Taliban Grants Another Extension on Ultimatum to France
On May 5, 2007, the Taliban posted a communiqué on Islamist websites in which it once again extended its ultimatum to France to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan. The message explains that since France is still preoccupied with the presidential elections, the Taliban leadership had decided to grant a second extension beyond the one-week extension it had granted on April 28, 2007.[1]
Islamist Websites Post Audio Recording by Abu Hamza Al-Muhajir
On May 5, 2007, Islamist websites posted a 21-minute audio recording by Abu Hamza Al-Muhajir, the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) and "war minister" in the ISI government. It should be noted that there have recently been reports of Al-Muhajir's death, which were denied by the ISI, and also that nothing in the recording indicates its date of production.
The following are the main points of Al-Muhajir's address:
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Al-Muhajir attacks the Sunni Islamic party, which is part of the Iraqi government, and accuses it of assisting the occupation and of attempting to divide the ranks of the mujahideen. He emphasizes, however, that "we distinguish between the party and its supporters, and even though we regard the party leaders as apostates... we do not think that we must kill them or be sidetracked into battles with them that will serve [nobody] but the occupiers and their Shi'ite helpers..."
Addressing the Christians in Iraq, Al-Muhajir says that the Islamic state will not harm them but will subject them to the dhimma laws.
Lastly, he addresses all Muslims, saying that the media reports about internecine fighting between the ISI and Sunni tribes are unfounded, and are nothing but "a last-ditch effort to divide the ranks of jihad." He adds that the jihad fighters are in good condition, saying: "We control 80% of Diyala, Mosul, and Salah Al-Din [province]. In Al-Anbar we hold the initiative, and in Baghdad and Kirkuk we deal painful blows to the occupiers."
[1] See MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 1565, "Taliban Releases Kidnapped Frenchwoman, Grants Extension on Ultimatum to France," May 1, 2007, Islamist Websites Monitor No. 92.
