In his latest audio, Ayman al-Zawahiri Al-Qaida's number 2, has the gall to call President-elect Barack Obama "dishonorable" and a "house negro." According to the Associated Press:CAIRO,Egypt (AP) - Al-Qaida No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri insulted Barack Obama in the terror group's first reaction to his election, calling him a demeaning racial term implying that the president-elect is a black American who does the bidding of whites.Clearly this is a cynical attempt to dampen the renewed global optimism about America's role in the world going forward. Al-Qaida operatives know that if there is hope and not simply desperation, it will be harder for Al-Qaida to raise funds and tactical support for its terrorist expeditions.
The message appeared chiefly aimed at persuading Muslims and Arabs that Obama does not represent a change in U.S. policies. Al-Zawahri said in the message, which appeared on militant Web sites Wednesday, that Obama is "the direct opposite of honorable black Americans" like Malcolm X, the 1960s African-American rights leader.
Al-Zawahri also called Obama-along with secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice-"house negroes."
Speaking in Arabic, al-Zawahri uses the term "abeed al-beit," which literally translates as "house slaves." But al-Qaida supplied English subtitles of his speech that included the translation as "house negroes."
The message also includes old footage of speeches by Malcolm X in which he explains the term, saying black slaves who worked in their white masters' house were more servile than those who worked in the fields. Malcolm X used the term to criticize black leaders he accused of not standing up to whites.
The 11-minute 23-second video features the audio message by al-Zawahri, who appears only in a still image, along with other images, including one of Obama wearing a Jewish skullcap as he meets with Jewish leaders. In his speech, al-Zawahri refers to a Nov. 5 U.S. airstrike attack in Afghanistan, meaning the video was made after that date.
Al-Zawahri said Obama's election has not changed American policies he said are aimed at oppressing Muslims and others.
Further, Ayman al-Zawahiri must not fully understand Malcolm X and the spiritual journey he traveled once he returned to the United States from his pilgrimage to Mecca.
True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete.
Since I learned the truth in Mecca, my dearest friends have come to include all kinds -- some Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, agnostics, and even atheists! I have friends who are called capitalists, Socialists, and Communists! Some of my friends are moderates, conservatives, extremists -- some are even Uncle Toms! My friends today are black, brown, red, yellow, and white!
I said to my Harlem street audiences that only when mankind would submit to the One God who created all -- only then would mankind even approach the "peace" of which so much talk could be heard...but toward which so little action was seen. Adapted from the pamphlet - Malcolm X: Why I Embraced Islam by Yusuf Siddiqui.
So it is hard to understand why al-Zawahiri would believe Malcolm X's views of 'True Islam' would condone blowing up innocent men, women and children just going about their daily lives. How dare al-Zawahiri take an American icon so dear to many of us and attempt to link Malcolm X to al-Qaida? It is disgusting and it reeks of some kind of scrambling, sloppy attempt to grab attention and goodwill away from Barack Obama.
Comments: (149)
Add a comment
By: Joshua M. Pierce on 11/19/2008 10:12AM
Well for the first time in a long time I actually agree with this writer of this article.How in the hell can Al'Quieda try to tie these two wonderful icons(Malcolm X and Pres Obama) together in a negative connatation.The sad case is that most foreigners feel that they are so much smarter than Americans,yet they come to America for education,a better way of life etc.Yet they say America is so bad.I admit that America has got issues but I would never want to live in the Middle East where it is highly legal to carry guns to kill others because they are not articulate enough to convince others about their views.Use your own killers to support your ideals about murder.You certainly have enough to go around and choose from.JP
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: ann on 12/07/2008 10:05PM
I can not lie, when I heard this on the news I literally stopped in my tracks. Not too many black folks want to be called a house-n, that's just as offensive as being called an N by other races. Yeah I admit, throughout the election I had this nervous excitement for Barack...my thoughts were what if he's pulling a fast one, not only on black people but all Americans. Throughout the campaign he NEVER addressed any concerns of the black community and let's not lie....we have them, I gave him a pass on that. Lord knows I pray that he will do right by the country as a whole. I don't want him to be another Powell or Rice, but we'll see.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Neau on 11/19/2008 10:22AM
This is just a sad attempt to get attention!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Nadine on 11/19/2008 10:33AM
So he knows the term" House Negro". Well, did he learn that from watching American TV? How dare he compare Malcolm X's beliefs with his!! Just goes to show you, people who speak about others DON"T know anything about that person or persons.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Bobby P on 11/19/2008 10:34AM
Huh? I thought the world was going to love us and our enemies bow at the feet of the Obamessiah.
Is anyone surprised that our enemies would see the weakness of an unproven leader and go after it immediately?
Enemies who no longer fear our president. There's some "CHANGE" for you.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: chas jr on 11/19/2008 10:55AM
Throughout the campaign he NEVER addressed any concerns of the black community and let's not lie....we have them, I gave him a pass on that. Lord knows I pray that he will do right by the country as a whole.ann at 10:34AM on Nov 19th 2008
YOU are so right and I agree if he only does good for America as a whole thats enough for me
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: jerry on 11/19/2008 11:23AM
this is what al qaida's wants to support the hate groups i didn't vote for him but hes our pres. so lets support him as best we can and hope he can get our country up and running again----------- WE DON'T CARE WHAT THOSE RAG HEADS CALL OUT PRESIDENT . TELL THEM TO GOT TO HELL WITH THEIR SMART MOUTHS
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Janice Evans on 11/19/2008 11:43AM
If Obama stood up there and addressed the concerns of the black community openly do you think that he would be president-elect now. Can anyone say Sharpton and Jackson.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Larry M on 11/19/2008 11:43AM
Great thoughts Bobby P. You stated that the term used by al quida (I will not even give that garbage the use of capital letters) is just as offensive as other races calling you the N word. Think about what you just said. The black race can justify using the N word against each other but whittie better not even think it. You make me puke..
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Zakari Hassan on 11/19/2008 11:42AM
Look no further than this if you want to know true Islam:- True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete. Friends to True Muslims should include all kinds; -- some Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, agnostics, and even atheists! some capitalists, Socialists, and Communists! Some moderates, conservatives, extremists.
Reply to this Comment | Report This