Zawahiri stumped by questions?

Scotsman:

Even supporters of the militant Islamist group are in the dark over its plans as deputy leader fails to answer questions

IN AN extraordinary exercise, al-Qaeda's deputy leader submitted himself to questions from followers of the Islamic militant group – as yet though, Ayman al-Zawahri hasn't given answers.

Al-Sahab, al-Qaeda's media arm, announced in December that he would answer questions posted on Islamic militant websites and would respond "as soon as possible".

More than 900 entries were posted on the main Islamist website until the cut-off date of 16 January. After that, the questions disappeared from the site, but no answers have appeared.

One thing is clear from the questions: al-Qaeda supporters are as much in the dark about the terrorist network's operations and intentions as western analysts and intelligence agencies.

Like many in the West, the questioners appear uncertain whether al-Qaeda's central leadership directly controls the multiple small groups that work in its name, or whether those groups operate on their own.

The vast majority of questioners, identified only by computer usernames, support al-Qaeda or the jihadi cause, often expressing praise for "our beloved sheik" and "the lion of jihad, Sheik Osama (bin Laden]". However, many appear frustrated that al-Qaeda is not doing more.

"Seeking the Path" asks: "When will we see the men of al-Qaeda waging holy war in Palestine? Because, frankly, our situation has become very bad. As for al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia, are there efforts to revive jihadi action there after the blows that hurt us?"

"Osama the Lion" asks: "Why doesn't al-Qaeda open a front in Egypt, where there are wide opportunities and fertile ground for drawing in mujahedeen?"

"Knight of Islam" asks: "We are awaiting a strike against American soil. Why has that not been done? Why are the Jews in the world not struck?"

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It is hard out there for a jihadi. So many targets and so few people willing to explode. It is really hard when people like the Americans and the Israelis fight back and now the Sunnis are fighting back and the Pakistanis and the Afghans are fighting back. Getting DSL in a cave is hard too. It is just going to take more time to answer questions like, "why aren't you holding a news briefing in Baghdad if you are winning?"