" department. Abu Abdullah warned to WND that if the Hamas government is "toppled" with the help of the U.S. then "all options are open." http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52527 IDF Returns to Gaza-Egypt Border, Destroys Smuggling Tunnels IDF soldiers returned to the corridor Wednesday, one year after it was abandoned as then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s final step in the implementation of his unilateral surrender of Gaza. Five tunnels were identified and destroyed on Wednesday alone. "We found four tunnels within 500-meter strip," the commander of the mission said, "so you can imagine how many there are in total." The Philadelphi Corridor is roughly 15 kilometers long, running between the Mediterranean Sea and the former Jewish communities of Rafiah Yam and Pe'at Sadeh in the north, to the Kerem Shalom border point in the south. The openings of the tunnels are well camouflaged, with one of them opening up inside a tomato greenhouse. The Philadelphi strip was the location of smuggling tunnels throughout the years. Special IDF units were assigned to detecting and destroying the tunnels in order to disrupt the flow of weapons, drugs, terrorists and prostitutes.... In reality, with Hamas running the PA and Egypt overseeing security on its side of the border, the smuggling has mushroomed to a level exceeding any other time in history. ... http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=113789 Iran , Gaza, Lebanon and North Korea The war in Lebanon may have ended, but the situation in the region, the direct threat that compelled the military offensive into southern Lebanon in July continues to linger overhead. When Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz agreed to activate IDF reservists for the war in Lebanon, they vowed to continue bombarding Hizbullah positions in Lebanon until the terror organization would release IDF soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. Olmert made a number of statements to the press, that a ceasefire was out of the question until the terror organization released the soldiers, unconditionally. He stated firmly that this was a prerequisite to the halt of the military offensive. The same forceful position was adopted regarding Hamas’s release of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, believed to be held in Gaza. Now, almost four months later, all three remain captive, the Hizbullah threat has not been neutralized, and Israel faces threats of an Iranian nuclear weapon as well as daily rocket attacks from Gaza. Experts also warn the northern border will in all likelihood heat up again in the “near future.” In addition, the new developments vis-א-vis North Korea’s nuclear abilities signal additional trouble, as the technology might quickly find its way in the hands of Israel’s enemies. Vice Premier Shimon Peres on Wednesday stated that the next decade in Israel may present itself with Israel’s neighbors working in earnest to develop nuclear weapons. A second possible scenario, stated Peres, is that the region finds itself with Israel and her neighbors living side-by-side, in peace, after having signed peace treaties with one another. It was Peres who recently commented that sanction against Iran will be of little or no value, explaining the widespread poverty in that country will make economic sanctions undetectable. Earlier in the week, addressing the opening plenum assembly of the Knesset winter session, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert extended his hand to peace, calling on Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to sit and talk, to enter into direct dialogue with him towards achieving a peace agreement with Jerusalem. Siniora responded to Olmert’s peace overture, stating Lebanon would be the “last country to sign an agreement with Israel.” Olmert added that while he would like to enter into talks towards a comprehensive peace agreement with Syria, at present this is an impossibility, explaining that Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad is still an ardent supporter of terrorism, working in concert with Hizbullah, permitting the Iranian weapons supply train to reach the hands of terrorists in southern Lebanon, On yet another front, albeit resulting in the same threat, in his meeting in Moscow on Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Olmert emerged empty handed, without receiving diplomatic assurances of Russian support to neutralize Iran. In actuality, it is Putin’s country which made Iran’s advance in the nuclear sphere possible. It was Putin’s advanced anti-tank rockets which penetrated the armored skins of IDF Merkava tanks in southern Lebanon during the war in the summer, and it is Putin who continues to sell advanced weapons to Syria, the very same weapons being used by Hizbullah. Nonetheless, Putin continues to assure Jerusalem the weapons shipped to Damascus will not be turned against Israel. Following North Korea’s announced successful testing of a nuclear weapon, the international community woke up, somewhat, but this has not changed the European Union’s (EU) position regarding Iran. EU Foreign Minister Javier Solana continues to call for dialogue with Tehran, insisting America’s call for stiff political and economic sanctions against Iran will not achieve the desired results, insisting dialogue is the way to go. The EU is backed by Russia and China, all preferring to talk to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad