Krauthammer: Obama offered al-Qaeda 9/11 Act II

posted at 3:35 pm on November 18, 2009 by Ed Morrissey

But don’t worry — no one in the media will pay any attention to the man who orchestrated the murder of 3,000 people on 9/11, according to Eric Holder. Just because Zacarias Moussaoui managed to conduct a global propaganda campaign from a courtroom in eastern Virginia doesn’t mean that the more savvy Khalid Sheikh Mohammed can do the same … from New York City. As Charles Krauthammer correctly states, the US has just given KSM exactly what he wanted — a high-profile media megaphone so that he can stand on the bodies of the dead and use them for propaganda (via Greg Hengler at Townhall):

Krauthammer uses an excellent analogy here. Initially, KSM wanted to hijack an airplane himself as part of the 9/11 plot, kill all the male passengers before landing, and make a grand statement of purpose before allowing himself to be martyred in the cause. Instead, al-Qaeda let the silence speak for itself, only acknowledging their role in the attacks months later. His military detention has kept KSM from profiting from his notoriety — until now.

Is that 9/11′s “Act II”? Not in the sense of it being another attack, but certainly in the sense of offering AQ a chance to profit from its attack. It was a thoroughly avoidable consequence of a bad decision by Holder and Obama. And lest anyone doubt that Obama actually made this call, John Ashcroft sets the record straight:

Attorney General Eric Holder lacks authority to make a decision on moving terror detainees to civilian courts for trial, one of his predecessors said Wednesday.

Former Attorney General John Ashcroft, who held his position during the Bush administration from 2001-2005, said that Holder lacked the legal standing to decide to move alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and other terror detainees to federal courts in New York City to stand trial.

“The attorney general doesn’t have the authority to mandate that the secretary of Defense turn somebody over to him and yield jurisdiction so that something that would have been done in a military setting is done in a civilian setting,” Ashcroft told the Christ Stigall show on KCMO radio this morning.

“I believe that this is a decision that comes as a result of the president making the decision, or if not making the decision, allowing an attorney general to do what he normally doesn’t have the authority to do, and could only do at the acquiescence of the president,” the former AG and former Missouri senator argued.

Listen to Ashcroft discussing that at KCMO’s podcast here.

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Obama is the biggest gift Al Qaeda has received.

elduende on November 18, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Hey, why should we blow up stuff in Pakistan where they’ll torture us if we’re caught… or in Israel where the military will lock us away… let’s go see the USA in a Chevrolet!

Over there, you get a trial, a soapbox and everything!

mankai on November 18, 2009 at 3:39 PM

KRAUTHAMMER!!!

D2Boston on November 18, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Charles Krauthammer: For the Opposition

as they say.

amerpundit on November 18, 2009 at 3:39 PM

And “judgment” was Obozo’s one big selling point. Now we’re down to the sharp creases on his pants (which are still sharp enough to keep moderates like David Brooks on board).

Cicero43 on November 18, 2009 at 3:40 PM

How could you be more likely to get a conviction in a civilian court than in a military court when Khalid Sheik Mohammad has already pled guilty and asked for the death penalty before a military commission?

- Jon Kyle

faraway on November 18, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Krauthammer is on the cover of the 23 November 2009 issue of National Review.

Title: For the Opposition.

Subtitlt: Charles Krauthammer is Obama’s Critic-in-Chief.

BuckeyeSam on November 18, 2009 at 3:42 PM

Oy.

Subtitle: Charles Krauthammer is Obama’s Critic-in-Chief.

BuckeyeSam on November 18, 2009 at 3:43 PM

Hey, why should we blow up stuff in Pakistan where they’ll torture us if we’re caught… or in Israel where the military will lock us away… let’s go see the USA in a Chevrolet!

Over there, you get a trial, a soapbox and everything!

mankai on November 18, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Just remember that’s only valid if you kill American civilians.

the_nile on November 18, 2009 at 3:43 PM

Obama is the biggest gift Al Qaeda has received.

elduende on November 18, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Obama the 21st Hijacker? Hmmmm.

portlandon on November 18, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Holder is a traitor pure and simple

bill30097 on November 18, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Rahm makes all the hard decisions. BHO is just the front man.

d1carter on November 18, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Ashcroft told the Christ Stigall show on KCMO radio this morning.

Here is a shameless plug for our local guy. Stigall does a very good job. If you are interested, you can get streaming audio on http://www.710kcmo.com. The show starts at 5:00 AM M-F.

mwdiver on November 18, 2009 at 3:45 PM

Charles should really have his own theme song or something. Or maybe just a sound, like someone with a deep voice gradually getting louder as he says “Krauthhhhammmmmeeeer!”

amerpundit on November 18, 2009 at 3:45 PM

Bitter old Charlie Krauthammer with the rhetorical overreach of the day — saying that KSM now has the “director’s cut” of 9/11?

This is one of those things that make me think conservatives secretly hate America. Not only is he coming down against free speech, reprehensible though it may be, CK is so convinced of American weakness and the persuasive powers of a deranged killer, he worried that KSMs will rants be found persuasive by anyone who isn’t already having himself measures for a dynamite overcoat.

You know what makes people give credence to rants like the one Chuckie fears KSM will unfurl? Secret trials in obscure location with few witnesses.

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

As usual, Krauthammer gets it.

Our President on the other hand…..

