Algerians denounce Droukdel's New York Times interview
2008-07-03
Algerians rejected a number of assertions made by Al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb leader Abdelmalek Droukdel in a recent interview with the New York Times. Terror victims decried attacks that kill or injure civilians while experts said the organisation's capabilities are limited.
By Said Jameh for Magharebia in Algiers – 03/07/08
 [File] Algerian citizens have denounced al-Qaeda leader Abdelmalek Droukdel's efforts to defend himself and his group in a recent interview with the New York Times. |
A New York Times interview with al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb leader Abdelmalek Droukdel has generated resentful reactions from the families of those killed or injured by his group's attacks. Security experts in Algeria say the terrorist's threats to hit US and Western interests are part of the organisation's propaganda and psychological warfare.
The interview, the first of its kind for the leader, was apparently carried out by an intermediary using a tape recorder. In it, Droukdel claimed that his organisation does not target civilians and that 95% of those who died in the December 11th, 2007 bombings in Algiers were foreigners and Algerian security elements.
Algerians were quick to condemn Droukdel's efforts to justify his operations against civilians.
One reader, himself a victim of terrorist operations, commented on Algeria's Le Matin website that through his interview, Droukdel "has disclaimed all his dignity and honour as an Algerian, in the fullest sense of the word and decided to declare his allegiance to al-Qaeda."
"First and foremost", another said, "the victims of the December 11th attacks were Algerians."
Droukdel said his organisation comprised elements from Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mali and Niger. He threatened more attacks against Algerian authorities and Western interests in Algeria and he claimed that his organisation was prepared to attack outside the Maghreb, including US interests around the world and on American soil.
Security expert Bouelam Ghoumrassa told Magharebia that through his threats against the US, Droukdel was trying to leave the impression that AQIM has a "regional as well as international dimension". However, Ghoumrassa questioned the organisation's ability to hit US interests inside the US.
"If they had had the ability to do so, they would have done it before talking about it," the expert said.
Ghoumrassa downplayed the effect of the interview on the state's efforts to root out al-Qaeda, saying that there will be an unchanged alertness on the part of the Algerian security forces.
The Algerian Government has made no official statement regarding the interview or the threats contained in it. When asked at a July 1st press conference to confirm Droukdel's assertion that 250 al-Qaeda elements are currently operating in the mountains, Minister of Communications Abdarachid Boukerzaza told reporters, "I don't have any comment on the issue."
Mouloud Morchedi, another security expert, played down Droukdal's threats against foreign interests. If Droukdel had been able to carry out attacks against US and French interests in Algeria, he would not have hesitated to so, Morchedi told Magharebia. This is especially true given that one of Droukdel's aims is to pressure foreign companies and foreigners into leaving Algeria, he noted.
The expert added that al-Qaeda has proven unable to hit US interests operating in oilfields in southern Algeria. This is due both to sophisticated security measures and to the organisation's reduced capacity in the South following regional emir Mokhtar Belmoukhtar's renouncement of arms due to disagreements over al-Qaeda's tactics.
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hafrit Posted 2008-07-03
“We hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb.” Why bother, looking at these subjects?
وافق أصيل Posted 2008-07-04
In the name of God the most gracious the most merciful. What we can deduce from the interview made by the New York magazine with the terrorist Droukdel is that America is promoting him as an actual activist of one of the international wings of Al Qaeda preparing for the justification of its military presence in North Africa after its countries refused to be subjugated to it. How else can we explain the disregard of the detection of the details about his presence through the satellites and informing the Algerian army about it so that they eliminate him since he is a terrorist who announces on the pages of its main papers that America is the first target of his terrorist gang and everywhere in the world?
Kabs Posted 2008-07-04
I am Moroccan. I hope we will get a handle on this cancer, which is eating away at all of the countries of the Maghreb. Morocco has just captured thirty or so terrorists. It would be wise for all the countries of the region to join hands in order to better fight this scourge. There is strength in unity. Good luck!
