**Al-Qaeda, their aims and ideology have been condemned by supreme Islamic leaders. Their ideology promotes killing people irrespective of religion, sex and age all in the name of Islam. But is it really about Islam? If so, then how is it that Osama Bin Laden’s own mentor Sheikh Salman al-Oudah, who was his spiritual guide, has turned against him? His former associate during the Soviet War and the head of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, Noman Benotman, wrote an open letter to his old comrade condemning his terrorist activities. Benotman told Bin Laden that al Qaeda’s actions have brought havoc upon the same Afghans they went to fight for. His entire letter has been published and is viewable here:
An Open Letter To Osama Bin Laden** **
Time after time prominent Muslim scholars and leaders have asked Al-Qaida, Taliban and other terrorist organizations to stop legitimizing the killing of Muslims by other Muslims in the name of jihad. Here is a collection of their statements: Muslim leaders, Organizations Condemn Al-Qaida and Terrorism Why is it that their actions and existence is still supported by some?
Unfortunately, manipulation is the key weapon they use for recruitment. However, even some of their own fighters are beginning to --question al Qaeda’s extremist ideology-- and realize this fundamental truth, and not only abandoning Al Qaeda’s violent and hate-filled ideology, but speaking out against it.
http://www.alquds.com/node/304546** **
Recently, Al Quds, one of the largest Arab newspapers reported the story of Ahmad Ould Wees, a former Al-Qaeda member who “was convinced to go to an al Qaeda camp after a discussion with young men who promised to get him to a Jihad battlefield in the name of God”. However, he left the organization saying, “As a young Muslim, I welcomed the idea of being invited to Jihad. Upon my arrival I noticed issues inconsistent with the Islamic Law and did not find much of what they promised, I was afraid of using my weapon against Muslims instead of using it in the name of God”. Now he has joined the group of people who Mauritanian President Mohammad Weld Abdulaziz has pardoned for renouncing terrorism.
Five Mauritanian Al-Qaeda member Surrender and Renounce Terrorism** **
Pakistani Boy Renounces TTP: Says He Was Threatened** **
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwPVbrIXRtg&feature=related** **
More and more people who were once brainwashed by al Qaeda’s extremist ideology will now realize that their actions are harming the same religion for which they are willing to give their lives. We hope that they help in spreading peace and stability in their respective countries instead of terrorizing innocent people.
LCDR Speaks,** **
DET - US Central Command
www.centcom.mil**