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Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba - An Unlikely Alliance?

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  • Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba - An Unlikely Alliance?

    The US State Department recently revealed that it is becoming increasingly apparent that Lashkar-e-Taiba and Al-Qaeda have become affliated. Whilst Lashkar-e-Taiba have their roots based in the Kashmir conflict it seems that Al-Qaeda have begun to see the group as a means to achieve their worldwide terrorist goals. Following the 2001 American led invasion of Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda were forced to move their operations to Pakistan. The lawless tribal regions that border Afghanistan have become a safe haven for Al-Qaeda operatives and the Pakistani government, first under Mushareef and now under Asif Ali Zardari have begun to crack down heavily on Al-Qaeda presence in the area. Daily American drone attacks and Pakistani army incursions into the region have become costly to Al-Qaeda and in June of 2010 Mustafa abu Al-Yazid, head of the Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, became the latest high profile casualty for the terrorist group.

    It is quite possible that Al-Qaeda see Lashkar-e-Taiba as a means to divert Pakistani attention away from the tribal regions where they operate and instead to the border with India. An increase in attacks carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba on Indian soil may very well provoke heightened tensions between India and Pakistan owing to the Kashmiri groups long standing affliation with the Pakistani Intelligence Agency, ISI. In such a scenario the Pakistan government would be forced to divert a large number of its troops and resources away from the Al-Qaeda stronghold in North West Pakistan and instead to the Indian border. In December 2001 a Lashkar-e-Taibia attack on the Indian parliament building had this very effect with both countries mobilizing hundreds of thousands of troops on their respective borders. Knowing this, it is quite possible that Al-Qaeda see Lashkar-e-Taibia as an important tool in allowing them to gain an even stronger foothold in Pakistan by turning Pakistan's attention elsewhere. Furthermore it is possible that Al-Qaeda see the escalation of tensions between Indian Hindus and Indian Muslims due to the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the region as a way to increase recruitment for the jihadist cause amongst the 138 million members of the Indian Muslim population. It would seem that increased Lashkar-e-Taiba activity is in the direct interest of Al-Qaeda owing to these possible advantages.

    What Al-Qaeda provide in return for the Lashkar-e-Taiba network is increased funding from their wealthy backers in the Gulf States and battle hardened jihadists who are willing to fight for the Kashmiri cause.
    However, recent intelligence suggests that Lashkar-e-Taiba are becoming increasingly global in their goals with cells of the group having been discovered to be operating in areas such as Chechnya and Afghanistan. The possibility that in forming an alliance of mutual benefit, Lashkar-e-Taiba have been influenced by the Al-Qaeda ideology of global jihad is very real.

    This is of course just my opinion what does everyone think?
    Last edited by NeilE; 15 Feb 11,, 11:38.

  • #2
    NeilE Reply

    "This is of course just my opinion what does everyone think?"

    Neil, the first thing I think is you've a lot of cheek to come into our house without so much as a

    "Hello. How are you? May I introduce myself and share a bit of my background with you?"

    We've a MEMBERS INTRODUCTION forum right at the top of our homepage for EXACTLY that purpose. You should use it. Then you should read the forum guidelines and Zraver's Completely Unofficial WAB Survival Guide.

    You may need it.

    Last, please apply all the innate skill endowed upon the very literary Irish to break up your long diatribe into some readable PARAGRAPHS. Maybe while you're at it, you might peruse our threads to see if we've discussed some of your thoughts already.

    Oh! See this-

    "...However, recent intelligence suggests that Lashkar-e-Taiba are becoming increasingly global in their goals with cells of the group having been discovered to be operating in areas such as Chechnya and Afghanistan."

    That's your opportunity to link supporting evidence regarding "intelligence". Doing so would allow the rest of us to guage from where you draw some of your information.

    Rough start. I hope it doesn't continue.
    "This aggression will not stand, man!" Jeff Lebowski
    "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." Lester Bangs

    Comment


    • #3
      Mark Mazzetti of the NYT has written a very interesting analysis regarding Davis and Lashkar-e-Taiba (Army Of The Pure)-

      A Shooting In Pakistan Reveals Fraying Alliance-Mark Mazzetti NYT March 12, 2011

      Mazzetti asserts that Davis' role in, specifically, Lahore was part of a newly-expanding effort by the C.I.A. to track the goings and doings of LeT. This is on the heels of a declaration by Adm. Mullen of our growing concern that LeT is operating not just in Kashmir, where its operational intent is to counter-balance separatist Kashmiri sentiment with a decidedly pro-Pakistani bent, but also Afghanistan. Mazzetti asserts the attack in Kabul killing 18 Indian diplomats was likely an LeT operation. Further, LeT's ambitions may be expanding from strictly a regional focus to a more broadly global perspective.

