World

Al Qaeda Leader Zawahiri Claims He Is Holding American Jewish Man Hostage

Al Qaeda Leader Ayman al Zawahiri Says They Are Holding Warren Weinstein Hostage

Warren Weinstein, pictured above, is a 70-year-old Jewish American and former USAID worker who was kidnapped from his bed late August in Pakistan. Now, a newly released audio message from al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri claims responsibility for Weinstein’s disappearance and says the militant Islamist group is holding the man hostage. This supports a U.S. official’s claim that ”it’s entirely possible that al Qaeda or one of its militant allies may be holding Mr. Weinstein.”

In the 30-minute long statement, which is reportedly circulating on jihadi-websites, al-Zawahiri states:

“I tell the captive soldiers of al Qaeda and the Taliban and our female prisoners held in the prisons of the crusaders and their collaborators, we have not forgotten you and in order to free you we have taken hostage the Jewish American Warren Weinstein.”

The jihadist group also warns Weinstein‘s family not to trust President Obama’s assurances that everything is being done to ensure the American’s release, suggesting Obama would prefer that “[Weinstein] would be killed to get rid of his problem.“ He adds that Obama has the power to either ”kill“ or ”free” Weinstein based on his actions.

The al Qaeda leader also tells the family, “your government tortures our prisoners, but we have not tortured your prisoner.”

ABC shares the details of the kidnapping:

In August, Pakistani police arrested three men in connection with the kidnapping. Weinstein, a private U.S. citizen who has lived in Pakistan for seven years, was sleeping in his bed when assailants burst into his home to snatch him. The former USAID worker is currently employed by the private U.S.-based development firm J.E. Austin Associates.

All three suspects are from the same province in which Weinstein lived, an area far from the turbulent tribal regions near the Afghan border more usually associated with violent attacks. The men were arrested after investigators managed to track their cell phone numbers, the Lahore police chief said without elaborating.

Thus far, according to one U.S. official, al Qaeda has offered no proof of life, but goes on to issue their demands in exchange for Weinstein:

In exchange for Weinstein’s release, Zawahiri requests the lifting of the Israeli “siege” of the Gaza strip, the complete end of “bombings by America and its allies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and Gaza,” the release of all al Qaeda and Taliban prisoners and the closing down of the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo bay, Cuba, in addition to the release of members of Osama bin Laden’s family.

“Obama has the power, capacity and authority to free [Weinstein],” says Zawahiri. “He could also leave him in captivity for years and, if he does something stupid, kill him.”

Meanwhile, some in Pakistan are speculating that Weinstein was not a development worker at all, but rather a U.S. intelligence officer.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah publicly announced his suspicions, telling local media that Weinstein was involved in “quite suspect” intelligence-gathering for the U.S. government and comparing him to Raymond Davis, the American CIA contractor who was jailed in Pakistan earlier this year for shooting two men on the streets of Lahore.

U.S. diplomats deny these claims, however.

Irrespective of Weinstein’s occupation, an American citizen’s life hangs in the balance, as he remains prisoner at the hands of radical Islamists.

Weinstein is reportedly the first private citizen to be kidnapped in Pakistan since al Qaeda militants abducted and beheaded Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002. People of good will around the world hope beyond hope that the same fate will not befall Weinstein.

 

Below is CBS‘ earlier report on Weinstein’s kidnapping:

 

(h/t: WeaselZippers)

Comments (89)

1 2 3
  • LOJ
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 11:21am

    Agree, Start cleansing the planet of Radical Muslims….They are a curse to mankind!

    Report Post »  
    • ckmarti53
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 4:10pm

      I agree! Muslims are to mankind what **** roaches are to someone’s kitchen! And I’m sure when someone ”flips the lights” on them, they scatter just like the a fore mentioned roaches.

      Report Post » ckmarti53  
    • Steve
      Posted on December 3, 2011 at 3:00am

      Define a radicall Muslim.

      Report Post »  
    • Mythghtsrmyown
      Posted on December 3, 2011 at 4:44pm

      yes, RADICAL muslim. I know plenty of peaceful muslims.

