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Al-Qaeda Boosts Western Recruits

Networks funnel manpower to Pakistan, Afghanistan

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2009 7:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – An increasing number of Westerners are joining al-Qaeda and the Taliban as the terrorist groups profit from dissatisfaction with the war in Afghanistan and develop sophisticated foreign-recruiting networks. Some 30 German citizens have traveled to Pakistan for training this year, according to authorities. Belgian, French and Swedish nationals have also been arrested en route or returning from Pakistani camps.

Would-be terrorists once had to travel to Pakistan or Afghanistan for training. But agents in Western nations now coordinate with training camps in South Asia, providing recruits with advice and travel money, reports the Washington Post. The organizations “obviously have no problem recruiting new members,” said a German security researcher. “In the long run, they won't have any problem replacing the leaders who have been killed" in US drone attacks.

This is a freeze fram from a recent video released by al-Qaeda's featuring an audio statement from Osama bin Laden.
This is a freeze fram from a recent video released by al-Qaeda's featuring an audio statement from Osama bin Laden.   (AP Photo/IntelCenter)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 15 comments
SilenceDogood
Oct 22, 2009 11:23 AM CDT
JoeQ, try this for how the lessons are taught....http://www.theglobeandmail.com...
SilenceDogood
Oct 22, 2009 11:03 AM CDT
Snarfeh, it’s not a matter of fear you ass, the terrorist movement is growing stronger all the time, we Americans are delusional if we think we our nation will not be engulfed in the bloodshed also. The insensitive quips above show the mindset of the right side.
Snarfeh
Oct 20, 2009 5:08 AM CDT
No problem. I just couldn't tell to whom you were replying and wanted you to understand why I mocked Silence's fear. I hate that lives are lost to terrorism, but I'll be damned if I'll change my life to suit terrorists. They win if we give in to our fears.

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