Yakko77 on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Being attacked by Al Qaeda is one thing, being attacked by your own president and his thugs is another. The only good coming from this is deflecting attention from Obama’s obvious incompetence to get through the 2010 elections with minor damage. The image of our country be damned.

Cicero, David Brooks is no moderate.

volsense on November 18, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Charles is absolutely right, as usual, and the smartest guy in the room.
It sure looks to me like Obama and crew is coming as close to setting up 9/11 as possible without doing much besides setting the stage.
Well at least once this show trial starts it is going to be very difficult for the American people to stay in their current pre 9/11 mentality.

ORconservative on November 18, 2009 at 3:49 PM

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

So you really are as stupid as you look.

First of all, Eric Holder is still putting some terrorists before a military commission. You know, one of those secret trials. So apparently the rants of KSM will still be given credence even though he’s being tried in a civil court.

Second, Obama once favored these “secret trials”. The video was posted here not long ago. So apparently he wasn’t a big supporter of free speech or lover of this country. Yet I don’t remember liberals presenting it in that fashion back then.

amerpundit on November 18, 2009 at 3:50 PM

What stopped W from carrying out the execution before he left?

Cindy Munford on November 18, 2009 at 3:50 PM

Obamahammer!

ZenDraken on November 18, 2009 at 3:50 PM

This wont end good for Obama.

the_nile on November 18, 2009 at 3:51 PM

And you silly people thought it was the ChiComs who poured all that money into Obaka’s campaign website.

Fooled you, didn’t they?

CPT. Charles on November 18, 2009 at 3:51 PM

“The attorney general doesn’t have the authority to mandate that the secretary of Defense turn somebody over to him and yield jurisdiction so that something that would have been done in a military setting is done in a civilian setting,” Ashcroft told the Christ Stigall show on KCMO radio this morning.

That makes sense. If DOD has custody of KSM, then the DOJ has no authority to make the DOD turn them over. It’s the difference between the military and the civilian world.

Not that it makes any real difference. Obama is responsible for whatever the Attorney General does, whether he ordered it done or just permitted it. And you know the only reason why these things get announced while Obama is out of the country is to maintain the illusion that Obama has nothing to do with it.

We used to say, “Obama needs to realize that he can’t just vote present when he’s president.” Give the man credit: he’s proving us wrong.

tom on November 18, 2009 at 3:51 PM

portlandon on November 18, 2009 at 3:44 PM

21st hijacker phaw! Small potatoes!

He’s taken a sledge hammer to our intelligence services, the military budget, our foreign policy, the economy, race relations, the Constitution, the rule of law, and his very presence has empowered and emboldened our enemies across the planet.

In their wildest dreams could al Qaeda ever hope to accomplish the level of destruction Obama has. That’s a hell of a gift.

elduende on November 18, 2009 at 3:52 PM

This amazing decision should become the smoking gun that brings down this treacherous political cabal.

notagool on November 18, 2009 at 3:53 PM

This is one of those things that make me think conservatives secretly hate America.

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Yes, because CK making a articulate argument why giving KSM a trial in civilian court is dangerous and foolish let alone a slap in the face to the victims families is a sign he hates the U.S. but your wanting to give a terrorist a civilian trial when he already plead guilty in a military trial so you can satisfy some itch to prove we’re better than those who killed nearly 3000 people is somehow a worthy goal.

How long did you have to stare into that ideological light which blinded you to reality?

Yakko77 on November 18, 2009 at 3:53 PM

Hey, BleedsBlue

I just checked over at the DailyKos and the red alret has been issued. They need you to come back right away. It is your turn to be the pivot man in the “ObowMao circle jerk”.
Be sure to limber up I would hate for you to pull a muscle or anything.

milwife88 on November 18, 2009 at 3:54 PM

And “judgment” was Obozo’s one big selling point. Now we’re down to the sharp creases on his pants (which are still sharp enough to keep moderates morons like David Brooks on board). Cicero43 on November 18, 2009 at 3:40 PM

And when’s Brooks gonna call Obooba “a joke.”

Akzed on November 18, 2009 at 3:54 PM

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Back to school! This time take your law classes with Shemp, not Joe DeRita.

Del Dolemonte on November 18, 2009 at 3:54 PM

Obamahammer!

ZenDraken on November 18, 2009 at 3:50 PM

obamanail , KRAUTHAMMER!

the_nile on November 18, 2009 at 3:55 PM

Bitter old Charlie Krauthammer with the rhetorical overreach of the day — saying that KSM now has the “director’s cut” of 9/11?

This is one of those things that make me think conservatives secretly hate America. Not only is he coming down against free speech, reprehensible though it may be, CK is so convinced of American weakness and the persuasive powers of a deranged killer, he worried that KSMs will rants be found persuasive by anyone who isn’t already having himself measures for a dynamite overcoat.

You know what makes people give credence to rants like the one Chuckie fears KSM will unfurl? Secret trials in obscure location with few witnesses.

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Speaking of “bitter” …..

tom on November 18, 2009 at 3:55 PM

Bleeds Blue is a fake troll, nobody is that stupid surely. Oh wait, look who’s in the White House.

Sharke on November 18, 2009 at 3:56 PM

Whenever a Fox moderator asks Charles Krauthammer “What do you think Charles?” ….it brings back memories of the young Mike Tyson after the bell would ring in Round One of one of his fights. Tyson would march straight across the ring towards his opponent and start throwing punch after punch after punch until the opponent was knocked out.

