A source on politics, war, the Middle East, Arabic poetry, and art.
Sunday, July 04, 2004
I am worried about Sunni-Shi`ite conflict in the Arab world. I have said that before. I interviewed one of the leaders of Hizbullah last Friday and was told that Wahhabi fanatics are planning on taking their anti-Shi`ite agenda outside of Iraq, and that attacks against Shi`ites in the Arab world are being planned. Some people believe that the Saudi government is supporting Wahhabi fanatics in Iraq. I do not believe that. I believe that some factions within the royal family are supporting and financing some Wahhabi kooks inside and outside Iraq. I also asked people who know again about the Lebanese Bin Ladenite group Jund Ash-Sham (active in `Ayn Al-Hilwah camp), and was assured that it was a small group although there are apparently some other groups that may be more dangerous. I am glad that my book is coming out in a few days, as I do draw attention to the dangers of Wahhabiyyah. Several Saudis came up to me in Beirut and asked me about methods to obtain my book. Some told me that they had set up addresses in Bahrain and UAE to receive books and other illegal materials. And they are liberal reformers. The royal family has managed to alienate the liberal reformers and the religious extremists alike. The royal family may not stay in power for long, I believe. Prince Nayif may be the person who will bring down the "house."