Who could have guessed that life in a guerrilla camp is miserable?
By Thoreau
The LA Times has a hilarious article on 4 Europeans who went to Pakistan, intent on joining Al Qaeda and fighting US forces. Instead of glorious battle against the evil empire, they are hit up for cash, forced to go through background checks (Al Qaeda is keenly interested in getting the names and addresses of your loved ones before letting you into the camp), forced to pay yet more bribes, then they hide in cramped houses and eat crappy food while hoping the Predator drones won’t hit them. At one point they plan to burn their passports as a symbolic act of defiance before launching a suicide attack, but smugglers steal the passports and the attack never happens. Some of them get malaria, and at one point they call Mom to complain. Finally, bored to tears and upset that they didn’t see any action, they leave.
We can debate whether a failed attempt to get to the battle field merits prison, but I’d be willing to give them a full pardon if they participate in a “scared straight” program for wannabe jihadists.
They should have joined up with this terrorist cell. They still wouldn’t have hurt anybody, but they would have more fun.
Comment by J sub D —
May 24, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
For every rebel group there are spoiled ‘tards in the west who think it’s all a romantic crusade. See marxist rebels in South America for further information. The dumbasses are lucky to be alive.
Comment by Ken Shultz —
May 24, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
I’m still not sure I understand why the Taliban hasn’t publicly denounced OBL. They had Afghanistan all but wrapped up until OBL had his bright idea about 9/11. Shouldn’t they be totally pissed off at OBL?
What a bunch of losers to want to join up with that!
It’s like neonazis too. Yeah, I know, it’s not like neonazis are the sharpest knives in the drawer anyway, but that Hitler guy, didn’t he leave his country in ruins? Why would you want to associate yourself with that?
I guess some people will join anything. So long as it’s considered counter-culture.
It’s like white suburban kids embracing the black nationalism of Rastafarianism, I guess. …or 60s leftists embracing Che Guevarra and Mao. Some people join cults, I guess this is just another version of that.
Scientology, the Moonies, Al Qaeda… I guess even the Young Republicans think they’re joining the counter-culture as they see it. Damn veal! Always tryin’ to change the world. …sure as hell that their opinions are important.
Get the hell off my lawn!
Comment by Thoreau —
May 24, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
The older jihadists would probably add “And get out of my cave too!”
Comment by Aresen —
May 24, 2009 @ 11:46 pm
Best laugh in the article:
Would that make them unholy warriors or wholly failed warriors?
Comment by VM —
May 25, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
RSN: like in Heathers – failed at suicide, cuz unpopular!