Krauthammer does the same thing … he’s unbelievably straight to the point and deadly with his verbal punches.

Beckham on November 18, 2009 at 3:56 PM

You know what makes people give credence to rants like the one Chuckie fears KSM will unfurl? Secret trials in obscure location with few witnesses.

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Well now, Mr. Blue. Your god, Obama, has just pronounced KSM guilty and subject to the death penalty.

Woo-hoo! Let the show trials commence!!!!!

(I swear, the Dems are genetically incapable of putting the security of the US as its highest priority. Gimme Cheney ANY DAY OF THE WEEK)

BigAlSouth on November 18, 2009 at 3:56 PM

Bitter old Charlie Krauthammer

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

PS, your first four words (shown above) prove you lost your “argument” before it even began. As I recall, that’s Saul Alinsky Rule for Radical #4.

Del Dolemonte on November 18, 2009 at 3:57 PM

This wont end good for Obama.

the_nile on November 18, 2009 at 3:51 PM

True but it will end even worse for this nation I’m afraid.

As this “trial” gets rolling and it turns into a propaganda extravaganza for AQ I expect Obama’s approval numbers will hit the low 40′s if not dip into the 30′s at which point you can expect yet another “expiration” to this decision and he goes back and just decides to use the military tribunal guilty plea from KSM.

Yakko77 on November 18, 2009 at 3:57 PM

BigAlSouth on November 18, 2009 at 3:56 PM

Excellent point. While Bleeds Blue is extolling the virtues of free speech and open trials, Obama is openly saying KSM is guilty and should be executed.

amerpundit on November 18, 2009 at 3:57 PM

This is one of those things that make me think conservatives secretly hate America. Not only is he coming down against free speech, reprehensible though it may be, CK is so convinced of American weakness and the persuasive powers of a deranged killer, he worried that KSMs will rants be found persuasive by anyone who isn’t already having himself measures for a dynamite overcoat.

You know what makes people give credence to rants like the one Chuckie fears KSM will unfurl? Secret trials in obscure location with few witnesses.

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

This is such utter BS. The military commissions are not obscure, they are in fact a result of an act of Congress, created specifically to fit into Supreme Court guidelines.

This is about the Obama administration grandstanding for their own political purposes and playing with American lives in the process. They want to embarrass the Bush administration and to hell with the rest of us.

It is just like that crap Holder was yammering about today when he said something about these people at last coming to trial. Considering the fact that liberal lawyers like himself have been throwing up road blocks for years to save terrorists from going to trial and considering the fact that Obama stopped all the trials when he came to office this statement is just another example of Democrats revising and rewriting history to suit their own ends. The truth is McCain had won the election, they would still be trying to shield the terrorists. The only reason they are doing this is that they think they can benefit politically.

Terrye on November 18, 2009 at 3:58 PM

Not only is he coming down against free speech, reprehensible though it may be

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

KSM is not an American citizen. But thanks to Holder, he will be soon.

John the Libertarian on November 18, 2009 at 3:59 PM

As usual, Krauthammer gets it.

Our President Bleeds Blue on the other hand…..

Yakko77 on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Begging your pardon, Yakko, for the edit, though I certainly agree that Obama doesn’t get it either.

jwolf on November 18, 2009 at 3:59 PM

In their wildest dreams could al Qaeda ever hope to accomplish the level of destruction Obama has. That’s a hell of a gift.

elduende on November 18, 2009 at 3:52 PM

If only it was as evident to the left as it is to most of us.

fourdeucer on November 18, 2009 at 4:00 PM

You know what makes people give credence to rants like the one Chuckie fears KSM will unfurl? Secret trials in obscure location with few witnesses.

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

The military trials held thus far have received praise from around the world for their fairness.

This is one of those things that make me think conservatives secretly hate America.

Projection is a terrible thing.

lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 4:01 PM

Bleeds Blue is a fake troll, nobody is that stupid surely. Oh wait, look who’s in the White House.

Sharke on November 18, 2009 at 3:56 PM

Any time when discussing politics and the phrase, “no one can be that stupid…” comes into mind I quickly recall the 2008 election at which point I answer my own question, “Yes, they can be that stupid.”

Hopefully the past year and the next 3 more will be an education which will lead towards a conservative swing in this country for at least a few years until people decide they want more “free” stuff from the govt.

Yakko77 on November 18, 2009 at 4:03 PM

I’ll take a military tribunal over a show trial for KSM any day. This show trial is a civilian endeavor. it represents the government’s direct interference in the justice process itself, with a predetermined outcome. Any one of us could become subject to that in the future. Military tribunal, not so much.

WitchDoctor on November 18, 2009 at 4:03 PM

What stopped W from carrying out the execution before he left?

Cindy Munford on November 18, 2009 at 3:50 PM

Congress, I do believe. The truth is that the Bush administration spent years trying to get this done in a legal way. There were two trips to the Supreme Court…there was an act of Congress known as the Military Commissions Act and then of course there is the slow moving machinery of the military…in fact when Obama became president he called a halt to the upcoming military commission for KSM and demanded a review be done. If not for that, KSM might well have met his end by now.

I really doubt that Bush would have just ordered the man shot, no doubt if he had there would have been an impeachment underway.

