January 22, 2008: The UN and Algeria
are having a spat over the lack of security that led to the December Islamic
terrorist attack in the capital that killed 41 people, including 17 UN staff.
The UN has asked for better security before the attack, but the Algerians
insisted there was nothing to justify it.
Most nations don't appreciate just how
much Islamic radicals hate the UN, seeing it as an infidel (non-Moslem)
controlled organization that is supported by the rulers of Islamic nations that
the terrorists want to overthrow. Al Qaeda also sees the UN as a high value
target, in that any attack on this infidel organization is sure to get maximum
coverage in the international media. In other worlds, killing UN staff is great
for recruiting.
There's another reason for going after
the UN. Because of the many good works the UN has done in Moslem countries, al
Qaeda also sees a need to demonize the international organization. The UN is
especially active in taking care of refugees, a group the terrorists rely on
for recruits, especially for high risk missions (suicide bombers.)
For al Qaeda, attacking the UN is
simply good business.
