U.S. Suspects More Direct Threats Beyond ISIS - Khorasan army

Rooh-e-Safar

Senator (1k+ posts)
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MIDDLE EAST


U.S. Suspects More Direct Threats Beyond ISIS
By MARK MAZZETTI, MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT and BEN HUBBARDSEPT. 20, 2014

WASHINGTON As the United States begins what could be a lengthy military campaign against the Islamic State, intelligence and law enforcement officials said another Syrian group, led by a shadowy figure who was once among Osama bin Ladens inner circle, posed a more direct threat to America and Europe.


American officials said that the group called Khorasan had emerged in the past year as the cell in Syria that may be the most intent on hitting the United States or its installations overseas with a terror attack. The officials said that the group is led by Muhsin al-Fadhli, a senior Qaeda operative who, according to the State Department, was so close to Bin Laden that he was among a small group of people who knew about the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks before they were launched.

There is almost no public information about the Khorasan group, which was described by several intelligence, law enforcement and military officials as being made up of Qaeda operatives from across the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa. Members of the cell are said to be particularly interested in devising terror plots using concealed explosives. It is unclear who, besides Mr. Fadhli, is part of the Khorasan group.




The director of national intelligence, James R. Clapper Jr., said on Thursday that in terms of threat to the homeland, Khorasan may pose as much of a danger as the Islamic State.


Some American officials and national security experts said the intense focus on the Islamic State had distorted the picture of the terrorism threat that has emerged from the chaos of Syrias civil war, and that the more immediate threats still come from traditional terror groups like Khorasan and the Nusra Front, which is Al Qaedas designated affiliate in Syria.


Mr. Fadhli, 33, has been tracked by American intelligence agencies for at least a decade. According to the State Department, before Mr. Fadhli arrived in Syria, he had been living in Iran as part of a small group of Qaeda operatives who had fled to the country from Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 attacks. Irans government said the group was living under house arrest, but the exact circumstances of the Qaeda operatives were disputed for years, and many members of the group ultimately left Iran for Pakistan, Syria and other countries.


In 2012, the State Department identified Mr. Fadhli as Al Qaedas leader in Iran, directing the movement of funds and operatives through the country. A $7 million reward was offered for information leading to his capture. The same State Department release said he was working with wealthy jihadist donors in Kuwait, his native country, to raise money for Qaeda-allied rebels in Syria.


In a speech in Brussels in 2005, President George W. Bush referred to Mr. Fadhli as he thanked European countries for their counterterrorism assistance, noting that Mr. Fadhli had assisted terrorists who bombed a French oil tanker in 2002 off the coast of Yemen. That attack killed one and spilled 50,000 barrels of oil that stretched across 45 miles of coastline.

The Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, is viewed as more focused on consolidating territory it has amassed in Syria and Iraq than on attacking the West. Some even caution that military strikes against the Islamic State could antagonize that group into planning attacks on Western targets, and even benefit other militant organizations if more moderate factions of the rebellion are not ready to take power on the ground.

The Islamic States recent statements, including a video using a British captive as a spokesman, have sought to deter American action against the group and threatened attacks only as revenge for American strikes.


At the same time, the rise of the Islamic State has blunted the momentum of its rival groups in Syria, including the Nusra Front, once considered to be among the most capable in the array of Syrian rebel groups. The Islamic States expansion across northern Iraq and in oil-rich regions of eastern Syria has sapped some of the Nusra Fronts resources and siphoned some of its fighters who are drawn by the Islamic States battlefield successes and declaration of a caliphate, the longtime dream of many jihadists.

It is difficult to assess the seriousness and scope of any terror plots that Khorasan, the Nusra Front or other groups in Syria might be planning. In several instances in the past year, Nusra and the Islamic State have used Americans who have joined their ranks to carry out attacks inside Syria including at least one suicide bombing rather than returning them to the United States to strike there.


Beyond the militant groups fighting for control of territory, Syria has become a magnet for Islamic extremists from other nations who have used parts of the country as a sanctuary to plot attacks.


What you have is a growing body of extremists from around the world who are coming in and taking advantage of the ungoverned areas and creating informal ad hoc groups that are not directly aligned with ISIS or Nusra, a former senior law enforcement official said.


Spokesmen for the C.I.A. and the White House declined to comment for this article.

The grinding war in Syria, well into its fourth year, has led to a constant shifting of alliances among the hard-line rebel groups.


Ayman al-Zawahiri, the head of Al Qaeda, anointed the Nusra Front as its official branch in Syria and cut ties with the Islamic State early this year after it refused to follow his orders to fight only in Iraq. Officials said that Khorasan was an offshoot of the Nusra Front. According to a new report by the Bipartisan Policy Center, a nonprofit research and analysis organization, the rifts among these various groups threaten to create a conflict throughout the jihadist movement that is no longer confined to Syria and Iraq.


While Nusra has been weakened, it remains one of the few rebel organizations that has active branches throughout Syria. Analysts view the organization as well placed to benefit from American strikes that might weaken the Islamic State.

