Why would the Saudis use the word “cell” — implying surreptitious jihadis living underground and moving in shadows — which cannot be the case, definitely not as in the West (except, maybe, for Britain)? After all, when it comes to over all worldview, religiosity, even appearance — all of which revolve around sharia — there is little difference between the average al-Qaeda member and Saudi citizen. “Al Qaeda sleeper cells still exist in Saudi Arabia – minister,” by Neeraj Gangal for Arabian Business, May 15:
SECURITY MOVE: The minister said that Saudi security authorities have successfully defeated the group.
Al-Qaeda sleeper cells still exist in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and that they would be dealt with by the security forces, a senior minister said earlier this week.
The Saudi Gazette daily quoted Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior as saying: “They adapt according to circumstances and might change their methods, but the target is the same. We will awake these cells just as we have done others.”
“Awaken” them? As in “activate” them? Another freudian slip?
The minister said that Saudi security authorities have successfully defeated the group. “Thanks to Allah Almighty, we have attained great success in this respect.”