      Report Post »  
    • Mythghtsrmyown
      Posted on December 3, 2011 at 4:50pm

      Oh and to define a radical muslim is quite simple. Its a muslim who views the waging of Jihad (the holy war version–not the “inner struggle” version my liberal professor drills into my head) against infidels as his religious duty. It would be the same definition I would ascribe to the crusaders who felt that slaughtering muslims was their religious duty. Its the same definition I would give to anyone who views murder as their religious duty.

      Report Post »  
  • Blazen420
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:36am

    I think it is time for Americans to realize that if you want to galivant around the world, you’re going to have to do it at your own risk. What on earth could this guy be doing it Pakistan that could benefit Americans? There is nothing in or about Pakistan that is pro-America.

    Report Post »  
    • kingbee
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:01pm

      Thank you, Americans should have realized that 10 years ago. I say see ya, I can’t figure why a Jew would think he was safe around these heathens

      Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:40am

    PAKEEEEEEEEESTAN, OBAMA’S TRUE homeland? OR is it Indonesia, Barry? Wish we knew ALL the facts about BO’S past. Maybe SOME DAY, after it’s TOO LATE…
    WHY does ANY AMERICAN go to these countries at all? THEY HATE US.. try to get that.

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Blight14
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:05am

    Danny Pearl, where ARE you………….

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 7:59am

    If your name is Weinstein, you might want to consider helping people in non Muslim countries…like the U.S.. His willinness is admirable but, unneccessary. There are plenty of people here that need help.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • philipzhao
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 5:38am

    Good idea !

    Report Post »  
  • Arktiger
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:16am

    Hey there here is an excerpt from the above mentioned book’s website does it sound familar?
    Muhammad was an orphan. Spurned by his mother in his infancy and left in the care of a Bedouin couple, he had a loveless childhood. He then passed to the care of his grandfather and uncle who took pity on him and spoiled him. Not receiving love at a time he needed unconditional love and not receiving discipline when he needed to learn about boundaries, he developed narcissistic personality disorder, a trait that made him a megalomaniac bereft of conscience. He fantasized about unlimited power, expected praise and admiration, believed he was special, and expected others to believe him and go along with his ideas and plans. He took advantage of others, was jealous, yet believed others were jealous of him, and was hurt when rejected, even killing those who deserted him. He lied and deceived, feeling entitled and justified in doing so. All these are traits of narcissistic personality disorder.

    Report Post »  
    • mawmawsandra
      Posted on December 3, 2011 at 2:23am

      He also had dark dreams, and some thought he had a mental disorder. He finally convinced everyone that he was surrounded by Angels, and Allah told him all of these things in his dreams. Imagine, all these Muslims following a narcissist, delusionous individual. Won’t they be suprised when out Lord and Savior returns. I am reading the Islamist Antichrist. In other words their God is our Antichrist.

      Report Post »  
  • heartitorleaveit
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:56am

    Qur’an 56:33 “Unending, and unforbidden, exalted beds, and maidens incomparable. We have formed them in a distinctive fashion and made them virgins, loving companions matched in age, for the sake of those of the right hand.” [Another translation reads:] “On couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created them (maidens) incomparable: We have formed their maidens as a special creation, and made them to grow a new growth. We made them virgins – pure and undefiled, lovers, matched in age.”

    Report Post » heartitorleaveit  
    • historyforgotten
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:12am

      In Other Words, for Every Pure Man, there is a Pure Woman.
      Most Religions Follow the Idea of ‘Celibacy before Marriage’. In a Man Controlled Religion…it is the Woman who must remain Celibate, as Mormon Sects, Muslims, Some Jews, and a Few Pagan Religions believe in Multiple Wives, for procreating a Large, Masculine ‘Lead’ Family.

      Report Post »  
    • mzk1
      Posted on December 3, 2011 at 11:18am

      Judaism has no moral issue with polygamy, period. (It is prohibited to Western Jews by custom, possibly to keep peace in the house.) However, there is a difference between a society that allows polygamy (but it is not the rule) and a polygamous society.

      Israeli (secular) law prohibits it to all citizens, unless they had more than one wife before they came. There are technical cases where even Western Jews may be married to more than one wife, but they do not live with both. These are in cases where a religious divorce cannot be given. The first marriage is annulled or divorced by American law, of course.

