Al-Qaeda's propaganda coup

No rallying round the checkered flag. The Dakar Rally is cancelled:

Groups in the Al-Qaeda network in northern Africa had in recent weeks been planning attacks against French targets during the race's passage through Mauritania, said sources close to the French intelligence service.

The information, which came from intercepted communications between the groups, suggested that their plans were becoming increasingly specific.

The murder on December 24 of four French tourists in Mauritania was stark testimony to the seriousness of the threat, said the same sources.

A December 29 statement posted on Islamic websites purporting to come from the Al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb had denounced Mauritania for planning to host the Dakar Rally...

Participants' views are here. What next? The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix? The Petrol Ofisi Turkish Grand Prix?

Mark C.

Posted by markc at January 6, 2008 04:08 PM