Abou aissa mourjani Posted 2008-07-04
In the name of God, the Merciful the Compassionate. First of all, anyone who speaks about Jihad and the mujaheddins is a liar. Jihad and the mujaheddins disappeared after our independence. Abdelmalek Droukdel and his likes have never been Muslims and they have never thought about the Algerian people or even Muslims. In his interview he spoke about his brother Muslims; this is just propaganda. These people know nothing—neither of Islam, nor of Muslims. Their goal is to have a high number of victims and wholesale looting. You have already read it: their profession is linked to contraband, drugs, weapons, kidnapping and the theft of firearms. In the life of a Muslim, you will not find these types of crimes. The word “Islam” signifies ‘peace’ in Arab. Islam is a religion that offers humanity peace and wellbeing. In the life of a Muslim, the mercy and compassion of God are manifest. God invites all people to learn His moral council in the Qur'an as a model through which mercy, compassion, tolerance and peace will come to light in the world. “Oh Believers! Come fully into Islam and do not follow at all in the Devil’s footsteps, as he is certainly a professed enemy of yours.” (Surat Al-Baqara, verse 208) As we are reminded in this verse, man cannot find wellbeing and happiness save in conforming to the moral values of the Quran. Allah ordered mankind to avoid evil; He prohibits disbelief, immorality, rebellion, cruelty, aggressiveness, murder and massacre. For those who do not obey his orders are following in the footsteps of Satan, as indicated in the above verse, and who adopt an attitude disapproved of by Allah. Signed, Abou Aissa Moujani.
ليس مهما Posted 2008-07-04
Mujahids in Algeria or the Islamic Maghreb in general don’t fight Muslim people. They fight regimes because they have neglected Islam. They ask them to institute the laws of God. If these governments respected the orders of God by the implementation of Islamic Sharia, these Mujahids would have become their soldiers. But the problem is that all the elites today and media professionals analyse the act without knowing the cause of the act. The most important thing is that Al Qaeda Organisation in Algeria is very strong. It has become even stronger after sheikh Abu Mussab Abdelouadoud announced his allegiance to the organization. He was joined by many ordinary citizens. Let me tell you know that only the stupid believe that all the Algerian people are against these Mujahids. Here we must ask how these Mujahids have managed to continue for over a decade. We are not so stupid as to believe everything that we hear. For those who have their brains in their ears, it is their problem and not mine. There is just one thing I want to add. I don’t belong to any side. It is just an opinion I am expressing. Salaam.
azzare Posted 2008-07-04
Gentlemen; Algerian Men are no longer as they once were. There is no terrorism in Algeria. The CIA and Algeria’s Military Security are the ones creating such groups in order to maintain the Algerian siege state.
عميري Posted 2008-07-05
I greet the Algerian people on the occasion of our blessed Independence Day. I greet the great and rebellious Algeria, Mecca of rebels as it was said by Fidel Castro. We are proud of the castle of the free people. Why are the mercenaries of America, the bastards, sons of traitors, prey on it and pretend that they are Mujahids? Eh pigs, Is Jihad in killing Muslims? Is Jihad against those who say there is no other God but Allah, traitors and infidels? You have no life and no religion. All you do is impossible. We will fight you to the Day of Judgment. You will die like pigs. Long live Algeria forever.
مناش حسن Posted 2008-07-05
Is it not reasonable to say that terrorism is a local product, that its causes are local and its objectives are mainly local? And to say that without the state terrorism in our Islamic countries, there would have been no armed organisation? The emergence of these organizations is the result of the presence of legal, social and economic violations which gave birth to these organisations. They have also supported their positions with the homeless, simple minded and artificial people who have no deep approach in explaining phenomena. I can give an example, however remote. Our Arabic societies have created from their blood, flesh and tribes the “Saalik” (ragamuffins). When you hear about Saalik without studying their psychology, morals and verses, you would think that they are a bunch of outlaws violating the rules of the tribe at that time. However, if you conduct a deep study of the behaviour of Sahalik, you will find out that they are the heroes. Simply because, it doesn’t take great men of letters, intellectuals or great poets, to explain them: they have rebelled against a clear injustice and unfairness from the closest people to them. This is the equivalent today of blatant social inequalities. We find the building or villa versus the slum. There are also who don’t have any square meters they can live in, while others have thousands of hectares. There are some who eat meat once a year, on the day of Eid Al Adha, while on the other hand we find those who press sheep to drink their juice and throw the pressed carcass in the garbage. It is normal that such a condition produces a new type of ragamuffins again. You can call them by any name you wish: terrorists, rebels, highwaymen, bloodsuckers…By God, if justice covered 20% of the citizens of our countries, these outlaws, who belong to transnational and transcontinental organisations, wouldn’t have emerged. We will see more of this in other forms. We already see its beginnings including the killings we observe in towns and villages, these swords which appear in the daylight, the kidnapping of minor girls, the theft of citizens' houses and banks… Isn’t this terrorism?? It is the worst form of terrorism. But what is all this for? The answer is that the citizen was deprived of his nationality because he sees that the nation is for others.