      Report Post »  
  • heartitorleaveit
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:54am

    Our good friend sirhansirhan has challenged us to provide proof that Islam is the religion of the antichrist! Here ya go….. Qur’an 22:52
    “Satan Cast a False Qur‘an Revelation on the Messenger of Allah’s Tongue.” And it‘s the same reason Qur’an 22:52 claims: “Every Messenger or Prophet before you recited the message Satan cast into his recitation.”
    The founders of Islam said: Ishaq:166 “Then Allah annulled what Satan had cast, and established his verses by telling him that he was like other prophets and messengers.’” Muhammad’s lord revealed: “Every Messenger or Prophet before you recited the message Satan cast into his recitation. Allah abrogates what Satan casts. Then Allah established his verses. Allah is Knower, Wise.” [Qur'an 22:52]…… One lie has been refuted with another. The 22nd surah would not be revealed for another decade. In fact, it was one of the final Medina surahs. But by reciting it, Muhammad destroyed his only alibi – denial. Now that the Qur’an has verified the Satanic Verses, Muslims cannot whisk them under the carpet without impugning Allah‘s credibility along with Muhammad’s.
    Satan (made from the jinn) made part of the Qur’an, it in your own writings! If you deny this due to abbrigation, then you admit that the Qur’an is NOT THE PERFECT WORD OF GOD!
    Any more proof needed? Why do you c.a.i.r. sirhan? We all would think you would find another source for your news of the world, but you always seem to b

    Report Post » heartitorleaveit  
    • historyforgotten
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:01am

      You realize Satan was created by God/Yahweh/Allah/Jehovah, to be a stubbling Block for the Laymen. God uses Satan/Lucifer…his LightBearer, to mislead Laymen Followers. Often those who believe they are following God, are actually following Satan. Example…“In God We Trust” is Placed on our Money, which has itself become an Idol of Worship. Pagan Idols, such as the Christmas Tree and Yule Logs, have been intergrated into the Christian Religion. Christmas, Once a Time for Gathering of Friends and Family, has become a Money Funneling Scam, to generate Business. If you’re a Christian/Jew/ Muslim with Hatred, Greed, and Lust in your Heart….then you Missed the “Real” Teachings of Jesus. You have been led Astray by a Selective “Breeding” of Ideas, Generated by Thousands of Years of “Money Lenders” and “Corrupt Politicians”.
      Jesus Taught to Fear God…Not Our Neighbors…for they can not take anything away, that God has already decieded, we can do without.
      Roman, Greek, and Norse Idols Cover Americas Landscape, in Representation of Justice, Liberty, Health, Wealth, Love, War, Etc…
      No Wonder so many Faith Based Religions are Dropping in Numbers…They have Let Politicians and the Powerful ‘Faith Leaders’, Dictate the Words of Jesus and Other Prophets.

      Report Post »  
    • disgustedAmerican
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 5:18am

      History… If anyone actually paid “real” attention to the birth of Christ, they would know that is was nowhere near December 25th. Actually it was closer to the September area by the star charts. December Christmas is actually a Pagan ritual that has also been prostituted into a Hallmark holiday for profit. Jesus Christ IS lord and our true entrance into Heaven, and he will show his true self soon. The signs are here with the wars and/or rumors of wars. Famine, earthquakes, disease, and all other distress is very apparent; more than ever. The book of revelation states it all, and is as accurate as can be, especially for the times. All should repent and take the true Lord as their messiah and pray for their forgiveness before it is too late. Most will not heed this warning and/or thought; but judgement IS coming. Be prepared…. If not than that is okay. The one true “right” that God gave us was freewill. What we do with it will be either our redemption or demise.

      Report Post » disgustedAmerican  
  • 1casawizard
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:24am

    @ZAWAHIRI. You are NEXT on the list. My advice is to be payed up and prayed up. WHEN you know YOUR moment is happening, your umbrella is your only protection. Good riddance to you,bitch.

    Report Post » 1casawizard  
  • RationalMan
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:16am

    Like what Mark Levin said; What was Warren Weinstein doing in Pakistan in the first place???

