The Core Problem Is Ideology

The core problem in the Middle East is not terrorism, it is ideology. Terrorism is just a natural outgrowth of the philosophy. Until this is recognized, nothing will change.

Interview with Anjem Choudary, UK leader and spokesman of Al-Muhajiroun...

What about killing civilians?
In Israel there are no civilians. You have to remember that they are occupying Muslim land.

Including babies and old women who get blown up in the marketplace?
Those people in the land are occupiers and aggressors and are part of the atrocities which, as far as we're concerned, are as bad - if not worse - as in Nazi Germany. As far as women are concerned, they are a part of the army. By and large the operations are targeted at people who are part of the army, but invariably innocent people will be caught up in the explosions but this is what we call collateral damage.

Are all Zionists fair game?
We would not target anyone who supports Zionism as such; we believe in a healthy debate and dialogue with anyone. But it is one thing having a view and another giving money to kill someone or occupy someone's land. Anyone involved in killing Muslims or organizing to displace Muslims is part of the enemy.

Is Islam a peaceful religion?
No, we can't say that, because the roots of the word Islam is not peace, but submission---to have complete submission to the Creator.

What are your feelings about the Briton who carried out the suicide attack in Tel Aviv?
One must be happy for fellow Muslims when they fulfill their obligations. It is a very noble thing. Whenever a Muslim goes to a battlefield and performs a legitimate operation sanctioned by the sharia (Islamic law), this is something that should bring pleasure to the heart of all Muslims. I pray to Allah that he did this sincerely and had no other objectives but to please Him. If so, then he will get to Paradise.

Is there a conflict between being British and Muslim?
A Muslim can only have one identity. However, the fact that I have a British passport does mean that I have a covenant with the British government. This means that I will not violate the sanctity of any individual here and they will not violate the sanctity of my life. Britain is an aggressor in Iraq and it makes them a target only for people from outside.

Muslims in Afghanistan or in Iraq have the legitimate right to retaliate. Hence the attack on 9/11 was justifiable under sharia because they had been attacked in 1998. Under sharia law, for a Muslim from outside to bomb the Israeli embassy in London, would be acceptable.

Do you have any Jewish friends?
Muslims are not allowed to have friends who are not Muslims, but it does not mean you should be unjust to them. A Jew once asked the messenger Muhammad saying: Do you like me? Muhammad answered: "No I don't like you, I hate you for your belief, but I will not be unjust to you."