Terrye on November 18, 2009 at 4:04 PM

Charles should really have his own theme song or something. Or maybe just a sound, like someone with a deep voice gradually getting louder as he says “Krauthhhhammmmmeeeer!”

amerpundit on November 18, 2009 at 3:45 PM

Just play “Sledgehammer”.

Count to 10 on November 18, 2009 at 4:04 PM

Yakko77 on November 18, 2009 at 3:57 PM

Oh yeah, wait till the daily demonstrations begin in lower Manhattan, the Musllim trash handing out fliers extolling the wonders of Islam and how the US deserves terror, westerners being held hostage overseas for the duration of KSM’s trial, and more wonders yet to be imagined.

Akzed on November 18, 2009 at 4:05 PM

And when’s Brooks gonna call Obooba “a joke.”

Akzed on November 18, 2009 at 3:54 PM

I don’t think he ever will. Remember, he said Obama would be a great president. Brooks doesn’t have enough balls to admit he was wrong.

deidre on November 18, 2009 at 4:06 PM

This is one of those things that make me think conservatives secretly hate America. Not only is he coming down against free speech, reprehensible though it may be, CK is so convinced of American weakness and the persuasive powers of a deranged killer, he worried that KSMs will rants be found persuasive by anyone who isn’t already having himself measures for a dynamite overcoat.
Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

This drivel would have a lot more credibility if it didn’t come from the crowd that gets it’s panties all twisted up when someone at school says “Merry Christmas” or if our money has”In God we trust” on it.

Funny how liberals only love free speech when it is in defense of it’s ideology.

Criticizing the President was great when Bush was in office,but now that Obama is in, it’s “racist” and “hateful”.

Bleeds seems to forget that it was liberals who accuse Rush,Hannity,and the Tea Party movement of inciting violence and breeding hatred just by speaking their opinions.

But somehow in liberal land, the terrorist who orchestrated 9/11 having a prime time megaphone to spew his hatred and violent ideology is just a made up problem by conservatives like Krauthhammer.

Yes please bleeds blue, keep exposing the ignorant and hypocritical positions of the democratic party.

Baxter Greene on November 18, 2009 at 4:06 PM

Brooks doesn’t have enough balls to admit he was wrong.

deidre on November 18, 2009 at 4:06 PM

FIFY.

lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 4:07 PM

he worried that KSMs will rants be found persuasive by anyone who isn’t already having himself measures for a dynamite overcoat.
Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Hasan was always a jihadist…

lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 4:07 PM

milwife88 on November 18, 2009 at 3:54 PM

You should have differentiated between pulling a muscle and pulling an organ.

Patrick S on November 18, 2009 at 4:08 PM

Songs of praise sung by devoted school children…Check

Government take over of major industries…Check

Ingratiating, subservient, bizarre, courtesies granted to other world leaders…..Check

Show trials held that mock “victims of manmade disasters”…Check

Hmmm all is going according to plan. Operation Banana Republic is almost complete.

Lily on November 18, 2009 at 4:14 PM

From helping ACORN to aiding and abetting Al Qaeda.

Whether it’s a step up or a step down depends, I guess, on one’s perspective.

TXUS on November 18, 2009 at 4:14 PM

Holder and Obama must be fond of wading into piles of (insert noun). When this circus begins, their pathetic POLITICAL plan to crucify the Bush administration will backfire. Holder will say this was either Axelrod or Emanuels idea, right after he’s thrown under another of Obama’s train of buses. Short of a tragedy of a terrorist attack, even the media will tire of listening to KSM puke on our justice system while propping up every fanatic across the globe.

Nice job, Mr. President

Rovin on November 18, 2009 at 4:15 PM

What are you so afraid that he’ll say?

I mean, whenever a recording of Osama bin Laden comes out, that gets full media play. Plenty of jihadist get their message out through the web or other means. It’s not like this is anything new.

Do you think that he has some super secret hypnotic powers and if we let him speak, he will entrance us all and make us Islamists?

He’ll say some stupid stuff and the world will recognize that it’s stupid stuff, just like they do when Osama bin Laden says it.

I don’t understand why you guys allow the terrorists to win by giving in to your fears.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:16 PM

As we all know, both FDR and Lincoln used military tribunals to try people. And their decisions were upheld by the Supreme Court.

I guess they “secretly hated America” too.

This is how radical some on the left are becoming: FDR and Lincoln are now anti-American haters.

SteveMG on November 18, 2009 at 4:16 PM

First of all, Eric Holder is still putting some terrorists before a military commission. You know, one of those secret trials. So apparently the rants of KSM will still be given credence even though he’s being tried in a civil court.

Second, Obama once favored these “secret trials”. The video was posted here not long ago. So apparently he wasn’t a big supporter of free speech or lover of this country. Yet I don’t remember liberals presenting it in that fashion back then.

amerpundit on November 18, 2009 at 3:50 PM

Great post, leaving Bleeds Brains in a quandry over the inconsistency of Bambi and his minions. Defend 2009 Bambi means attacking 2008 Bambi. Attacking military trials means attacking Holder for the military trials he is proceeding with.

The only out for Bleeds Brains is to attack Bambi for his inconsistency, but being a brainless troll, he can’t do that either. Hence Bleeds Brains will either stop posting on this thread or he will engage in some mindless vitriol hoping to start a flame war in which he hopes no one will remember his total defeat over the issue at hand.

