Cult of Thanatos: Rise and Demise

Only What Benefits All People Stays On the Earth*
"The most original argument in the book and the interview is Fadl’s assertion that the hijackers of 9/11 “betrayed the enemy,” because they had been given U.S. visas, which are a contract of protection. “The followers of bin Laden entered the United States with his knowledge, and on his orders double-crossed its population, killing and destroying,” Fadl continues. “The Prophet—God’s prayer and peace be upon him—said, ‘On the Day of Judgment, every double-crosser will have a banner up his anus proportionate to his treachery.’ ”"

A very long, but riveting, remarkable and highly readable account of the rise (and fall?) of Al Qaeda terrorism. *(Second) title of this entry is a paraphrase of a saying by the prophet Muhammad, quoted in the article. [Lou]

NewYorker: The Rebellion Within; An Al Qaeda mastermind questions terrorism by Lawrence Wright, June 2, 2008
See also: Al Qaeda Warrior Uses Internet to Rally Women by Elaine Sciolino and Souad Mekhennet, May 28, 2008 and AssociatedPress: Al-Qaida's stance of women sparks extremist debate by Lauren Frayer, May 31, 2008

Art: Terrorist Series, not dated, Yin Kun