Did you know? (re: letter claiming responsibility for Madrid)

[HFishbine]

Apparently in this week's issue of the New Yorker (sorry, no link -- received by e-mail) an article by Lawrence Wright on the train bombings in New York reports that a few days after the event, a group related to al Qaeda claimed responsibility in a letter to an Arabic paper in London.

Wright says, "The message also addressed the speculation that the terrorists would try to replicate their political success in Spain by disrupting the November U.S. elections. 'We are very keen that Bush does not lose the upcoming elections,' the authors write. Bush's 'idiocy and religious fanaticism' are useful, the authors contend, for they stir the Islamic world to action."

[scarletwoman]

1. Not sure, but I think this "related to Al Qaeda" group is spurious.

I've seen articles about the original letter, and other pieces debunking the legitimacy of this "group".

In other words, I wouldn't get too excited, there really isn't any "there" there.

sw

[HFishbine]

3. Oh, I'm aware of that

But the right can't have it both ways. When they contend that Al Qeada influnced the Madrid elections with the bombing, one can remind them that the "evidence" that Al Qeada was involved also expressed the desire for Bush to be reelected.

[scarletwoman]

4. You're right. That's a very good angle.

Of course, my own opinion is that the whole issue of "who does Al Qaeda want to win the election" is utterly absurd on its face, and ought to be laughed out of the public dialogue altogether.

But I suppose if we're stuck with it, we may as well have some ammunition handy...

sw

[Justice]

2. Link To Audio Interview of Wright By New Yorker

http://www.newyorker.com/online/covers/?040802onco_covers_gallery