PackerBronco on November 18, 2009 at 4:17 PM

I would love to understand what Obama is really thinking and why he is doing this. All I can think of are dark treasonous reasons that I can’t believe are true. That whole cadrey of knotheads in the executive branch need to go. What was America thinking when they elected this guy.

He is nothing but trouble for the US to be sure. Holder is even worse if you can believe that.

saiga on November 18, 2009 at 4:17 PM

Terrye on November 18, 2009 at 4:04 PM

I had heard on the news that a father who had lost a son at the Twin Towers had gone down and watched the military tribunals and said he would watch this trial also. I get pretty confused when I hear that this fool has already been convicted. I am sure the rational for Congress blocking the execution is maddening.

Cindy Munford on November 18, 2009 at 4:17 PM

Interesting.

Ashcroft asserts that the president either made the decision, or out-sourced the decision to his AG so he could vote present and wash his hands of it. If the AG doesn’t have the authority to move him here, and the president shouldn’t be delegating such authority, who ultimately is responsible?

Probably the president.

ted c on November 18, 2009 at 4:18 PM

The notion that we give AQ a bullhorn is a bit overblown; as it is now, anything they release online gets more global airplay than Kanye West.

Chris_Balsz on November 18, 2009 at 4:18 PM

ot but very troublesome

mortgage apps fell to a 12 YEAR LOW last week.

http://ml-implode.com/staticnews/2009-11-18_MortgageApplicationsforPurchasesinUSFallto12YearLow.html

unemployed workers don’t buy homes…

DrW on November 18, 2009 at 4:19 PM

<blockquoYou know what makes people give credence to rants like the one Chuckie fears KSM will unfurl? Secret trials in obscure location with few witnesses.

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

You are exactly wrong. A perfect reverse barometer. So sad for you if you actually believe yout derrangement.

saiga on November 18, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Excellent point. While Bleeds Blue is extolling the virtues of free speech and open trials, Obama is openly saying KSM is guilty and should be executed.

amerpundit on November 18, 2009 at 3:57 PM

Apparently the Obama doesn’t believe in fair trials eithersince he’s already decided the verdict and the punishment. Tsk, tsk – doesn’t sound like a ringing indorsement for the concept of “innocent until proven guilty.”

katiejane on November 18, 2009 at 4:21 PM

ted c on November 18, 2009 at 4:18 PM

Saw it on tape earlier today Ted…sorry don’t have a link, but Obama in an interview said “ultimately, the responsibilty rest with me”.

Rovin on November 18, 2009 at 4:23 PM

KSM and friends.

BKeyser on November 18, 2009 at 4:25 PM

You are exactly wrong. A perfect reverse barometer. So sad for you if you actually believe yout derrangement.

saiga on November 18, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Actually, he’s exactly right. From Johann Hari’s account of former Islamists who have renounced their former beliefs:

Maajid’s Islamist convictions were about to be challenged from two unexpected directions — the men who murdered Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and Amnesty International.

HT [the Islamic group which he had headed] abandoned Maajid as a “fallen soldier” and barely spoke of him or his case. But when his family were finally allowed to see him, they told him he had a new defender. Although they abhorred his political views, Amnesty International said he had a right to free speech and to peacefully express his views, and publicised his case.

“I was just amazed,” Maajid says. “We’d always seen Amnesty as the soft power tools of colonialism. So, when Amnesty, despite knowing that we hated them, adopted us, I felt — maybe these democratic values aren’t always hypocritical. Maybe some people take them seriously … it was the beginning of my serious doubts.”

They view us as hypocrites. The scales fall from their eyes when we demonstrate that we are not.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:26 PM

To our liberal/left visitors: for the millionth time, we believe that KSM and the others committed acts of war against us.

Recall the history? In 1996 Bin Laden declared a fatwa – war – against the US. Following that, AQ attacked the USS Cole and then our embassies in Africa. During that time, AQ trained more than 15,000 combatants in camps in Afghanistan. Finally, on 9/11 they attacked the WTC and the Pentagon.

These were acts of war. Not criminal acts.

AG Holder could not name a single instance when the US captured an enemy alien combatant during war outside the U.S. and brought him into the United States for a civilian trial — vesting him with all the rights of an American citizen. That’s because hasn’t happened. FDR didn’t do it. No other President did it. That’s our tradition.

These are wartime enemies. Not criminals.

SteveMG on November 18, 2009 at 4:26 PM

but Obama in an interview said “ultimately, the responsibilty rest with me”.

Rovin on November 18, 2009 at 4:23 PM

gotcha, thanks. If that’s the case, then Greg Craig should still have a job and Obama should be fired.

Responsibility.

ted c on November 18, 2009 at 4:32 PM

Obama is the biggest gift Al Qaeda has received.

elduende on November 18, 2009 at 3:38 PM

and, he’s the gift that keeps on giving…

uncivilized on November 18, 2009 at 4:33 PM

0bama’s move is a Lose/Lose for the US.

KSM and/or others walk – Al-Q laughs at our humiliation and calls us weak.

KSM & co. are tried, convicted and executed – Al-Q calls it a show trial and praises the “martyrs.”

