August 16, 2003
Voice of America reports a new announcement coming out of Saudi Arabia:
Top Saudi Arabia's top Muslim clerics have issued a religious order condemning terrorism and the doctrine of jihad, or holy struggle, embraced by al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.
There was plenty of speculation when the U.S. Administration refused to declassify a section of the 9/11 congressional report which touched on Saudi Arabia. Criticized by many, I'm starting to think it was a strategic move. The declaration above is only a very small step in the right direction, but a step nonetheless.
The Saudi Council of Senior Clerics issued a statement Saturday carried by the official Saudi media.
It says those who carry out murder, sabotage, bombings and destruction of property should be severely punished. It also says those who claim such acts are jihad for the sake of God are ignorant and misguided.
