Radical Islamic Group Aiding Relief Cause

[Rose Siding]

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia - An extremist Islamic group with alleged links to al-Qaida has set up a relief camp in the tsunami-stricken Aceh province on Sumatra island, raising concerns its fiercely anti-American members could stir up sentiment against U.S. and Australian troops helping to distribute aid.

The group, Laskar Mujahidin, posted an English-language sign at the camp that reads, "Islamic Law Enforcement." Its members said Thursday they have been collecting corpses, distributing food and spreading Islamic teachings among refugees.

The presence of the group, known for killing Christians during a long-running sectarian conflict in another part of Indonesia, generated fears that U.S. military personnel and others involved in relief work could become a terror target.
...
In a speech Thursday in Singapore, Jones said Laskar Mujahidin's motives on Sumatra may have to do with fears that the foreign humanitarian effort was a veiled attempt to convert Muslims to Christianity.

Jundi, the Laskar Mujahidin member, said the group would not interfere with foreign troops — as long as they kept strictly to humanitarian operations.

"We are here to help our Muslim brothers," he said. "As long as they are here to help, we will have no problem with them."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=721&e=10&u=/ap/20050107/ap_on_re_as/tsunami_radical_islam

[AlbizuX]

1. weird...but, hey, if it works.

you see, you CAN coexist with Islamic extremists...

as long as you come to help, we have no problems with you.

[thoughtanarchist]

2. "As long as they are here to help, we will have no problem with them."

Wow, you mean they don't hate us for our freedom?

:eyes:

[Jesus H. Christ]

3. Libya, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are all giving more to the relief effort...

than the US.

[damntexdem]

4. I've heard claims that Islamic countries have not ...

contributed to relief efforts -- those not affected, that is.

But I heard last week that Pakistan donated before the U.S. did.

Does anyone have any figures on contributions by various countries? And groups?