Lou Budvis on November 18, 2009 at 4:36 PM

They view us as hypocrites. The scales fall from their eyes when we demonstrate that we are not.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:26 PM

Nothing says hypocrite like saying you’ll close Gitmo by January; then not doing it. And putting on a trial where an outcome is guaranteed anyways.

lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 4:37 PM

Nothing says hypocrite like saying you’ll close Gitmo by January; then not doing it. And putting on a trial where an outcome is guaranteed anyways.

lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 4:37 PM

I agree with you on both of these points. It was foolish for Obama to announce the Gitmo closure without a clear plan in place to accomplish it, and he certainly shouldn’t have said what he did about the certainty of KSM’s verdict.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:43 PM

The one thing we all did back on 9-11, 2001 is to NOT ask why, because we all knew it didn’t make a difference what the purpose was, because the act itself was so totally evil, NOTHING could justify it.

But OBAMA obviously thinks it was somehow justifiable or why have this trial?

Danzo on November 18, 2009 at 4:45 PM

The one thing we all did back on 9-11, 2001 is to NOT ask why, because we all knew it didn’t make a difference what the purpose was, because the act itself was so totally evil, NOTHING could justify it.

Danzo on November 18, 2009 at 4:45 PM

Fine, but if you want to prevent something from happening in the future, does it not make sense to examine why it happened the first time?

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:48 PM

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:43 PM

So, really, Obama is making the situation worse. If, in your mind, they view us as hypocrites. Surely, it is change you can believe in.

lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 4:52 PM

does it not make sense to examine why it happened the first time?

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:48 PM

They want us dead or to submit to their heathen religion. What part of that can be reasoned with?

thomasaur on November 18, 2009 at 4:55 PM

This is one of those things that make me think conservatives secretly hate America. Not only is he coming down against free speech..

Bleeds Blue on November 18, 2009 at 3:46 PM

This on o fa number of typical remarks you make that convince me know you have your head firmly wedged up your ass.

VoyskaPVO on November 18, 2009 at 4:57 PM

I think that if this goes thru, the “show trial” will just bring the memories of Sept 11th back

I would love to see Obama and Durbin and Pelosi etc. etc. etc. get lots of blowback on this

r keller on November 18, 2009 at 4:59 PM

I don’t understand why you guys allow the terrorists to win by giving in to your fears.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:16 PM


I don’t understand why you guys liberals allow the terrorists global warming alarmist to win by giving in to your fears.


I don’t understand why you guysliberals allow the terrorists religious chicken littles to win by giving in to your fears.

I don’t understand why you guysliberals allow the terrorists health care scare mongers to win by giving in to your fears.

This really is hilarious coming from liberals who just got through putting out a DHS report that warned of the DANGERS OF RIGHT WING EXTREMIST based primarily on the words that they say.
No specific acts of violence or any proof what-so-ever that there was going to be a break out of right wing violence, just because of the words that they say.

You liberals have been whining and whining about FOX news,Rush Limbaugh,Hannity,and Sarah Palin inciting hatred in the masses because of ….here it comes orange…..THE WORDS THAT THEY SAY.

But a high ranking terrorist who was instrumental in committing an act of war against the United states spewing his ideological hatred during a trial that will easily surpass the attention of OJ is no problem.

The idiocy of this is breathtaking.

Not to leave out seriously hypocritical and irresponsible.

KSM committed and act of war.
This puts him in a military tribunal setting just like it has always done in wars past.
Just like Obama is still conducting with some of the other terrorist at Gitmo.

Just like the fact that Holder and Obama have still not stated why KSM deserves to be treated like an American citizen in federal court but other terrorist are relegated to military tribunals.

Just like Holder and Obama have still not explained how this can be considered a “fair” process if KSM will be locked up no matter what the verdict.

The only reason Obama is doing this is for political reasons.
To put Bush on trial defacto.

But don’t let common sense or reason get in the way orange.
Keep whining about how conservatives are “running scared” from the terrorist while you liberals run scared from FOX news,Christmas trees,Cow farts and SUV’s.

Baxter Greene on November 18, 2009 at 5:03 PM

I hope most of the people here are smart enough to realize, once again, that this isn’t a dumb Obama move. His intentions and motivations are evil and he’ll do whatever it takes to destroy this country. You can’t possibly believe that he’s spent his entire life, even today, surrounding himself with radicals, communists, and terrorists… that he’s bowing to Saudis and Japanese, that he never stops apologizing for America, that he’s deliberately destroying the economy (I hope this is no longer in dispute?), etc. etc. If people don’t get it yet, I don’t know what else he can do to show you. Do recall that he wants to “spread the wealth”. Do recall that a tape leaked of a radio interview in which he said he was disappointed that the courts aren’t involved in redistribution. Do recall the NEA/White House propaganda scandal, etc. etc. Come on people.

RightWinged on November 18, 2009 at 5:06 PM

Looks to me like part of the grand scheme of Obambi; This trial is going to be a mock trial for an islamic terrorist, but there will be no conviction, because that is Obambi’s agenda. And further down the road, there won’t be any trials, either. They’ll just be turned loose after capture if they promise the Obama administration not to actively participate in terrorism.
Why else would these imbeciles want to put these people through another trial?
Their actions are telling us that they are NOT going to be convicted. Unless you believe what they say; And you should know by now that they do have a tendency to LIE.

Cybergeezer on November 18, 2009 at 5:09 PM

Obama is openly saying KSM is guilty and should be executed.

amerpundit on November 18, 2009 at 3:57 PM

And unless this is going to be a kangaroo court and throw out all the rules of law, that very statement could set KSM free.
Obama may know this being the legal scholar he’s supposed to be.

