September 2001
Pertinent facts.
The American public in general, as with the general public
of many other nations these days, is sadly lacking in Geographic
and Historic facts appertaining to knowledge of the world
beyond their own doorstep.
We have become very parochial in our attitudes so I thought
that as part of this document I would include what I consider
to be pertinent facts.
Most people these days having been bombarded by TV with
geographic facts, and now know the location of Afghanistan
and are certainly aware of the name Osama bin Laden who
figures prominently as the most wanted terrorist leader
of our time.
 Would
you believe that the TV news stations have been bombarded
by American citizens complaining about their spelling of
Usama bin Laden's first name because it starts with USA,
but very little critical comment appears to have been given
to President Bush's suggestion that the wild west posters
of yesteryear "Wanted Dead or Alive" now apply
to Osama bin Laden. Notice the change of spelling - I've
got to the stage when I really don't know how his name is
spelt.
By the way, Osama bin Laden was the son of a rich Saudi
Father, one of fifty siblings, and he considered that the
American and Allied Forces who used bases in Saudi Arabia
to be Satanic Infidels who were desecrating the land of
his Fathers and his own Islamic beliefs.
I appear to have wandered away from my original intent
to provide relevant information.
Taliban.
Afghan revolutionary movement, who after the long and brutal
war with the Soviets established a new society based upon
strict Islamic law.
A coalition of Afghan rebels who fought against the Soviet
during the period 1979-1989.
These rebels initially supported by funding from Saudi Arabia,
Pakistan and to some extent by the United States who provided
financial assistance, the building of Military training
bases, and the provision of weaponry such as Stinger Missiles.
There were also suggestions that the Taliban used the proceeds
from the sale of Opium to help their political and religious
aims for the people of Afghanistan.
 Incidentally
Pakistan has been a staunch supporter of the Taliban during
recent years and now finds itself under pressure from the
United States to close off it's borders with Afghanistan
and allow Allied Military aircraft to over fly it's airspace,
(undoubtedly to attack targets in Afghanistan), and arrange
for the handing over Usama bin Ladin.
Up until now, because of Pakistan's development of atomic
weapons, the United States (and I'm led to believe other
NATO countries), have placed Pakistan under a trade embargo.
Pakistan now finds itself in a very difficult position bordering
upon civil war.
Islam.
The basic beliefs of Islam encompass, and teach that there
is only one God, and that God is Allah who is compassionate
and just.
I am very disturbed when considering whether this horrific
act of violence by terrorist factions can be considered
by them to be a compassionate and just, and have many reservations
about these complex beliefs which I really know little about.
The same goes for the interpretation of Jihad (A Holy
War).
Perhaps I should educate myself further to understand the
complexities of the Islam religion.
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