    Report Post »  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 4:39am

      Could it be possible that the whole thing is fabricated? Maybe our “cheater and theif ”who just in the past few days claimed to support Israel (more than ANY past administration) will miraculously get the man freed and all will praise him for his loyalty to Israel. It makes no sense that this man was there in the first place. Seriously, why was he there?All of a sudden Obama steps up and makes this claim? (which is a LIE) Interesting timing. Even though this was said to have occurred in August knowing the way the Progressive carefully plot and calculate every step they take, I have to wonder. His ratings are way down and he has taken allot of heat over his stand on Isreal. This might be the typical progressive backup plan. They always seem to be prepared and about ten steps ahead of us when problems pop up. What better way to pat himself on the back again ? Oh and OHB praised Bush today for his work with AIDS and said that it would be one of Bush’s greatest legacies, really? He seems to be going out of his way in the last week or so to convince Americans of his almighty greatness. This just seems like a setup to me to help OHB get back some of his past supporters. There are so many otherwise enemies working together to reach a common goal of destroying The United States that it wouldn‘t surprise me if this was planned to save BHO’s butt so the progressives will remain in power.The next 13 months are important, BHO has allot more dirty deeds to do to ensure his agenda

      Report Post » pamela kay  
  • Brem
    Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:13am

    Where is Ted Kopel – time for another hostage handwringing show where the host tries to make an appeasing president look decisive

    Report Post »  
  • semihardrock
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 10:23pm

    It was probably paid for by the Stimulas Bill funneled through Acorn to have a “Wag the Dog” moment closer to the election FOR OBAMA to get the Jewish Vote which he has lost at this point. He will “negotiate” with the Muslim Brotherhood for release to “SHOW” his Leadership Skills and to show “The World” that HIS Brotherhood……… ain’t all that bad!

    Report Post » semihardrock  
  • Moseyspeed
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:39pm

    Did anyone notice the article stated he was nabbed in August!? W T F? This is JUST coming to light now? Where was the media then? Seems the Pakastoners haven’t been much help on this one.

    Report Post » Moseyspeed  
  • NILAP
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:38pm

    I accepted Muhammad a long time ago as a prophet of God, though I am not a Muslim. But Muslims are doing everything in their power to make me think otherwise.

    Report Post » NILAP  
    • littleQueenie
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:54pm

      So you think God would choose a mass murdering pedophile that was a rapist, a looter, an assassin, a torturer, a lecher, a misogynist, a terrorist, a narcissist, a warlord, a liar and a crazy man to be a prophet of God?
      You must have only been reading Islamic versions of Muhammad – where they leave all that out.
      Check out Ali Sina’s Book – Understanding Muhammad, if you really want to know who that evil bastard was. All backed up by Islam’s book of blasphemy – The Qur’an and the Hadiths.

      Report Post »  
    • PATRIOTGRUNT
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 10:29pm

      @ NICRAP : You truly are a Muslim moron.

      Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 10:55pm

      Now folks be kind. Nilap has stated an epiphany. Show the light of truth and nilap shall be set free.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • historyforgotten
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:20am

      Reply to littlequeenies first Comment….Don’t foget the Catholic Priests and Bishops.
      P.S. Didn’t Josheph wed Mary, when she was only 12-13?
      Arranged Marriages between Adult Men and Preteen Girls, seem to haunt History, yet Single-Minded and Hate-Driven People, only Focus on ‘Who They Hate the Most’.
      Are you a ‘pseudo-christian’?

      Report Post »  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:51am

      @ HISTORYFORGOTTEN
      Oh, I guess Mohammud is ok then. Look! Half of the little green “holy” book’s pages have just turned white!

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Chutz
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:20pm

      @historyforgotten…. I think you’ve forgotten that most marriages, back then, took place in the early to mid teens. Their life expectancies were 30 – 40 years of age. Different time, back then. As for pedo priests and bishops….we do not worship them as Gods…thus a large difference from Muhammad.

