'Make A Bomb In The Kitchen Of Your Mom'
Al Qaeda launches new English-language web site to recruit Westerners.
July 12, 2010 — -- The Al Qaeda affiliate based in Yemen has launched a new English-language web site that features statements from Osama Bin Laden, Ayman Zawahiri and Anwar Awlaki, the radical American-born imam linked to numerous U.S. terror plots, and gives instructions on how to make a homemade bomb.
"Inspire" magazine, aimed at Westerners and published by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, includes such articles as "Make A Bomb In The Kitchen Of Your Mom," written by someone called "The AQ Chef," that gives step-by-step directions on how jihadis can make a bomb "from ingredients available in any kitchen in the world." In addition to an interview with AQAP head Sheikh Abu Basir Nasir al-Wuhayshi, the magazine also republishes past statements by Bin Laden and Zawahiri, like an essay on climate change in which Bin Laden says that the earth is getting warmer because Al Qaeda has opened the gates of hell. A message from Awlaki praises accused underwear bomber Umar Abdulmutallab and accused Ft. Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, both of whom were reportedly in touch with Awlaki.
The magazine also quotes Noam Chomsky, David Letterman, and an email from failed Times Square car bomber Faisal Shahzad: "You would have to agree to the fact that there's a force out there that's fighting the West, and is defeating them."
In an advice column called "What to Expect in Jihad – Part One, " "Mukhtar" urges would-be jihadis to pack light when on the road, warns them not to become frustrated by language barriers, and notes that having a companion eases travel. "Having a friend makes a difference," says a cheery yellow post-it note displayed next to a handful of bullets.
Al Qaeda Magazine Targets Americans
Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R.-Mich.), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement on Monday, "This is an unfortunately well-done magazine that is proof positive that al-Qaeda and its affiliates have launched a direct appeal for Americans to launch small-scale attacks here at home. It provides al-Qaeda's warped rationale to carry out the attacks and a how-to guide to get the job done."
The magazine has already been removed from at least one of the places where it was published online.
Umar Abdulmutallab, apprehended after allegedly trying to bomb Northwest Flight 253 right before it landed in Detroit on Christmas Day, can be seen in a training film made by AQAP. The video shows him making a martyrdom statement and firing a weapon at a desert training camp in Yemen in 2009. Abdulmutallab allegedly told U.S. officials that he had been in contact with Awlaki prior to the bombing.
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Army Major Nidal Hasan, charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the November 2009 shooting at Ft. Hood Texas, exchanged numerous emails with Awlaki. Faisal Shahzad, who has pled guilty to the attempted car bombing of New York's Times Square on May 1, told authorities he was inspired by Awlaki.