A.B.C. "Nightline" reported that the I.I.S.S. (International Institute of Strategic Studies) states in their recent report that Al Queda now has more than 19,000 operatives in more than 60 countries. The report details how Al Queda has become more of a "franchise" type of operation; no longer dependant on a hierarcy run by Bin Ladin.... Loosely organized "sleeper-cells" are now based all over the world, making it much more difficult to defeat them. They attack targets "of opportunity", such as the Spanish railway-bombings, and need very little money to fund their attacks. Estimates of the cost of attacking the World Trade Center are a mere $500,000, and only about $50,000 for the recent attacks in Spain. The figure of 19,000 is a conservative estimate, based on the number of "operatives" trained in Afghanistan. While some members may have been captured or disuaded by America's "War On Terror", the recent invasion in Iraq has served to recruit FAR MORE members. Much of the funding of "terrorist" activities is financed by the production of opium-poppies in Afghanistan. Our over-throw of the Taliban has resulted in a "bumper-crop" for opium-farmers in Afghanistan, as opium cultivation is no-longer prohibited. Much of the money derived from opium goes directly to "radical" Islamic terrorists, who feel that America is far-greater "evil" than the opium. "Nightline" stated that the Afghani production of opium this year will exceed 3000 tons.... Roughly 3/4 of the world's production ..As a result of the short-sighted policies of the Bush administration, we will soon see MASSIVE AMMOUNTS OF HEROIN being trafficked. Our national will soon see a huge rise in heroin-addiction, with the resulting surge in "organized-crime" and gang-warfare. When this happens, don't forget to thank George W. Bush and his lack of creative-leadership...................Dave
- posted by Dave @ 12:01 AM