Jennifer Cafarella, a Syria analyst with the Institute for the Study of War in Washington, said that American strikes could benefit the Nusra Front if the United States did not ensure that there was another force ready to take power on the ground.


There is definitely a threat that, if not conducted as a component of a properly tailored strategy within Syria, the American strikes would allow the Nusra Front to fill a vacuum in eastern Syria, she said.


She noted that the Nusra Front had been the primary force in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour before it was pushed out by the Islamic State earlier this year, and that the group had maintained better relationships with the local tribes than ISIS had. This could make it easier for the group to return if ISIS is chased out by American airstrikes.


While the Nusra Front does not openly call for attacks on the West, it remains loyal to Mr. Zawahiri, whose clout among jihadists has waned with the rise of the Islamic State.


A great deal remains uncertain about the Nusra Fronts ultimate aims inside Syria. Hamza al-Shimali, the head of the American-backed rebel group the Hazm Movement, said that he and his allies did not trust the Nusra Front. He said he feared that one day he would have to fight the Nusra Front in addition to the Syrian government and the Islamic State.


American intelligence officials estimate that since the Syrian conflict began, about 15,000 foreigners, including more than 100 Americans and 2,000 Europeans, have traveled to the country to fight alongside rebel groups. Syrias porous borders make it relatively easy to get in and out of the country, raising concerns among Western officials that without markings on their passports they could slip back undetected into Europe or the United States.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/world/middleeast/us-sees-other-more-direct-threats-beyond-isis-.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSum&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1
 

TONIC

Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
ISIS is not representative of Islam, they are using name of Islam for their personal agenda, as per Islam Muslims are not supposed to kill prisoners of war and people who are not fighting Muslims should be given safety and Muslims are not supposed to fight against Muslims and yet ISIS is breaking all the laws of Islam because they are not Muslims at all.
 

ranaji

President (40k+ posts)
ISIS is not representative of Islam, they are using name of Islam for their personal agenda, as per Islam Muslims are not supposed to kill prisoners of war and people who are not fighting Muslims should be given safety and Muslims are not supposed to fight against Muslims and yet ISIS is breaking all the laws of Islam because they are not Muslims at all.
(clap)(clap)(clap)(clap)(clap)(clap)(clap)
 

Freedomlover

Minister (2k+ posts)
ISIS is not representative of Islam, they are using name of Islam for their personal agenda, as per Islam Muslims are not supposed to kill prisoners of war and people who are not fighting Muslims should be given safety and Muslims are not supposed to fight against Muslims and yet ISIS is breaking all the laws of Islam because they are not Muslims at all.

Who give you the authority to give certificates of Islam for anyone? What kind of islam you follow? Qadyani? do you study Islamic history and know anything about the battle with Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza of Madina?. The prophet(PBUH) ordered the beheading of all the male members of the tribe after defeating them in war and their women and children were taken as slaves.
 
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Freedomlover

Minister (2k+ posts)
ISIS is not representative of Islam, they are using name of Islam for their personal agenda, as per Islam Muslims are not supposed to kill prisoners of war and people who are not fighting Muslims should be given safety and Muslims are not supposed to fight against Muslims and yet ISIS is breaking all the laws of Islam because they are not Muslims at all.

Invasion of Banu Qurayza

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Invasion of Banu Qurayza,[SUP][1][/SUP] also known as the Massacre of Banu Qurayza, refers to an incident that took place in the Dhul Qa‘dah during February and March of 627 CE (5 AH).[SUP][6][/SUP]
The Banu Qurayza, a Jewish tribe in Medina, formed an alliance with the Muslim community led by Islamic prophet Muhammad. This community soon faced a siege from Meccan forces who were in a state of war with the Muslims. According to the treaty between them,[SUP][citation needed][/SUP] the Banu Qurayza would not take part in the battle against the Meccans, but neither would they attack the Muslims. The community survived the siege, but the Banu Qurayza betrayed the alliance by colluding with enemy forces.
The Banu Qurayza where subsequently besieged for 25 days until they surrendered and faced a judgement for their breach.[SUP][1][/SUP] One of Muhammad's companions, Sa'd ibn Mua'dh, who was also a member of an tribe allied to the Banu Qurayza and a former Jew,[SUP][citation needed][/SUP] was agreed upon to act as judge. He ruled that "the men should be killed, the property divided, and the women and children taken as captives". Some sources claim that this sentence was derived from Jewish testimony and law. Muhammad approved of the ruling, calling it fair as it was according to the Jew's own laws,.[SUP][7][/SUP][SUP][8][/SUP][SUP][9][/SUP][SUP][10][/SUP][SUP][11][/SUP] According to Ibn Ishaq, Muhammad said to Sa'd : "You have given the judgment of Allah above the seven heavens".[SUP][12][/SUP] All male members of the tribe who had reached puberty were beheaded.[


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Banu_Qurayza
 
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TONIC

Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Who give you the authority to give certificates of Islam for anyone? What kind of islam you follow? Qadyani? do you study Islamic history and know anything about the battle with Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza of Madina?. The prophet(PBUH) ordered the beheading of all the male members of the tribe after defeating them in war and their women and children were taken as slaves.