rather than imposing sanctions against his country. In Gaza, the frequency of Kassam rocket attacks into the Sderot and western Negev regions continues to increase, with Hamas terrorists ignoring stern warnings and statements released by Defense Minister Amir Peretz. During the past 36 hours, no less than seven weapons smuggling tunnels were uncovered by IDF forces operating along the Philadelphi Route. Philadelphi Route , which runs through Rafiah, maintains vital strategic importance to Israel. Back before Israel retreated last Summer, then-IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Ya’alon warned against the disengagement, opposing Israel’s handover of Philadelphi Route to Egypt. Ya’alon warned that Egypt does not have the capabilities, and possibly not the desire, to halt weapons smuggling into Gaza. Many believe Ya’alon’s outspoken opposition to the disengagement led to the decision not to grant him a fifth year in office as is traditionally the case. Then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, himself a war hero, confidently announced that the disengagement would bring stability and peace to the region, admitting minor skirmishes could be expected, but promised a better tomorrow. His view was supported by then-Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, who now serves in Ehud Olmert’s cabinet as minister of transportation. Today, Mofaz carefully alludes to the current Minister of Defense, Amir Peretz’s incompetence, his lack of experience and unsuitability for the senior defense post. Ya’alon, who has since joined the Jerusalem-based Shalem Center, continues to release statements to the media, warning of the impending dangers, painfully stating that we are now paying the price, the consequences for the actions of the previous administration. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=113823 PM Olmert: PA’s Moment of Truth Rapidly Approaching Reaching an agreement with Abu Mazen whereby a new coalition government would recognize Israel in some regard would result in international acceptance of the PA government, a move that would unlock donor nation funds for the PA and its institutions. Regarding Iran, Olmert added the clock is running out, adding that today, things are happening and the situation has changed. While stating “I did not threaten Iran,” the prime minister added, " Iran must not realize who it is up against . . . Iran should be afraid.” Seeking to exhibit an air of success upon his return from Moscow, the prime minister added that Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes a nuclear independent Iran. This despite the fact that during a meeting between the two, Olmert failed to receive the assurances he was seeking - a stronger Russian position against Iran’s ongoing nuclear program. ... http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=113901 UN: UNIFIL won’t shoot IAF planes YEDIOTH AHRONOTH (YnetNews) - By Yitzhak Benhorin - October 20, 2006 -- WASHINGTON – UNIFIL forces have no intention of firing at Israeli planes patrolling Beirut’s skies, United Nations spokesperson Stefan Dujarric said Thursday. Furthermore, the UN has no plans to change the rules of engagement to permit the targeting of IAF planes. Dujarric approached Ynet following the report of comments attributed to UNIFIL head French Major General Alain Pellegrini, that it was possible that opening fire at Israeli aircraft in Lebanon would be allowed. Pellegrini, who was quoted by French news agencies, noted the possibility the UN might amend soldiers’ guidelines in order to deal with the IAF’s aerial sorties. http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-3317310,00.html Israel 's Olmert: Action against Iran might be necessary because of nuclear threat "They have to understand that if they object to every compromise, there will be a price to pay," Olmert said on a flight back to Israel after a three-day trip to Moscow. Israel rejects Tehran's claim that its nuclear program is peaceful, designed solely to produce energy. In the past, Israel has said it would not lead a campaign against Iran's nuclear program, but would act in concert with world powers that are similarly worried. ... http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=nation_world&id=4677996 Hezbollah fired cluster rockets According to a report by Human Rights Watch, one Israeli civilian was killed and a dozen were injured after Hezbollah rained cluster rockets down on villages near Haifa. The rockets are believed to have been supplied to Hezbollah by Syria or Iran. Israeli police believe that 113 of the projectiles landed in northern Israel during the conflict. Israel ’s use of cluster bombs has been criticised by governments and human rights groups. The Israelis are accused of carpeting areas of southern Lebanon with one million bomblets. Many failed to explode and 20 people have since been killed when they were detonated accidentally. Although the weapons were designed to be used against massed infantry and armour, in Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Afghanistan and now Israel they have been dropped on mainly civilian areas. Britain, America, China and Russia are likely to oppose any restrictions on the use of cluster weapons. