A few questions:

[ButterflyBlood]

1-Do you believe Al-qaeda exists as an Islamic terrorist that is no longer directly backed or funded by the CIA?
2-Do you believe that any terrorist groups exist in the world today that aren't directly connected to the CIA or US government?
3-Do you believe that any terrorist attacks in the last few years were done by independent groups with no connection at all the US government?

note that I said directly. I'm fully aware that *'s actions has helped spawn more terrorist worldwide, but that's not what I'm talking about.

[whistle]

1. No, no and no!

[ButterflyBlood]

2. so you think there are no terrorists except for the CIA?

n/t

[DuctapeFatwa]

3. I think it is comforting for many people to believe all of those things

In reality, since the working definition of "terrorism" means any resistance or opposition to Us or Israeli policy, it is safe to say that there are many "terrorist" groups.

It is unlikely that there are any groups that are so well-connected and knowledgeable that they can coordinate 10 explosions on Spanish commuter trains, and also so stupid that they would leave a van with 8 detonators sitting around conveniently for a "citizen tip" to "root out" hours after the event.

There are indeed people who sincerely believe that a return to the Caliphate is the answer to US imperialism. Few are likely to have either the means or the expertise to conduct a large-scale "attack" and even fewer are likely to ride around with a store-bought Koran CD.

[Must_B_Free]

4. The big questions: Where are money and power flowing

Is money flowing into Al Qaeda as a result of their attacks? Are they gaining power?

Who is being enriched and who is being empowered?