Lila Posted 2008-07-05
Question: How were the journalists from the New York Times able to contact Droukdel but not the Security Services? That is to say that if they had so wanted they could have well stopped all this. This is proof that this situation suits them well. It suits everyone—the Algerian generals and the Americans. Do not tell us that the Algerians denounced this interview; they are not fools. They look upon this with a view that has been jaded by having seen others like them. This article borders on being viral.
Anonymous Posted 2008-07-05
So, it is quite clear that many Americans are involved in the damned goings-on of Al-Qaeda and this oddball Droukdel. Now, then, I wonder what would happen between the two countries if an Algerian newspaper were able to get in touch with Bin Laden for an interview? Surely there would be a war. What are the American authorities trying to say to the Algerian authorities with this interview? One thing is clear: the US always gets what it wants, even if it has to use terrorism. As for Droukdel, I will tell him that he is a selfish traitor. Simply put, he is a cancer that must be destroyed as soon as possible. May our citizens live in complete freedom. Down with terrorism!
الجزائر Posted 2008-07-05
What are you talking about? Are you justifying the killing of innocents including kids, students, workers and policemen who work for the safety and security of the people? What are you doing? People are building their countries and you are destroying your nation. By God return to reason.
slim16 Posted 2008-07-05
The whole deal with this article is nothing more than the USA’s scheming to bring prejudices against Algeria for the following reasons: first, the African countries did not want an American base in Africa (see the Africom project); second, the president of OPEC is an Algerian and he speak quite a lot about the real causes for the rise in the price of a barrel of oil—namely speculators, the real-estate crisis in the USA, the weak dollar, the war in Iraq, sabotage in Nigeria and so on; and, third, Algeria is difficult to get to obey because it is rich, has no debts and is going to become a very important country in the years to come thanks to its new economic policies for international investment and partnerships. All of these reasons are leading the American hawks and Zionists to try to harm Algeria, using the pretext of terrorism and talking about this dime-a-dozen, scumbag boss in order to do so. Algeria will always remain upright!
Algerien Posted 2008-07-06
How can you denounce the interview with this racist, criminal imbecile in the New York Times when, at the same time, some of our own newspapers are giving publicity to other criminals by giving them names such as “Emirs” (“Princes”) and such!? So, if our newspapers are doing it, then why not the Americans’ and others’ as well? Instead of going and looking for them—even in [expletive deleted]. The state and the secret services only go around making denouncements!!! How long do we have to wait for a firm reaction to these criminals and mercenaries in the Arab countries? Even the new bastard Harkis of Belhadj and Abassi Madani are going on Arab television without any problems!!! So, where are we headed if the state is so lax against the enemies of the republic and our freedom???
herben Posted 2008-07-06
This story is very unfortunate. We are getting the rug pulled out from under our feet by these religious madmen all the time. The other intermediaries are always tying together the Algerian’s feet, who are worried about ending up with these crooks. The USA wants to establish itself on our national territory. The only thing is that the other Algerians are naïve and keep on criticising, not knowing who is killing whom.
Ali Posted 2008-07-06
In Response to Azzare: You are blowing your mouth off, accusing the Algerian Security Services. Personally, I was in the abovementioned corps. You did not stay in school very long, so it is normal that you talk like that. If I were you, I would abstain from taking part in a subject I had not mastered. Go do something else. At least that way you would be more useful to society. The members of the Algerian Security Services are Algerians! They too have lost colleagues, friends and members of their families. In short, I know that you hate the Algerian Security Services! I will leave you to your world.