      Equally, Mazzetti suggests that the U.S. has recently reconciled itself to the futility of attempting to sway the Pakistani government away from supporting such groups. Given our unsuccessful past efforts to do so, our focus increasingly is in determining the extent to which these groups are now operating cooperatively and then attempting to disrupt those operations-

      "In Washington, there seems to be little enthusiasm for sending yet another delegation to Islamabad to press Pakistani officials to cut their ties to militants. It hasn’t worked so far, and Obama administration officials know that Pakistan believes too much is at stake to walk away from the groups it might need once the Americans leave Afghanistan."

      This perspective appears to have been communicated down to our troops in Afghanistan-

      Pentagon's Quiet Shift On Afghan War: Maybe Safe Havens Aren't Crucial-Christian Science Monitor Anna Mulrine March 10, 2011

      "Yet in comments that surprised many analysts, Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, commander of US troops in eastern Afghanistan, told Pentagon reporters last month that, even if Haqqani network forces aren't cleared out of North Waziristan, it is still possible for the United States to win the war in Afghanistan.

      'I think that’s doable if it doesn’t continue, you know, if it doesn’t get significantly worse,' Rodriguez said of insurgent attacks launched from North Waziristan. The continued operation of the Haqqani network is 'not a mission-stopper in my mind
      .'”

      This comment by Rodriguez coupled with the equally curious comment recently made by a Pakistani divisional commander acknowledging the effectiveness of PREDATOR is an interesting shift in the rhetoric from these two camps. We know the sanctuaries won't go away anytime soon and the Pakistanis know that HELLFIRE won't cease raining down on our enemies either.

      Additionally but less advertised, U.S. forces saw a 50% increase in SOF troops during our recent surge. Most were deployed into Khost and Paktia provinces along the infiltration routes of the Haqqani network.

      Further, alliances may be emerging not just between TTP (Terek-e-Taliban Pakistan), Haqqani Network and LeT but also including Al Qaeda.

      "...But an American intelligence review late last year found that it was becoming harder to compartmentalize the distinct militant groups in Pakistan, because their membership and operations were blending into a murky stew; that was making it increasingly difficult to determine whether Pakistani support for groups like Lashkar might also be aiding Al Qaeda."

      To this end, NeilE's original post here is particularly salient.

      Lahore would make sense for Davis as an intelligence operative. Despite the U.N. declaring LeT a terror organization on the heels of Pakistan officially banning their existence Mazzetti writes-

      "Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Lashkar’s charismatic leader, gives regular sermons in Lahore on Fridays, denouncing what he calls the imperialism of the United States, Israel and India while flanked by guards. A stocky man with a wild beard, Mr. Saeed has been placed under house arrest at various times in the past 10 years, but in 2009 the Lahore High Court quashed all charges against him and set him free.

      That same court has now been assigned to determine Mr. Davis’s fate.

      Lashkar’s sprawling headquarters in Muridke, a Lahore suburb situated along the famed Grand Trunk Road, contains not only a radical madrassa and housing for the school’s faculty members, but also a market, a hospital and a fish farm."


      The analysis finishes, sadly, very weak. Mazzetti suggests these uncomfortable American and Pakistani bedfellows must continue their ostensible alliance if only because Pakistan continue to be our lifeline into Afghanistan...along with other reasons. Of the many reasons to continue this alliance (of which I'm opposed), the supply line may be the weakest if, indeed, we are withdrawing.

      Of course, that won't happen immediately so Mazzetti is correct and I'm not. But our withdrawal WILL happen. When so, what then? Can our relationship with Pakistan evolve such that it deserves continuation?
      "This aggression will not stand, man!" Jeff Lebowski
      "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." Lester Bangs

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by NeilE View Post
        The US State Department recently revealed that it is becoming increasingly apparent that Lashkar-e-Taiba and Al-Qaeda have become affliated. Whilst Lashkar-e-Taiba have their roots based in the Kashmir conflict it seems that Al-Qaeda have begun to see the group as a means to achieve their worldwide terrorist goals. Following the 2001 American led invasion of Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda were forced to move their operations to Pakistan. The lawless tribal regions that border Afghanistan have become a safe haven for Al-Qaeda operatives and the Pakistani government, first under Mushareef and now under Asif Ali Zardari have begun to crack down heavily on Al-Qaeda presence in the area. Daily American drone attacks and Pakistani army incursions into the region have become costly to Al-Qaeda and in June of 2010 Mustafa abu Al-Yazid, head of the Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, became the latest high profile casualty for the terrorist group.

