Illuminating, thanks.

The problem is that there is a tendency of Governments, media and individuals to treat 'Al Qaeda' as if it's some huge organised global corporation with a tower block head quarters somewhere in Afganistan with a rotating logo on the roof.

'Al Qaeda' is not much more than a philosophy and an idea, which exists 'like the wind' as Lawrence wrote in 'Seven Pillars'. This 'idea' and name is taken up by disparate groups of rebels, or in some cases common criminals and other such groups who share a broadly a similar ideology, or have convenient reasons to call themselves 'Al Qaeda'.

The probable reality of what we are talking here, is a bunch of characters who I understand are based in the Algerian Mahgreb, who have perhaps a handfull of operatives in the Mauri area, some of whom are known to the Mauritanian Government.

This is what seems to have emerged from the coverage of the Christmas Eve murders anyway.

So the Rally has been cancelled on the basis of threats from a few probably ill eqipped rebels, who may not even have the resources to harrass the rally, but who have adopted a big international name which strikes fear in the hearts of those who hear it.

Such is the power of an idea.

An idea which has been lent greater power and credibility by the cancellation of the rally.

C

__________________
www.motorcycleoutreach.org
www.globebusters.com