Cybergeezer on November 18, 2009 at 5:21 PM

So, really, Obama is making the situation worse. If, in your mind, they view us as hypocrites. Surely, it is change you can believe in.

lorien1973 on November 18, 2009 at 4:52 PM

In those two instances, yes, Obama made the situation worse. Granted, in the case of Gitmo, it’s not such a horrible thing. He’s still committed to righting the wrongs of the previous administration. It was a bad move to announce a deadline without a plan, but it’s not as bad as creating the place initially.

Obama has a mixed record, no doubt. But a mixed record is better than the abysmally poor record of Bush.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 5:25 PM

At the very least, these trials pose at least one impossible hurdle for federal court; an impartial jury. Please name a US venue where you can find 12 citizens who haven’t formed an opinion regarding who was responsible for 9-11. Patients in comas? The deaf, dumb and blind?

The presumption of innocence is another one that bites my butt. Who in America could swear that they assume these cretins are innocent until proven guilty.

Holder is an unmittigated ass.

DrW on November 18, 2009 at 5:28 PM

orange on November 18, 2009 at 5:25 PM

Very good analysis; Do you write for the South Cambridge Community News?

Cybergeezer on November 18, 2009 at 5:28 PM

They view us as hypocrites. The scales fall from their eyes when we demonstrate that we are not.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:26 PM

This is such nonsense. Who the hell are these people to judge us at all?

Terrye on November 18, 2009 at 5:29 PM

Baxter Greene on November 18, 2009 at 5:03 PM

You brought in a million other subjects. Let’s try to stay focused. We’re talking about terrorism.

Al Qaeda committed terror attacks to sow fear in the American people. Those seeds of fear have found no more fertile ground than in the American right. Thus you want to take away due process and give KSM a secret trial which will be viewed with suspicion around the world.

Don’t let yourself be ruled by fear. Don’t let the terrorists win.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 5:29 PM

This is such nonsense. Who the hell are these people to judge us at all?

Terrye on November 18, 2009 at 5:29 PM

They are potential terrorists. We would prefer that they go from “potential terrorists” to “non-violent, non-Islamists” than go from “potential terrorists” to “actual terrorists”, right?

If all that it takes to move them in the right direction is to maintain our American values (right to a free and speedy trial, for instance), then it seems like a win-win.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 5:31 PM

DrW on November 18, 2009 at 5:28 PM

Good point; Jury of his peers could be a jury of 12 muslims. Surely our legal system would accommodate them. And Obama would make sure they were put up in a very plush hotel with maximum security. But, what would be the verdict?
Heh.

Cybergeezer on November 18, 2009 at 5:32 PM

They want us dead or to submit to their heathen religion. What part of that can be reasoned with?

thomasaur on November 18, 2009 at 4:55 PM

The committed Islamists generally cannot be reasoned with (though look back at the Johann Hari article for exceptions)

The important thing to consider is the people on the margins. The convincables. The people who, depending on what they see around them, could be convinced to take up radical Islamism or could be convinced to remain peaceful.

If we know that doing certain things – things which are part of the American tradition, like free trials – can help to convince these people that we are a just nation (and thus should not suffer terrorist attacks), we should do those things. It is in our best interest.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 5:36 PM

orange on November 18, 2009 at 5:31 PM

I’m convinced you are a syndicated columnist for the Podunk Pundit;
I’ll come back later after your parental controls kick in.

Cybergeezer on November 18, 2009 at 5:36 PM

If we know that doing certain things – things which are part of the American tradition, like free trials – can help to convince these people that we are a just nation (and thus should not suffer terrorist attacks), we should do those things. It is in our best interest.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 5:36 PM

POTENTIAL JUROR #1.

Cybergeezer on November 18, 2009 at 5:38 PM

I don’t understand why you guys allow the terrorists to win by giving in to your fears.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 4:16 PM

Blotter windowpane? Or pyramid? Or are you doing the orange barrel doses today?

Del Dolemonte on November 18, 2009 at 5:40 PM

Obama has a mixed record, no doubt. But a mixed record is better than the abysmally poor record of Bush.

orange on November 18, 2009 at 5:25 PM

More idiotic drivel from the huffington post crew who did everything they could to get their failed community organizer Obama elected when he had no record at all,which we are paying for in spades right now.

But facts don’t matter to orange and the “smart ones”,so let’s compare Bush’s record of freeing over 50 million people to Obama’s:


Fact Sheet: President Bush: Farewell Address to the Nation

http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2009/01/print/20090115-16.html

President Bush Delivers Farewell Address to the Nation
Event Backgrounder and Guest List for the President’s Farewell Address to the Nation

In Focus: Bush Record

President Bush Expresses His Gratitude To The Nation,
Recaps The Events And Accomplishments Of His Presidency,
And Describes The Challenges That Lie Ahead
Tonight, President Bush will deliver his farewell address to the Nation from the East Room of the White House, and discuss the journey traveled over the past eight years and the course ahead. The President will thank the American people for allowing him to serve and thank the military for serving our Nation and keeping us safe. The following are excerpts from the President’s address as prepared for delivery, followed by supporting facts and data.


President Bush Transformed Our Approach To Combating Terrorism After The 9/11 Attacks


President Bush:
“As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.”

