Global Post: Opinion: Why France is Al Qaeda's new target

[pampango]

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/worldiew/101103/france-al-qaeda-islamic-maghreb

Then last week, Osama bin Laden delivered a taped message exclusively devoted to France. Other than the United States, France is the only country bin Laden has singled out as a unique target. So why is France, much derided in America for its contributions to global security, in Al Qaeda’s sights?

In his latest message, bin Laden evoked those points of contention with France, including the just-passed law banning face-covering Islamic veils. The difference from past messages is his singling out of French people and troops: “If you unjustly thought that it is your right to prevent free Muslim women from wearing the face veil, is it not our right to expel your invading men and cut their necks?” Bin Laden continued, “It is a simple and clear equation: As you kill, you will be killed. As you capture, you will be captured. And as you threaten our security, your security will be threatened.”

France has acknowledged that its biggest threat comes from Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and the latest rapprochement with Al Qaeda central can only embolden the Maghrebi branch. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb wants to topple the current government in Algeria, which is supported by France. And pulling off an attack on French soil would boost Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’s credibility with the rest of the terrorist network.

For the time being, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has not succeeded in launching an attack, but it has sleeper cells all over Europe as well as logistical support, according to French intelligence officials. After a failed French-Mauritanian operation to liberate a French hostage held by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in July 2010, in which six Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb members were killed, Abdelmalek Droukdel, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’s leader, announced that the hostage, Michel Germaneau, had been executed. Droukdel called for revenge and the unleashing of a major war against France.

[OHdem10]

1. Could it be that France has not exactly been welcoming to Immigrants

Banned Muslim Women from wearing the veil.

Large Muslim Contingent in France.

[meegbear]

2. Al Qaeda should just boycott France ...

remember all the economic damage done to the country when us 'Merikans did it?

Bill O'Reilly reported that 'they've lost billions of dollars in France according to "The Paris Business Review."' back in 2004.