عدالة Posted 2008-07-06
You aren’t important, yes you aren’t important. But I will reply to reply to your analysis. You describe people as stupid but you are the most stupid because you believe in illusion and not reality. Be honest with yourself. These killers you call Mujahids, whom are they fighting? Why don’t they fight against Israel if they want the satisfaction of God? They don’t kill authorities like you tell yourself. They kill innocents and weak people who have no power nor will. The Algerian people have been Muslims since the conquest of Islam by Oqba Ben Nafia. So why do you accuse them of infidelity? You who support these renegades and dissidents, you are the infidels. You support killing innocents who have no guilt including children, women, old men and young people. What is all this for? Is it for Islam? No, no, no. It is for the throne and the love of power. It is the ordinary citizen who pays the price of everything that happens to the detriment of the nation and both sides. I don’t defend the authorities or the mercenaries, the assistants of America who kill in the name of Islam. For example, Ben Laden was America's friend during Afghanistan's war against Russia. So how did he become today an enemy of Muslims? This is very odd my brother. Do you want to be killed without guilt? This is why we don’t like or support terrorism in any country of the world.
herben Posted 2008-07-06
I have already responded and you did not publish my comment. In the end, I think that it is scandalous that the New York Times has given publicity to this bloodthirsty guy. He has never been a visionary; he has frustrated our fates and for no reason. Not a single Algerian knows him, save for the Security Services. And, there you have it: he has become a celebrity. Nothing can destabilise Algeria. Not even America, with its attempts at evangelising the Algerians, can. Listen to Bush’s famous discourse after the World Trade Center attack as he calls for crusades against everything that is Muslim.
ABDOU Posted 2008-07-07
I am Algerian. This country suffers so much from terrorism. But today, praise be to God, thanks to men, Algeria has triumphed. But those who speak in the name of religion are hypocrites and agents. They work for countries who don’t like Algeria. Salam alaikum.
rabah Posted 2008-07-07
I call this a “diversion”. Who is Droukdel? He is an animal that roams the mountains. Wake up, boys; it is no longer the 1990s. Droukdel and his savage horde no longer scare us, and the only way to come to grips with these oddballs is to improve the social climate of our country in particular and of the Maghreb in general. The young people are taking care of our country well. We have all the means necessary to move forward and make this country a land of peace. But, beforehand, we all need to work in our own fashion, fight against corruption and forget about the Americans and their acolytes for a while.
ابو محمد Posted 2008-07-08
I defy you to publish these words. I noticed from the comments I read that the authors are far from reason and conviction which were taught by the messenger of God, peace and prayer of God be upon him, to his companions. It seems that officials authorize only the opinions which suit them.
bestandji Posted 2008-07-08
I do not understand the Americans: one the one hand they ask Algeria for help against terrorism and on the other hand they give their newspapers access to the very same criminals. The criminals should be mercilessly destroyed because they have tarnished many Muslims and many Algerians. They have tarnished our beautiful country, giving it a bad reputation. In any case, it is clear that this deal with terrorism has been nothing but a conspiracy against our country from the very start. How else explain that, of all the Arab and Muslim countries, Algeria, with its moderate and peaceful Islam, finds itself attacked by barbarian hordes in the name of Islam, who are going against people who are deeply Muslim? Think a little bit about this and you will understand the depths of history. Above all else, be Algerian and stay united and we will defeat terrorism.
Dziri58 Posted 2008-07-08
Who is this droudkel? This small time gangster and racketeer, this coward who steel chicken from farms and sheep from sheppards, this scum of the earth hiding like a rat in the holes of the mountains with a bunch of nobodies, crack addicts and losers. Who is this vermin, thinking he can hold the Algerian people to ransom? The real fighters have deserted him and surrendered to the authorities, as they knew the game was up, since the people chose Amnesty and peace. Algerian authorities should use these same repentant fighters to hunt him and track him down, as they know all his hiding places and bring an end to his miserable life. Ideally, they should torch him or blow him up in his hole and leave him buried there. Good ridance.
