October Martinique Lewis (CNN)
“The lone woman among a group of American Muslims who tried to ally themselves with the Taliban was sentenced Monday to three years in prison.” This from AP.
“October Martinique Lewis, 26, was convicted of wiring money to her husband and a group of men who tried to cross into Afghanistan in 2001 to aid the Taliban in their fight against U.S. soldiers.
“‘My heart never internalized a hurt so bad that tears are insufficient to explain how it feels to be called a terrorist by my fellow Americans,’ said Lewis, whose traditional Muslim garb covered all but her face. ‘Even so, I refuse to be bitter. Love and peace remain unyielding in my heart.'”
It may seem strange or simply deceptive for Lewis to complain about being called a terrorist after trying to help people join up with the Taliban. However, it is common for radical Muslims to bridle at the appellation of “terrorist.” They are not criminals, anarchists, or purveyors of chaos. They are fighting to establish the law of Allah.
“Last week, Lewis’ former husband, Jeffrey Leon Battle, and another of the men, were sentenced to 18 years in prison for conspiracy to levy war against the United States.
“Four other men accused of conspiring to travel to Afghanistan have pleaded guilty, and a fifth, accused ringleader Habis Abdulla al Saoub, 37, was killed in a shootout in Pakistan, according to the U.S. government.
“The group only made it as far as China and never entered Afghanistan.”