        It is quite possible that Al-Qaeda see Lashkar-e-Taiba as a means to divert Pakistani attention away from the tribal regions where they operate and instead to the border with India. An increase in attacks carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba on Indian soil may very well provoke heightened tensions between India and Pakistan owing to the Kashmiri groups long standing affliation with the Pakistani Intelligence Agency, ISI. In such a scenario the Pakistan government would be forced to divert a large number of its troops and resources away from the Al-Qaeda stronghold in North West Pakistan and instead to the Indian border. In December 2001 a Lashkar-e-Taibia attack on the Indian parliament building had this very effect with both countries mobilizing hundreds of thousands of troops on their respective borders. Knowing this, it is quite possible that Al-Qaeda see Lashkar-e-Taibia as an important tool in allowing them to gain an even stronger foothold in Pakistan by turning Pakistan's attention elsewhere. Furthermore it is possible that Al-Qaeda see the escalation of tensions between Indian Hindus and Indian Muslims due to the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the region as a way to increase recruitment for the jihadist cause amongst the 138 million members of the Indian Muslim population. It would seem that increased Lashkar-e-Taiba activity is in the direct interest of Al-Qaeda owing to these possible advantages.

        What Al-Qaeda provide in return for the Lashkar-e-Taiba network is increased funding from their wealthy backers in the Gulf States and battle hardened jihadists who are willing to fight for the Kashmiri cause.
        However, recent intelligence suggests that Lashkar-e-Taiba are becoming increasingly global in their goals with cells of the group having been discovered to be operating in areas such as Chechnya and Afghanistan. The possibility that in forming an alliance of mutual benefit, Lashkar-e-Taiba have been influenced by the Al-Qaeda ideology of global jihad is very real.

        This is of course just my opinion what does everyone think?
        Lashkar-e-Taiba (Army of the Pure) (aka Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Lashkar e-Toiba; Lashkar-i-Taiba)
        Lashkar-e-Taiba (Army of the Pure) (aka Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Lashkar e-Toiba; Lashkar-i-Taiba) - Council on Foreign Relations

        Analysis: Lashkar-e-Taiba cadres sucked into al Qaeda orbit | Reuters

        There has been specualtion around this for a long time, why wouldnt they be? Of course AQ will use anyone for there own ends........


        Originally posted by Devonte
        I think you people have no idea and you don't nay opinion of your own rather you are the media driven people as where they want you move and what they want you think, you do as exactly.What the truth behind every fake news , you don't have sense to get it.So it is absolutely useless to talk of such kind of people.
        Well come on if we did not how would we know the sports results? ..........Hi how are you.
        sigpicFEAR NAUGHT

        Should raw analytical data ever be passed to policy makers?

        Comment


        • #5
          Husain's analysis is illuminating and very important reading as a primer introducing the full range of jihadist organizations within Pakistan to interested western readers. But, then again, what would he know? He's only their ambassador to the U.S-

          "...The most significant jihadi group of Wahhabi persuasion is Lashkar-e-Taiba (The Army of the Pure) founded in 1989 by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. Backed by Saudi money and protected by Pakistani intelligence services, Lashkar-e-Taiba became the military wing of Markaz al-Dawa wal-Irshad (Center for the Call to Righteousness)..."

          You'd think the Pakistanis would vett their ambassadors a bit more closely before sending them off to do their nation's work.

          Good find, Sergeant-Major.
          "This aggression will not stand, man!" Jeff Lebowski
          "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." Lester Bangs

          Comment


          • #6
            AQ generally has been referred to an Arab org. Personally I disagree with this description because of the simple fact that 3/4 of AQ suspects in Guantanamo bay are Pakistanis!

            The Brain behind 9/11, Khalid Sheik is a Pakistani!

            Hence it would very un-usual if LET and AQ dont have a relation. AQ cannot survive in Pakistan or Afghanistan without the logistics support of Pakistan based Jihadi groups. To maintain fighters you need money and LET is the best in getting funds. Be it Saudis or from Pakistani origin population in UK or selling sheep hides after Ramdan! It is obvious that AQ would tap in to the donations & hawala system used by LET to gather funds.

            One fact about LET is that is very disciplined and follows orders from PA very religiously. PA and LET come from the same region. Punjab. Hence LET will not carry out any ops against PA.
            Last edited by n21; 13 Mar 11,, 19:03.

            Comment


            • #7
              n21 - response

              LET is the best in getting funds
              Concur

              Stunts like this;

              A large amount of funds collected among the Pakistani expatriate community in Britain to aid victims of the earthquake were funneled for the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba although the donors were unaware. About £5 million were collected, but more than half of the funds were directed towards LeT rather than towards relief efforts.
              Lashkar-e-Taiba - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

              Confirming deeply embedded internal assistance......... corruption at his best.
              Last edited by T_igger_cs_30; 13 Mar 11,, 19:07. Reason: title
              sigpicFEAR NAUGHT

              Should raw analytical data ever be passed to policy makers?

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by T_igger_cs_30 View Post
                Concur

                Stunts like this;


                Lashkar-e-Taiba - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                Confirming deeply embedded internal assistance......... corruption at his best.
                One of the biggest source of funds for LET and making it difficult to track.

                Put a donation box in any of Pakistani shops(the owners sometimes not suspecting any wrong doing) in UK under different charities. Send them to Pakistan. Since the amount is small and charity, so suspicion is raised. Then once in Pakistan merge the money!

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