      Report Post »  
    • Dawnylou
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:06pm

      Up until 7 years ago, I had only a slight feeling that God existed. I checked out lots of religions. After researching history and the bible, the only one that seemed logical was Jesus. The day I asked Jesus to be my God, my life changed. All my friends and family kept saying I was different. I used to be a mess, now I’m a wife and mom, and instead of being hateful and selfish, I’ve become loving and giving always wanting to help people. I’m still a “work in progress” but Jesus works on my everyday. I‘ve had some amazing moments and a few of my friends still don’t believe me when I tell them. That‘s ok if they don’t, I’ll continue to love them and pray that that find Jesus so they too can know how wonderful life is with him. I hope you find your way to Jesus. He loves you very much and is waiting for you to love him back. My favorite song is Amazing Grace because it fit’s my experiance so well. Peace Be With You

      Report Post »  
    • Steve
      Posted on December 3, 2011 at 3:08am

      How does one accept Muhammad and not be a Muslim?

      Report Post »  
  • grownup
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:34pm

    First we must put our house in order. Clean out the sociopaths. Put them into programs to heal their broken minds. We must learn to spot them and keep them out of positions of power. They go for money and power where they don’t have to work too hard. They are lazy. But they love to lie. And most are practiced and very good at it. So they gravitate to positions of power where all that is needed is lying. Places such as TV, religion, education and politics.

    Report Post »  
    • mawmawsandra
      Posted on December 3, 2011 at 2:50am

      Well we know Obama is one. He supposedly was not cared about by his father, and his mother married Sorito, he adopted him and put him in a Muslim School, then his white Grandparents ended up raising him. His grandmother was scared of black people, and he didn’t like that one bit. Then he was mentored by communists. I guess that is enough to make a person a Sociopath. That is why he can’t be re-elected. God help us if he is.

      Report Post »  
  • Natasha88
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:33pm

    Completely agree. They blindly blame all Jews for small things (which are not even blameworthy anyway,, but if it were it would still be INSANE) of a small number of Jews and all of America/the west on the same token. Might as well do the same back. We may not have declared wall but we’re still letting ourselves be its casualities…

    Report Post »  
  • dsind
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:10pm

    Pop that ZIT on that 4$$ CLOWN’s foerehead NOW!

    Report Post »  
    • littleQueenie
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:35pm

      Hey, that’s his prayer bump from banging his head on the ground!
      Better known as the mark of the beast.

      Report Post »  
  • Joel Knows
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:03pm

    Desperate people do desperate things, and it usually doesn’t follow any rational thinking. If they kill this guy, what have they accomplished? If they don’t kill him, and no one gives in to their demands, what have they gained? It is a losing situation no matter what the outcome. Yes, it is the same thinking and rational as they are using in the Occupy movement, only difference is Al Qaeda has more focus, however misguided it might be.

    Report Post » Joel Knows  
  • garyM
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:59pm

    No US official ever negotiates with Muslim terrorists except it be a congressional committee on national health care!

    Report Post »  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:56pm

    The CIA knows where Zawahiri is, therefor, as a reply to this terrorists demands should be a missle right up his butt!

    Report Post »  
  • grayling646
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:46pm

    Fm: CNO, Chief of Naval Operations
    To: Navy Seals
    12/01/11 2048z

    bt

    Heads up. We have another idiot.

    Report Post »  
  • morristhewise
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:45pm

    Few hostages have aroused the world’s sympathy as much as Warren Weinstein. He is an innocent guy who was just trying to make a buck. The US must close its embassy in Pakistan until he is freed.

    Report Post »  
  • Ruler4You
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:43pm

    This is the kind of insane logic that passes these days as rational ‘because’ it taps into peoples emotions.
    Frankly, this guy holding the hostage is responsible for his actions. Period. No one else is making him do anything. And insanely blaming some one else for insane behavior can be expected from a crazy person.
    The OWS people are a good example. Emotions are not reliable sources for action. Logic is a much more reliable tool for determining action.

    Report Post » Ruler4You  
  • lukerw
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:37pm

    TS… wrong place at the wrong time!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:46pm

      It’s about time to start “cleansing” this planet of Muslims. And sorry, there is no such thing as a “good Muslim”….if you are a Muslim believer, you live your life according to a book that not only condones, but demands murder, torture, rape, pedophilia and a whole host of other abominations.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
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