October 08, 2001
From the desk of Mindles H. Dreck:More on the motivation of bin Laden
Virgina Postrel points out a reference to "The Tragedy of Andalusia" in bin Laden's pre-taped rekmarks released yesterday. Andalusia (Muslim Spain some 500 years ago) is, to westerners, one example of an islamic state that was tolerant and open to trade. This just seems like more evidence that bin Laden's gripe is with our view of modernity - including democracy, pluralism and international trade. I think bin Laden considers these values to be a competing (and winning) religion.
I also continue to be amazed by the references to a long-gone history - the crusades, and now this. As in Yugoslavia, centuries-old grudges can remake current countries. Americans worry about memories of WWII fading.
Posted by Mindles H. Dreck at October 8, 2001 08:12 AM | Technorati inbound links