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September 30, 2005
ECSSR warns on Al Qaeda
An editorial by the UAE government-run Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, reported by Associated Press, warns that Al Qaeda is busy recruiting and sinking roots into the region:
"The United Arab Emirates has so far been spared even though it has been a key player in the U.S.-led war on terrorism. Authorities have arrested at least two alleged high-profile al-Qaida members, passed laws against money laundering and kept a close watch on Islamic charities.
"Terrorism specialists have said Dubai was an ideal logistical hub for al-Qaida because of its liberal, cosmopolitan lifestyle and freewheeling business rules. Other gulf states, such as Bahrain and Qatar, could also be targeted because of their close ties to the United States. Like Dubai, they are home to a huge expatriate work force."
The report doesn't single out any specific country as a target, but is warning of a collective danger to the growth and stability of the region:
"Despite all the regional disputes over Iraq, it must be agreed that defeating al-Qaida is an Arab and Islamic goal... . The result of the battle against terrorism in Iraq is linked to stability in the Middle East," the report said.
Posted by secretdubai at September 30, 2005 04:46 PM
Filed Under: Terrorism
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Comments
It's possible, though I'd find it likelier that Al-Qaeda would want to avoid undue attention in those gulf states so they can maintain networks there if need be. If they start pulling fatal publicity stunts there, it's a sign they're probably getting desperate or disorganized.
Posted by: zurn at October 2, 2005 04:39 PM