Consolidated 22 agencies and 180,000 employees under one agency, the Department of Homeland Security, to foster a comprehensive, coordinated approach to protecting our country.

Provided our military with the tools, equipment, and resources to combat terrorism and other emerging threats and started moving American forces from Cold War garrisons in Europe and Asia so they can deploy more quickly to any region of the world.

Established a unified, collaborative intelligence community, led by the DNI, to ensure information is shared among all intelligence and law enforcement professionals so they have the information they need to protect the American people.

Combined the counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and intelligence elements of the FBI under the leadership of a senior FBI official.

Advocated for and signed the Patriot Act, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, and a modernization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Arrested and convicted more than two dozen terrorists and their supporters in America since 9/11. Froze the financial assets in the United States of hundreds of individuals and entities linked to terrorism.

Disrupted terrorist plots and built a coalition of more than 90 nations to fight terrorism. Partnered with nations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America on intelligence sharing and law enforcement coordination to break up terrorist networks and bring terrorists to justice.
Removed the Taliban from power and brought freedom to the people of Afghanistan. Supported the creation of an Afghan government that is elected by its people, respects the rule of law, and guarantees women the right to vote. More than six million children, approximately two million of whom are girls, are now in Afghan schools, compared to fewer than one million in 2001.

Freed Iraqis from the rule of Saddam Hussein, a dictator who murdered his own people, invaded his neighbors, and repeatedly defied United Nations resolutions. Supported the creation of a democratic Iraqi government that is operating under one of the most progressive constitutions in the Arab world, and helped train and equip more than half a million Iraqi Army and police forces.

Successfully negotiated a Strategic Framework Agreement and a Security Agreement with Iraq, which will further strengthen the relationship between our nations, provide the United States with vital protections and authorities to continue our mission to help stabilize Iraq, and establish a path for U.S. forces to reduce their presence in Iraq and return home on success.

President Bush Strengthened Support for Dissidents and Democracy Activists And Helped Millions Of People Around The World Through A New Approach To Development
President Bush: “When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity.”

Met with activists from more than 35 countries and helped unify democracy advocates and boost the international standing of the opposition in countries run by totalitarian and oppressive regimes.

Supported life-saving treatment for more than 2.1 million people and care for more than 10 million people (including more than four million orphans and vulnerable children) around the world through the President’s Emergency Plan.
Committed $1.2 billion in funding through the President’s Malaria Initiative over a five-year period, which is on track to help reduce malaria deaths by 50 percent in 15 targeted countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.


President Bush’s Domestic Policy Achievements Built A More Hopeful America


President Bush:
“For eight years, we have also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home.”
Held public schools accountable, through the No Child Left Behind Act, for producing results for all students and required highly-qualified teachers in every classroom. Since No Child Left Behind took effect, test scores have risen, accountability has increased, and we have begun to close the achievement gap between white and minority students. Helped African-American and Hispanic students post all-time highs in several categories on national assessments.

Provided more than 40 million Americans with better access to prescription drugs through the market-based Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit.

Provided tax relief to every American who pays income taxes, which helped fuel six years of uninterrupted economic growth and 52 consecutive months of job growth. Reduced individual income tax rates, doubled the child tax credit, created a new 10 percent bracket rate, provided marriage penalty relief, eliminated income taxes for 13 million American taxpayers, and began a phase-out of the estate tax.

Through the Faith-Based and Community Initiative, helped millions in need by expanding partnerships with nonprofits and leveling the playing field for faith-based and community organizations. These partnerships helped provide care for more than ten million people affected by HIV/AIDS, supported the recovery of more than 260,000 addicts, and matched mentors with more than 100,000 children of prisoners.

Outlawed partial birth abortion, ensured that every infant born alive is protected, established consequences for violence toward unborn children, and took steps to protect the rights of health care providers to act according to their conscience. Provided government funding for stem cell research while refusing to sanction the destruction of human life.

Increased total funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs more than 98 percent since 2001 and helped millions of veterans receive expedited and improved care.
Instituted policies that helped reduce air pollution by 12 percent from 2001 to 2007 and adopted new policies that will produce even deeper reductions. Improved and protected the health of more than 27 million acres of Federal forest and grasslands and protected, restored, and improved more than three million acres of wetlands. Provided the highest recognition and protection to nearly 335,000 square miles as marine national monuments, the largest marine area in history.

Appointed Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Associate Justice Samuel Alito, and more than one-third of all active Federal judges, who will not legislate from the bench.

Addressed the weakness in the economy early in 2008 by leading the bipartisan passage of an economic growth package that boosted consumer spending and encouraged businesses to expand. Responded with bold action when the financial crisis intensified by leading the passage and implementation of a rescue plan that helped address the root of the financial crisis, protected the deposits of individuals and small businesses, and helped ensure credit would remain available to individuals and families. Had the President not acted, the toll would be far worse on hardworking American families.

Let’s see, freeing over 50 million people from some of the worst terrorist regimes known to man…..cutting taxes….saving millions of lives through Malaria prevention and Aids prevention….keeping the country safe and retooling the failed policies of the Clinton administration in dealing with terrorist….providing funding and support to millions of people around the world fighting for the rights of Freedom.

You have to be a real idiot to call this “abysmally poor record”.

Obama still has “the stimulus is working” and “smart power” going for him…..real genius if you have your head stuck straight up your a$$.

Baxter Greene on November 18, 2009 at 5:42 PM

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