Sunday, March 7, 2010

Dangerous American Arrested in Pakistan

A California-born Islam was recently detained by Pakistan officials. It turns out that this man, Adam Gadahn, has been on the FBI's most wanted list for the past 6 years and has been tried with treason; if convicted he will be sentenced to death. The al-Qaida spokesman was involved in multiple threats to the west and knows very valuable information that could really help U.S. forces fight this terrorist group and find Osama bin Laden. As far as those who unknowingly helped him begin his journey during his conversion to Islam near by in Orange County, they are quite happy that Gadahn has been caught. They feel that it is people like him who give them a bad name and without him and others alike out causing problems, there are less issues here at home.

I feel like it would be great if they could make Gadahn talk and hopefully the FBI will be able to use this information to their advantage. We can only hope that after so long, this will help the U.S. take the next big step in the war against terrorism. It is also strange to me to hear about a case of treason, since they are so uncommon ( the last convicted case of treason was a Japanese man during the time in which they were in internment camps). It will be interesting to see where the issue goes from here, especially because Gadahn is not yet even in custody in the U.S. I just don't see what would want to make someone turn against their home country in such a drastic way. Wanting to hurt people like that is sick enough, but wanting to hurt those you grew up around just baffles me.

For more info check the link in the title.

3 comments:

Mark Sherwood said...

I can see why they would charge him with treason. From what I have read about him, he was not just advocating for U.S. downfall. He was a major spokesman for Al-Quida preaching that American Muslims follow his example and fight for Al-Quida.
While I understand how Gadahn could have valuable information for us, I do not see why Osama is still so sought after. True, he really did some damage and pissed of America as a whole. However, I feel that it has reached a point that the only reason we are looking so hard for him is to be able to announce that we finally caught what has alluded us for so long. It is no longer about catching him so that he is no longer a danger. Many more Al-Qaida leaders are probably much more influential and dangerous at this point. Is our ego and pride worth what we are paying?

The new Kevin (a.k.a Kevin Kwan) said...

This guy isn't a strategic target; his capture was just to boost morale and give something the news can talk about. There aren't many other developments going on in the war anyways. Or it could have been that this guy was encountered by accident.


"I just don't see what would want to make someone turn against their home country in such a drastic way. Wanting to hurt people like that is sick enough..."

Huge amount of hatred, resentment, and bitterness will do this to you.

"...but wanting to hurt those you grew up around just baffles me."


LOL, I think you can figure it out. Hasn't there ever been a person who has been a real jerk to you when you were growing up?

Lizzy said...

I totally agree with you Mark, I feel like they just want to say they caught Osama. In actuality there are more dangerous members out there that our efforts can be focused on.

And I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you Kevin. Although there are some people who may have hurt me, I would never chose to do anything to them like what Gadahn threatened, and or, planned to do.