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0%2C%2C251-2412181%2C00.html 'Western Wall really a post for Muhammad's horse' WORLDNETDAILY - By Aaron Klein - October 20, 2006 -- JERUSALEM – Jews have no historical connection to the Western Wall, which is actually the "Al-Buraq Wall," is part of the Al Aqsa Mosque and served as a tying post for Muhammad's horse, according to messages broadcast this month on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' state-run television. "The issue of the Al-Buraq Wall (the Western Wall) is one of the wonders which we don't know why it happened in this order [of historical events]. Who would have believed, back then, when Islam began in the time of the prophet, who would have believed that the Israelis would arrive 1,400 years later, conquer Jerusalem and would make this wall into their special place of worship, where they worship and pray? It's incredible!," said Dr. Hassan Khader, founder of the popular Al Quds Encyclopedia, in an interview on PA television. According to Palestinian Media Watch, Khader's interview has been broadcast repeatedly the past few weeks, coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Continues Khader: "The first connection of the Jews to this site began in the 16th Century. … The Jewish connection to this site is a recent connection, not ancient … like the roots of the Islamic connection." The Muslim academic goes on to claim the Western Wall, which predates the Al Aqsa Mosque by over 1,100 years, actually is part of the mosque and once served as a post for Muhammad's horse, Al-Buraq. "Know that this wall is the only one of the four walls of the Al-Aqsa Mosque – the mosque has four sides – this wall is the only one that carries an Islamic name since the beginning of Islam. "Allah, praise him, gave Al-Aqsa its name, and the Al-Buraq Wall was named by the prophet. … The Al-Buraq Wall is the station, similar to a space station, where Al-Buraq (Muhammad's horse) landed. This is the place where Al-Buraq landed and the prophet tied Al-Buraq [to the wall]," Khader said in the PA-television interview. The Western Wall dates from the time of the Second Jewish Temple, which was rebuilt in 515 B.C. after Jerusalem was freed from Babylonian captivity. The second temple was destroyed by the Roman Empire in A.D. 70. The PA television denial of a Jewish historic connection to the Western Wall is not uncommon in the Middle East. Many leaders of the Waqf, the Muslim custodians of the Temple Mount, openly deny Jewish connections to the holy site. Leaders of the Islamic Movement, the Muslim group most associated with the Temple Mount and the Al Aqsa Mosque, say the Western Wall is actually Muslim. In a previous interview with WND, Kamal Hatib, vice-chairman of the Islamic Movement, claimed the Al-Aqsa Mosque was built by angels and that a Jewish Temple may have existed but not in Jerusalem. "When the First Temple was built by Solomon – God bless him – Al Aqsa was already built. We don't believe that a prophet like Solomon would have built the temple at a place where a mosque existed," said Hatib. "And all the historical and archaeological facts deny any relation between the temples and the location of Al Aqsa. We must know that Jerusalem was occupied and that people left many things, coins and other things everywhere. This does not mean in any way that there is a link between the people who left these things and the place where these things were left," Hatib said. The Al Aqsa Mosque was constructed in about 709 to serve as a shrine near another nearby shrine, the Dome of the Rock, which was built by an Islamic caliph. Al Aqsa was meant to mark what Muslims came to believe may have been the place at which Muhammad, the founder of Islam, ascended to heaven to receive revelations from Allah. Jerusalem is not mentioned in the Quran. Islamic tradition states Mohammed took a journey in a single night from "a sacred mosque" – believed to be in Mecca in southern Saudi Arabia – to "the farthest mosque" and from a rock there ascended to heaven. The farthest mosque later became associated with Jerusalem. Al Aqsa official: Jewish Temples existed Not all Islamic scholars agree with the Islamic Movement's views. In a widely circulated WND interview in June, a former senior leader of the Waqf said he has come to believe the first and second Jewish temples existed and stood at the current location of the Al Aqsa Mosque. The leader, who was dismissed from his Waqf position after he quietly made his beliefs known, said Al Aqsa custodians passed down stories for centuries from generation to generation indicating the mosque was built at the site of the former Jewish temples. "[The existence of the Jewish Temple at the site is obvious] according to studies, researches and archaeological signs that we were also exposed to. But especially according to the history that passed from one generation to another – we believe Al Aqsa was built on the same place were the Temple of the Jews – the first monotheistic religion – existed." He cited samples of some stories he said were related orally by Islamic leaders. "We learned that the Christians, especially those who believed that Jesus was crucified by the Jews, used to throw their garbage at the Temple Mount site. They used to throw the pieces of cotton and other material Christian women used in cleaning the blood of their monthly cycle. Doing so, they believed that they were humiliating, insulting and harming the Jews at their holiest site. This way they are hurting them like Jews hurt Christians when crucifying Jesus. "It is known also that most of the first guards of Al Aqsa when it was built were Jews. The Muslims knew at that time that they could not find any more