The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Fall of al-Qaeda

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Friday, Jun 20, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Fall of al-Qaeda

Michael Hayden’s claim that the al-Qaeda is facing a “near strategic defeat” (“Is Islam running out of steam?” June 19) may be true to a limited extent. But it is difficult to believe that the terrorist activities of some misguided Muslim youth will ever subside. Unless Islam is interpreted in a manner that is in keeping with the modern times and Muslims are educated in these interpretations, there is little hope of terrorism declining.

Dhiraj Dangoria,

Hyderabad

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The al-Qaeda came into existence as a result of the U.S. foreign policy in West Asia, aimed at protecting its interests in the oil rich region. 9/11 gave the U.S. an opportunity to wage the so-called war on terror in Afghanistan where it succeeded in inflicting heavy losses on the al-Qaeda. But the occupation of Iraq has given a new lease of life to the outfit. As Daniel Benjamin, who served on Bill Clinton’s National Security Council, said: “There were no jihadists in Iraq before we invaded” but “there are now thousands, Iraqi and foreign, and they’re going to be an enduring problem because many have embraced the global jihadist agenda.”

Mahmood Alam Siddiqui,

New Delhi

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