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New developments on the raid that rounded up 9 Muslims suspected of plotting to behead a returned British Muslim soldier. Al Qaeda is now said to be behind the plot, and directed from Pakistan. At least two suspects remain at large. Also, a second Muslim soldier was targetted.

The message the beheading video would send was not only that the British should abandon Iraq and Afghanistan, but that Muslims serving in the UK are now considered "apostates". Apostasy is a capital crime under Islamic law, and beheadin apostates specificaly approved by Mohammed, the Muslim "prophet". The video would serve as a warning to British Muslims not to cooperate with the "kuffar' (unbeliever) nor to change their "deen" (Islamic way of life).

Further, one of the suspects may have served on the Muslim Council of Britain. Another seems to have been involved in the operation of a pool hall. A third was a part owner in a bookstore which sold Islamic jihadi propaganda masquerading as "documentaries", the former owner of which was a Guantanamo Bay detainee.

All this, and more, below. Daily Mail:

A foiled plot to kidnap, torture and behead a British Muslim soldier was orchestrated by Al Qaeda, police sources have said.

Officers suspect the mastermind behind the appalling attempt to bring the horrors of Baghdad to the streets of Britain is a senior Al Qaeda terrorist with close links to Osama Bin Laden.

The alleged plot follows an appeal by extreme Muslim cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed last summer for fanatics to kidnap a British soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan - branding all Muslims who serve with the coalition troops as "non-believers".

A senior security source said: "The plot involved a ruthless gang who regard British Muslim soldiers who serve in Iraq or Afghanistan as traitors for killing fellow Muslims.

Dan Riehl did some Google mining and came up with this info. It looks like one of the suspects might have been looking for a job as a Urdu teacher. Urdu is the national language of Pakistan. The 29 year old father of two ran the grocery store, closed down by the raid (source). The same suspect may also be the same Amjad Mahmood who has served on the Muslim Council of Britain.

Another one of those arrested was the bookshop owner, Abu Bakir, who took over the Islamist bookstore from Moazzam Begg, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee released by President Bush over the objections of the CIA and FBI.

Also detained is Azzar Iqbal, a 30 year old father who runs a carryout pizza place. Oddly enough, there is "snooker" (pool) club/bar in Birmingham with a business contact of "Azzar Iqbal". Odd pastime for a terrorist. Unless "Azzar" and "Iqbal" are common Pakistani names.

Is it the same guy? I'm guessing, yes. The "snooker club" is located on Alum Rock Road. Apparently, the suspects lived in the vicinity of the "Alum Rock Islamic Centre" where the imam is giving statements about the raid.

The reaction from Muslims in the area go from "perplexed" that these nice boys could plan something so terrible, to defiant flipping the British equivalent of "the bird", to "angry skepticism". No, not angry that fellow Muslims would plan to behead a hostage. Angry at the police for arresting fellow Muslims.

UPDATE: Alphabet City puts adds this. The beheadings were supposed to take place in Tipton. A former Guantanamo Bay detainee lives in Tipton. His name is Asif Iqbal. Is he related to Azzar Iqbal?

Posted by: Rusty at 10:43 AM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
Post contains 646 words, total size 5 kb.

1 After much research I have found a, until now, hidden commandment in the bible that says Christians are to kill muslims at every opportunity. It says that Muslims are the spawn of the devil. The word anti-christ means muslim. My religion commands me to destroy them. All Christians who do not believe this commandment will go to hell. We must do as God commands. Therefore, get out and do your part as a good Christian. Oh yea. This newly found passage also says any Christian that quits should be buried alive. This is part of religion and as a free American my rights to my religion are protected the constitution of the United States. Let us pray and get busy doing Gods work.

Posted by: greyrooster at February 01, 2007 12:44 PM (E7ALy)

2 I hope the British authorities use this incident as an opportunity to start reversing the Islamist invasion of England.

Posted by: Garduneh Mehr at February 01, 2007 01:48 PM (vixLB)

3 Greyrooster, will you shut up.  Please.

Posted by: Rusty at February 01, 2007 02:37 PM (JQjhA)

4 I hope the British authorities use this incident as an opportunity to start reversing the Islamist invasion of England.

You taking cash bets on that 

Posted by: Randman at February 01, 2007 02:45 PM (Sal3J)

5 Greyrooster, there are lefties who will take that remark seriously, and try to use it against those of us who ARE Christian.  I get your joke, but it has the potential to be a double edged sword. Not looking for an arguement, I just felt I should point out that possibility.                       USA, all the way!

Posted by: Michael Weaver at February 01, 2007 03:43 PM (2OHpj)

6 Hell, Greyrooster has a point. That is exactly what a large and growing number of Muslims are saying, and if you read the Koran, that is exactly what it commands.

Posted by: templar knight at February 01, 2007 04:01 PM (LFjVi)

7 Rusy: I'll shut up when you stop associating with muslims.

Posted by: greyrooster at February 01, 2007 08:00 PM (E7ALy)

8 I believe in this latest heretofor hidden commandment.  The lefturds and muslims have hidden this passage from us for a thousand years. What God commands we must do. GOD WILLS IT.

Posted by: greyrooster at February 01, 2007 08:03 PM (E7ALy)

9 <blockquote>Unless "Azzar" and "Iqbal" are common Pakistani names.</blockquote>

Your lack of knowledge is dazzling.

Posted by: merkur at February 02, 2007 02:38 AM (7oYoU)

10 And apparently so is my lack of html skillz.

Posted by: merkur at February 02, 2007 06:38 AM (7oYoU)

11 Michael: Not everyone is as gullible as Rusty. AKA light in the loafers.

Posted by: greyrooster at February 02, 2007 09:56 AM (daspa)

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