loyal and faithful than the Jews to guard the mosque and its compound. They knew that the Jews have a special relation with this place." He said the Muslim world's widespread denial of the existence of the Jewish temples is political in nature and is not rooted in facts. "Prophet Solomon built his famous temple at the same place that later the Al Aqsa Mosque was built. It cannot be a coincidence that these different holy sites were built at the same place. The Jewish Temple Mount existed," said the former senior Waqf leader, speaking to WND from an apartment in an obscure alley in Jerusalem's Old City. "I am mentioning historical facts," said the former leader. "I know that the traditional denial about the temple existing at the same place as Al Aqsa is more a political denial. Unfortunately our religious and political leaders chose the option of denial to fight the Jewish position and demands regarding Al Aqsa and taking back the Temple Mount compound. In my opinion we should admit the truth and abandon our traditional position." The leader said his conclusion that the Jewish temples existed does not forfeit what he calls "Islamic rights" to the Temple Mount and Al Aqsa Mosque. "Yes, the temple existed. But now it is the place of the mosque of the religious who came to complete the divine religion [that started with Judaism] and to improve humanity," said the leader. "We believe that Islam is the third and last religion. It came to complete the monotheistic message. The mosque is here at the place of the temple to serve for the same purpose, for the work of Allah." http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52528 Jews Attacked in Europe, the FSU and Australia A group of 20 men yelled anti-Jewish epithets such as "Go to the Nazis" at 33-year-old Menachem Vorcheimer, who was walking with his children, aged three and six. They then began motioning as if they were shooting a machine gun at him and the children. When Vorcheimer approached the bus to find out the name of the football team, the men reached out the window, knocked his hat off and grabbed his yarmulke before punching him in the face. The bleeding Vorcheimer, with his children crying on the sidewalk, lay down in front of the bus and refused to allow it to leave until the police arrived. Other passersby surrounded the bus and prevented it from making a getaway and the attackers were apprehended. Vorcheimer was treated at a nearby hospital. The Ocean Grove Football Club’s owner, Michael Vines, apologized to the victim, but the team's coach, Matthew Sproule, called the incident an "accident." This was hardly the first anti-Semitic incident in Australia this summer. Australian Jewish organizations report at least five unprovoked violent attacks and hundreds of instances of anti-Semitic vandalism, targeting Jewish schools, synagogues and private homes. The number of instances in July was the highest since Jewish organizations began keeping track of attacks in 1945. Great Britain The girl says although her wounds have healed, she is still traumatized by the inaction of the bystanders. Six British youths were recently arrested for the attack. Four of the attackers were 14-year-old girls and two were ten years old – one male and one female. Germany In the first two thirds of 2006, 8,000 Neo-Nazi crimes were recorded – compared to 6,605 during the same period in 2005 and 4,000 in 2004. Of those crimes, 425 were violent attacks against Jews and Jewish targets, in which 325 people were injured. Incidents included: Russia Various other Jewish targets, such as synagogues and Jewish Agency buildings have had windows broken and graffiti sprayed on them. Fliers featuring caricatures of Jews and slogans such as “ Russia is for Russians” have also been circulating widely. Mel Gibson Gibson told ABC’s Good Morning America that his drunken statement to police that “Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world” stemmed from his concerns over the violence raging between Israel and Hizbullah in Lebanon at the time. Asked by host Dianne Sawyer, “What are the Jews responsible for?” Gibson replied, “They’re not blameless in the conflict.” Serbia http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=113871 The Iron and the Clay Daniel 2:41-43 Daniel 7:3 EU shocked as Putin comes out fighting All 25 European Union leaders met Mr Putin in Finland. Accounts of the meeting from some of those present there speak of unusually blunt exchanges between the two sides, in which Mr Putin said he would not listen to lectures about human rights, and rejected EU demands over its vitally important oil and gas business. Like some blazing row between world celebrities in a private club, word of the verbal fisticuffs is coming out in dribs and drabs and is still spreading. The Europeans went in saying bravely that that they would tackle Mr Putin over human rights issues, like the recent murder of a political journalist, and calling on him to loosen the state monopolies in oil and gas development if he wanted a relationship of trust. That stance was the stronger for being shared by Russia's closest economic partner, Angela Merkel, the German chancellor. Pleasantry knocked aside But Mr Putin's response was sharp. He told the Europeans Russia would set its own terms on energy supplies, and not sign the Energy Charter Treaty, as they asked. Challenged about corruption and failings in the rule of law in Russia, he asked why officials had been sent to jail in Spain, and annoyed