Two Albany, N.Y., Mosque Leaders Arrested

[GoddessOfGuinness]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=1&u=/ap/20040805/ap_on_re_us/mosque_raid

By CURT ANDERSON, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Two leaders of a mosque in Albany, N.Y., were arrested on charges stemming from an alleged plot to purchase a shoulder-fired missile that would be used to assassinate the Pakistani ambassador in New York, according to court papers filed Thursday.

The men have ties to a group called Ansar al-Islam, which has been linked to al-Qaida, according to two federal law enforcement authorities speaking on condition of anonymity. U.S. officials have said that Ansar's members are thought to be affiliated with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian militant whose network is blamed for attacks on U.S. forces and their allies in Iraq (news - web sites).

Interesting that this "sting" story should appear so quickly after Dumbya's blundering mis-speech.

[progressivebydesign]

1. It's important to read the entire story.. it's not as it seems..

They agreed to launder money for the informant. They didn 't hatch the plot... it was imaginary. They should definitely be charged with agreeing to launder money, but the assertion that they broke up an "assasination plot" is a stretch, by any means.

[ThePhilosopher04]

3. I just listened to the press conference...

and based on what I heard, the feds have A LOT of explaining to do!!!!

[lottie244]

2. How low will this administration go to make it look like Bush is keeping

us safe. These men were not seeking missiles or launchers. We set up a sting and now are claiming that these two are a part of some terrorist plot. I guarantee you that there are at least 1,000 NY street thugs who would have jumped at the chance that these two men did under the same circumstances. With money as the bait why not.

[democracy eh]

4. I love the related poll at CNN.com

Do you think there are people with ties to terrorism in your town?

Yes 59% 767 votes
No 41% 528 votes

be afraid of the Muslims, be afraid

the whole things stinks of trumped up entrapment to me.

[Moderator]

5. Please update story here, thanks

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=729776