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?"
Zawahri has repeatedly spoken in videos of opening new fronts against all those lands, but little has occurred. Saudi Arabia has waged a fierce crackdown that has killed or captured many in al-Qaeda's branch there.
In 2005, Zawahri announced the formation of a branch in his homeland, Egypt, but nothing has been heard of it, although the country has suffered terrorist attacks.
Zawahri always depicts al-Qaeda as moving steadily toward victory, which none of the questioners directly challenges. But they seem in need of reassurance about al-Qaeda's plans. "I think (al-Qaeda's leaders] were aware (that] Â… everyone was no longer buying into the propaganda about how great they are," said Jeremy Binnie of Jane's Terrorism and Insurgency Centre. "This was put forward as a propaganda exercise and to make it look like they are responding to these concerns."
A few claim to be active fighters in militant groups. "Phenixshadow" says he is a member of the al-Qaeda branch in North Africa that has been blamed for attacks in Algeria. "What do you expect from us?" he asks. "Should we follow the instruction of the mother organisation to target the 'far enemy' – the Zionist-Crusader (the US] – or do we focus our efforts on the apostate regime (Algeria]? Or do you advise a middle path of striking both enemies?"
Another hot topic is Iran. Several ask why al-Qaeda does not attack the mainly Shiite nation. They express concern over rumours of an understanding between al-Qaeda and Iran. Many others simply ask for advice on how and where to join jihad. One 23-year-old living with his mother says: "I want to travel to join jihad and I sought my mother's permission, but she would not give it to me. Can I go without her permission?"
CAN WE REALLY BELIEVE IT?
IT IS impossible to confirm independently whether any of the questioners are really active fighters, or that the interview offer really came from Ayman al-Zawahri, although it was posted with the logo of Al-Sahab, which issues his videotapes. But most questions focus on the same issues western terrorism experts have long debated, including how much direct support and command Zahwari and Osama bin Laden give to militants in Arab countries and Europe.
Some query al-Qaeda's long-term strategy. One asks: "Do you have a body that studies events and reviews them to correct mistakes and assess them?" Others ask about the health of bin Laden.