Taliban leaders say they are delighted with the spirited campaign against the so-called "Ground Zero mosque," because it is sending a wave of recruits their way, reports Newsweek. "By preventing this mosque from being built, America is doing us a big favor," says Taliban operative Zabihullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name. He added that jihadist websites have received a flood of emails — far more than when France banned burqas earlier this year. Is the debate over the Islamic cultural center being built two blocks from the World Trade Center site really helping terrorist groups? (Watch a report about the Taliban response)
Yes, the mosque protesters aid the enemy: The "anti-Muslim hysteria" over the mosque is "a tremendous recruiting tool for terrorists," says Jim White at Firedoglake. By sending the message that Americans think "Muslims are evil," the "chickenhawks" are making it look like we consider all Muslims to be our enemy — not just twisted fanatics.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
What is cloud seeding and did it cause Dubai's severe rainfall?The Explainer The future is flooded
-
American Airlines pilots are warning of a 'significant spike' in safety issuesIn the Spotlight The pilot's union listed 'problematic trends' they say are affecting the airline's fleet
-
6 star-spangled presidential libraries to visitThe Week Recommends These institutions provide insight into American leaders