Ego Posted 2008-07-10
Practically everything (or almost everything) on this subject has been said, but this is not the case this time. They did not say anything about the New York Times was giving free publicity to Al-Qaeda. A journalist from Aljazeera, Tayssir Alouni, was sentenced for assisting a terrorist when he did the same thing by interviewing Bin Laden. When it comes to the New York Times, then this of course means that, as usual, they will be hypocritical with the freedom of the press. Our journalist friend at Magharebia did not use the words “terrorist” or “terrorism” once, but rather said “leader” and “organisation”. May shame be upon those with bad thoughts.
djeha Posted 2008-07-11
And there you have it: this is how you manipulate people. You create a monster, you grant him interviews, you give him a bit of publicity and you let the all those who got suckered in to react out of passion. Game over. The boot-licking journalists are there to diffuse this information and nothing more is needed, because today it is the street that does the reacting. Indeed, such newspapers have said and such journalists have explained it: this is the cause of manipulation. My dream is that one of these Algerian journalists will know how to do this type of manipulation in the interest of their country and not on behalf of the Americans or other governments.
lutsha Posted 2008-07-18
The Algerian’s fanaticism and indoctrination found throughout various official networks as well as the Algerian state’s unprofessional character and laxity have created an unhealthy climate in which oddballs can develop. These religious nuts bear a heavy responsibility for our history, as do the Algerian politicians, most notably Chadli Benjedid, Hamrouche and their ranks of state politicians presently running this masquerade. Likewise, the same holds true for the military, which has never been intelligent, and its selfish behaviour—it ignores the existence of the citizenry. Why was Mohamed Boudiaf assassinated? Was it because he had the courage to put an end to the politico-profiteering mafiosi by freezing their Swiss bank accounts and appointing Dr Saïd Sadi Prime Minister? The mafia saw Boudiaf’s political courage and this appointment as a real threat and put an end to his reign. However, the day will come when neither the integrationists nor the military will hold power. Just wait and see!
houam Posted 2008-08-05
Such jokes have been around, but only in the last years us policy is to destabilise Algeria, which has the same plans as Iran: getting money and, of course, nuclear arms. When a country’s treasury is full, it risks having to big of an imagination. Therefore, we need a complete abundance of political and oil-wealth. Look at Palestine! Even with Europe’s and the USA’s constraints, it has got the entire world on the offence, except of course Israel, the trash of the USA and France.
مالكي أشعري Posted 2008-08-19
By God, as long as the scholars of Suna and Jamaa Achaira including the Malikite and other people of the right, do not warn people and raise their awareness about the Wahhabi movement, the Muslim Brotherhood and other movements in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia in particular; as long as they don’t warn against those who spread their corrupt beliefs accusing Muslims of infidelity; some led our lost sons to adopt the belief of Wahhabi anthropomorphism and similitude and left the four doctrines of Islam and accord of Muslims; or they had followed the ideas of the irreligious called Sayed Qotb who accuses Muslims of infidelity. President Abdenacer, may God rest his soul, had relieved us from him. Then they go to accusing people of infidelity and allowing killing of innocents. As long as our scholars keep silent and cajole these charlatans who appear on satellite channels falsely in the name of religion; as long as our scholars don’t do their duty of dissuading from enormous deeds and teach coming generations obligations in the religious science and necessary in belief in particular as our grandfathers used to do in Zaouiyats by teaching the essentials of religion, we will say these astray and lost people exploit this gap and the ignorance of your young people generation after generation. They will misguide our sons. Every twenty years we will experience the same nightmares as we experienced it in Algeria. So let’s fear God scholars, people of the Arab Maghreb wherever you are. Why this silence knowingly? Why this negligence in the face of an urgent necessity? Oh scholars, the meeting will come soon, so try to catch up if you want to be rescued on that day. God the Almighty said in His Holy Book “They restrained not one another from the wickedness they did. Verily evil was that they used to do!” How can you keep silent to the right? Abou Ali Dekaki, the pious saint said: “He who keeps silent to the right is a dumb Satan”. A call from an Algerian citizen who loves the sons of his people and who is concerned about the safety of the people and the land.
مالكي أشعري Posted 2008-08-21
I want to correct what I wrote above as I made a mistake in writing! This is the correction: “They restrained not one another from the wickedness they did. Verily evil was what they used to do!” God grants success.
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