We as a Muslim must know what is right & what is wrong, in the name of Islam ISIS is killing/murdering Shia's/Sunnis and non muslims like Yazidis so you don't need to be a Ph.D in Islam to understand menace of ISIS. Regarding beheading you should be specific about Jewish tribe which betrayed Muslims as per agreement & based on that agreement it was done in accordance with Jewish Law so don't mix issues, people like you are misleading innocent Muslims and supporting terrorists like ISIS.
 

TONIC

Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Invasion of Banu Qurayza

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Invasion of Banu Qurayza,[SUP][1][/SUP] also known as the Massacre of Banu Qurayza, refers to an incident that took place in the Dhul Qa‘dah during February and March of 627 CE (5 AH).[SUP][6][/SUP]
The Banu Qurayza, a Jewish tribe in Medina, formed an alliance with the Muslim community led by Islamic prophet Muhammad. This community soon faced a siege from Meccan forces who were in a state of war with the Muslims. According to the treaty between them,[SUP][citation needed][/SUP] the Banu Qurayza would not take part in the battle against the Meccans, but neither would they attack the Muslims. The community survived the siege, but the Banu Qurayza betrayed the alliance by colluding with enemy forces.
The Banu Qurayza where subsequently besieged for 25 days until they surrendered and faced a judgement for their breach.[SUP][1][/SUP] One of Muhammad's companions, Sa'd ibn Mua'dh, who was also a member of an tribe allied to the Banu Qurayza and a former Jew,[SUP][citation needed][/SUP] was agreed upon to act as judge. He ruled that "the men should be killed, the property divided, and the women and children taken as captives". Some sources claim that this sentence was derived from Jewish testimony and law. Muhammad approved of the ruling, calling it fair as it was according to the Jew's own laws,.[SUP][7][/SUP][SUP][8][/SUP][SUP][9][/SUP][SUP][10][/SUP][SUP][11][/SUP] According to Ibn Ishaq, Muhammad said to Sa'd : "You have given the judgment of Allah above the seven heavens".[SUP][12][/SUP] All male members of the tribe who had reached puberty were beheaded.[


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Banu_Qurayza

You should read "Mesaq e Madina" and Jewish Laws according to which it was done and never after that it was repeated apart from that Huzoor PBUH used to receive divine revelations which ISIS is not receiving, you guys are using/abusing Islam for your personal agenda.
 

Freedomlover

Minister (2k+ posts)
We as a Muslim must know what is right & what is wrong, in the name of Islam ISIS is killing/murdering Shia's/Sunnis and non muslims like Yazidis so you don't need to be a Ph.D in Islam to understand menace of ISIS. Regarding beheading you should be specific about Jewish tribe which betrayed Muslims as per agreement & based on that agreement it was done in accordance with Jewish Law so don't mix issues, people like you are misleading innocent Muslims and supporting terrorists like ISIS.

Do you believe jihad against kufar. Do you know anything about the Prophet(PBUH) Gazwaat and jihaad against kufar and their allies, if not then read about islam first and its history
 

Freedomlover

Minister (2k+ posts)
You should read "Mesaq e Madina" and Jewish Laws according to which it was done and never after that it was repeated apart from that Huzoor PBUH used to receive divine revelations which ISIS is not receiving, you guys are using/abusing Islam for your personal agenda.

If you still not convince then you can follow the path of mirza qadyani where there is no jihaad but Islamic state is following the path of Prophet(PBUH) people like you have no authority to give the certificate(of american and qadiani version of islam)
 

TONIC

Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Do you believe jihad against kufar. Do you know anything about the Prophet(PBUH) Gazwaat and jihaad against kufar and their allies, if not then read about islam first and its history

Jihad is one of the fundamentals for achieving "Emaan" but every war fought by Muslims is not Jihad, Jihad is for reasons defined in Quran & Sunnah not just going after any Non-Muslim and calling it Jihad that's absurd interpretation of Islam.

Regarding Gazwat each one of them was done for self defence and as per divine instruction of Allah not just to slay human beings by blood thirsty people, Muslims are being persecuted and they are oppressed but mainly because of their own rulers and you can't blame others for your own incompetency.

Read Quran & Sunnah before quoting anything from it out of context.
 

TONIC

Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
If you still not convince then you can follow the path of mirza qadyani where there is no jihaad but Islamic state is following the path of Prophet(PBUH) people like you have no authority to give the certificate(of american and qadiani version of islam)

Allah may give me guidance, I believe that Mirza Gulam was a Non-Muslim who was used against Islam just to curb Jihad, same as today ISIS is being used nowadays to malign Caliphite & Jihad there isn't any difference between the two.