Despite this attack. “Olympics: ‘China not a priority’, say al-Qaeda forums,” from AKI, August 4 (thanks to C.C.):
Dubai, 4 August (AKI) – Jihadist websites close to al-Qaeda have said that China is not the enemy at the moment.
“Let China be. We now have other priorities that are not China,” said a message posted posted by ‘Kasir al-Asnam’ meaning ‘destroyer of idols’ in Arabic.
These and other comments came in response to the attack on Monday in the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang, which killed 16 policemen.
The attack came four days ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games due to begin in the Chinese capital, Beijing later this week.
“At this moment, China is not a country at war with us. If there are attacks against Muslims, these hit the dispossessed that must leave those lands and move to Islamic countries.”
“Bothersome actions like these are not foreseen by (Islamic) Sharia law or good sense.”
“What interest do we have in turning China against Muslims at the moment?” al-Asnam asked….
“At this moment, holy warriors (mujahadeen) do not need to open a new front with China,” said al-Asif al-Harashi in a comment discussing Monday’s attack in Xinjiang.
“We must be very careful and have patience. We do not need to rush and shout ‘God is great!’ or justify this type of action. For all I know, I have never heard any of the al-Qaeda leaders threaten China.”…