Terrorists, elections, and tapes

In an attempt to influence Palestinian and Iraqi elections, Osama bin Laden released a tape that…

…makes it clear that Muslims under no circumstances should take part in these elections. Rather, they should fight the concept. He adds that “shedding the blood” of Iraqi military, security and national guardsmen “is permitted.”
Al Qaeda’s leader explains that participating in the elections is apostasy because the Iraqi constitution is “a ‘Jahiliyya,’ one made by man.” And, because “the elections are ordered by America.” Anyone voting in the Iraq or Palestine “commits apostasy against Allah,” warns bin Laden. “Muslims must beware of these kinds of elections. They must unite around the Jihad warriors and those who resist the occupiers.”

As you recall, he released a tape in advance of our election threatening the most dire consequences if Bush was relected. He couldn’t send bombs or planes, famine or pestilence, so he sent a tape. It was tactical and strategic miscalculation of the first order. Read “Osama’s ballot box phobia” in TWT today and see bin Laden is indeed running scared of these elections.
Richard Gere has also made a tape, encouraging Palestinians to get out and vote.

In a transcript obtained by The Associated Press, he said: “Hi, I’m Richard Gere, and I’m speaking for the entire world. We’re with you during this election time. It’s really important: Get out and vote.”

To them Richard Gere might symbolize the decadence and excess of American culture, if they even know who he is.