While Saudi Arabia's leaders worry about being assassinated at home by al Qaeda, the nature and the results of their support, both explicit and tacit, for Islamic radicalism worldwide are starting to be understood, even in a Europe that hasn't wanted to believe it.
For years, Saudi Arabian support for Europe's burgeoning Muslim population was seen as little more than benign help for sometimes beleaguered immigrants. In a remarkable change, Europe's police and intelligence forces have revised their view, identifying Saudi money and theology as a cause for growing radicalism and support for terrorism.Posted by Alan at December 30, 2003 12:23 PMIn recent months, countries across the continent have launched inquiries into Saudi influence on their Muslim communities, which in some countries account for more than 10% of the population and are growing rapidly due to immigration. The investigations focus especially on Saudi-backed schools, mosques and foundations that European police and intelligence officials allege help to breed intolerance. In some cases, the institutions have been the spiritual home to terrorists.
"We need to look at the organization that is providing the money and support," says a German intelligence official who works for a new government task force investigating Saudi influence of Islam in Germany. "For years, this has been coming from Saudi Arabia."
Germany's frustration is shared by other countries. In the Netherlands, reports that a foundation had trained at least one terrorist caused parliament to launch an inquiry into Saudi influence and tighten terrorism laws, while in France, police are investigating whether a Saudi-funded school is fostering extremism. In Britain, police are investigating how a prominent imam, or prayer leader, obtained a Saudi diplomatic passport.
via The Wall Street Journal (subscribers only)