More graphic evidence of the reasoning (if that’s not a misuse of vocabulary) behind the targeting of the French hostages. As this story revealed, the Islamic Army of Iraq called France’ an enemy of Muslims’:

‘It accused France of "playing a principle (sic) role in blocking Muslims from taking power in Algeria after their victory" in 1992 legislative elections. It said French prisons are "full of Muslims" being held in the name of the fight against terrorism, while denouncing continuing French support for the "Zionist entity" (Israel) and its "war against the symbols of Islam, such as the headscarf" for women… The statement went on to include a long litany of grievances involving alleged French meddling in the affairs of Syria and Lebanon "to serve the interests of Jews and Zionists," of combating the Arabic language and Islamic law in former colony Tunisia, of seeking to divide Sudan and make Chad a French base. Morocco and Mauritania were also listed as victims, while France was also accused of "effectively participating in the war in Afghanistan" against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.’

So much for appeasement.

Posted by melanie at September 20, 2004