Article

2004-03-12 Europe

Eta bought Stinger missiles from Bin Laden

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Posted by Paul Moloney 2004-03-12 3:37:54 AM|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 The convergence of multiple terror networks with roots in a variety of different ideologies is IMO the clearest sign that what we really face is a general threat to civilization as a whole.

Posted by rkb 2004-3-12 8:31:39 AM|| 2004-3-12 8:31:39 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 I read somewhere those Stingers were built to go out of order after a few years:none of the 80's stock should be in working order or even reparable now.Can you confirm that?

Posted by El Id 2004-3-12 9:12:12 AM|| 2004-3-12 9:12:12 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 The Stingers are quite the urban legend. As I understand it, they take a certain amount of care and maintenance, which they were unlikely to receive in the caves and dusty huts of Afghanistan. In addition, their batteries would be long dead. The only danger you might be in from one of bin Laden's Stingers is dropping one on your foot.

BTW, the notion that the CIA gave bin Laden anything is also questionable. There has been some discussion about him fighting much of his war from a hotel room in Pakistan, bragging to reporters.

Posted by Chuck Simmins 2004-3-12 9:31:08 AM|| [http://blog.simmins.org] 2004-3-12 9:31:08 AM|| Front Page Top

#4 Two different issues here. First, whether the Stingers (assuming the story is correct) represent a real threat. Can't comment on that.

Second, whether previously disparate groups are now cooperating. Serious concern if true.

Posted by rkb 2004-3-12 9:34:30 AM|| 2004-3-12 9:34:30 AM|| Front Page Top

#5 El Id -
The Stingers we sent to Afghanistan would have been useless within a year or so at most. Chuck is right on the money when he points out that they require serious, consistent maintenance and storage. In addition, the batteries would have been useless in a year or so. Even if these were original missiles with new batteries, there's a strong risk that if you tried to fire them, you'd get a spectacular visual display where the launching guy used to be.

Mike

Posted by Mike Kozlowski 2004-3-12 9:44:09 AM|| 2004-3-12 9:44:09 AM|| Front Page Top

#6 OK Mike - now I'd pay to see that!

Posted by Frank G 2004-3-12 4:34:52 PM|| 2004-3-12 4:34:52 PM|| Front Page Top

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