Obama Administration officials have long referred to Somali militant faction al-Shabaab as an al-Qaeda affiliated organization, and are presenting new evidence involving a convoluted effort by Osama bin Laden to forge ties with the organization as proof to that effect.
Though bin Laden does not appear to have had any direct ties with al-Shabaab, he was keen to see such ties develop, urging al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Yemeni organization which operates as an independent auxilliery to the parent al-Qaeda, to provide training and arms to al-Shabaab.
Though al-Shabaab forces appear to have been more than willing to accept the offers of aid there doesn’t appear to be an operational tie, and are instead falling back on al-Shabaab members’ keen interest in US-born cleric Anwar Awlaki to hint that they “probably” exists.
It isn’t hard to see why officials would want to try to make these connections, with the Obama Administration looking to escalate drone strikes in both Somalia and Yemen. It is also part of a long-standing policy dating back to the Bush-era of trying to equate any militant faction the administration isn’t keen on with al-Qaeda.
Gentlemen…we may eventually have to nuke our imagination.
More rubbish from Obama. Imaginary enemies everywhere and yes, more drones and military equipment to be purchased.
Despite the identification of Santa Claus as an infidel fairy, the white house also reported that the late Osama had been sending him holiday letters asking for gifts. Booogity boogity. How long can this go on?
Al Qaeda a one-size fits all reason/excuse/lie to invade, bomb, occupy, pillage, plunder, slaughter, drone every single country around the world.
It's a terrible thing to be mentally unbalanced, but to display it for the world to see straight from the Oval Office is somehow even more disturbing. As the song goes: Paranoia will Destroya.
Too bad you're taking the entire US down with you, Mr. President. I really hope you seek professional medical help, and soon.