some in Italy with his quip that "mafia is not a Russian word". Challenged over the economic embargo on Georgia, he accused that tiny state of planning to settle its disputes with Russia with bloodshed. Some of the Europeans were shocked. So the meeting in Lahti, Finland, had few concrete results. But the mask of pleasantry has been knocked off. At the next EU-Russia summit next month it may not be possible to put the really tough issues aside with jokes or jibes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6077344.stm Putin Jokes About Israeli Sex Scandal A Kremlin spokesman said Friday that Putin's meaning had been lost in translation from Russian to English. As Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with the Russian leader in an ornate reception room in the Kremlin on Wednesday, reporters overheard Putin tell him: "Say hello to your president. He really surprised us." The microphones were then cut off, but a member of the Israeli delegation told The Associated Press that Putin went on to say of Katsav: "I met him. He didn't look like a guy who could be with 10 women." The Israeli ambassador quipped, "It seems like he's envious of him," and Olmert told his host: "I wouldn't envy him," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the press. Russia 's Kommersant daily conveyed a more graphic version of the conversation, quoting Putin as saying: "He turns out to be a really powerful guy! He raped 10 women!" It also quoted Putin himself as saying "We all envy him." ... http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/20/D8KSDBHG0.html For First Time, Airport Workers To Be Screened WCBS-TV2 NEW YORK - Scott Weinberger Reporting - October 18, 2006 -- NEW YORK -- Airport workers are finding themselves subject to surprise screenings as the government issues new security tactics at airports nationwide. The changes are a direct response to this year's foiled plot to blow-up America-bound airplanes. Baggage handlers, gate agents, ramp workers and other airport employees who in the past were not subject to any security searches before the enter restricted and secure areas are now being targeted in this latest government effort to make airports safer. CBS 2 was given exclusive access at Newark Liberty Airport as inspectors from the Transportation Security Administration performed random searches on airport workers for the first time ever.... For more information on security measures taken at national airports, click here. http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_291170106.html 'Ramadan prayers caused American deaths in Iraq' WORLDNETDAILY - By Aaron Klein - October 31, 2006 -- JERUSALEM – With October becoming the most deadly month for U.S. troops in Iraq in nearly two years, Palestinian preachers in several major mosques in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are celebrating the anti-American violence as a gift from Allah bestowed upon Muslims through prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, according to congregants. Terror leaders told WND the insurgency in Iraq exposed U.S. weakness and will soon force an American withdrawal, citing as proof the "many" people in the U.S. who are comparing the war in Iraq to Vietnam. Abu Ayman, a leader of the Islamic Jihad terror group in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, told WND, "We saw in Iraq this month how Allah helped the mujahedeen fighters to mark a great victory, a victory that brought the Americans to speak for the first time seriously and sincerely that Iraq is becoming a new Vietnam and that they should fix a schedule for their withdrawal from Iraq." Continued the terror leader: "During Ramadan (which ended last week), it is known that the motivation of the Muslims and of the mujahedeen in particular is higher than in any other period of the year. The good acts of the Muslims and the mujahedeen are better paid in this month in which the gates of paradise are open and those of hell are closed." One preacher in the West Bank city of Hebron told WND the death of American troops is "promised by Allah in the holy Quran." "It is the realization of the verse of El Phil (the elephant) where Allah hit the Prophet's enemies with special and very warm Sejeel stones. The rockets and mortars of the Mujahedeen in Iraq are the Sejeel stones of our days." The preacher was referring to the Quranic story of "unbelievers" advancing on an elephant to kill Muhammad. According to the Quran, birds from heaven lobbed "Sejeel stones" at the elephant, scaring the animal away and thwarting the attack. Also in Hebron this past weekend, Hizb A-Tahrir, a popular Palestinian Islamist political party, distributed a pamphlet stating the holiness of Ramadan, which ended last week, was responsible for the large number of American casualties in Iraq. The pamphlet went on to claim the popular Muslim phrase "Allah Hu Akbar" (Allah is the greatest) has "huge significance in the world." "The Arab traitor leaders think that America is the Akbar, is the greatest, but the deaths in Iraq this month proves what we knew all along that Allah is the greatest and no power is stronger than Allah. May Allah keep cooling our hearts and souls with more and more American soldiers killed," stated the pamphlet. In several Internet chat rooms associated with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party, which is partially funded by the U.S., users this weekend spoke of an American withdrawal from Iraq as imminent. ... |
