ADAM YAHIYE GADAHN
One of the noteworthy aspects of this quote is a fundamental intellectual clash. Al-Quaeda and other Islamic fundamentalists are genuinely very concerned that the West will interfere with their religion and their desire to unite all the Muslims in the world. Ironically, the West prides itself on the tolerance of religion and the freedom for anyone to practice any religion. The West does not see where it is interfering at all with the Muslim religion or its moral precepts. The problem lies in the different perception of ideas. Since about 1100 there has been a closing of Islamic intellectual growth and change. Any idea which is contrary to the orthodox view of Islam is perceived as hurtful or at least dangerous to the Muslim. Individuals in the West question Islamic relation no more than different sects of Christianity, Judaism and other religions. Allowing freedom is not sufficient for this Islamic notion; there must be no exposure to different ideas or examples. For us, no exposure means no freedom. While there are many Muslims which agree with this position, there are also many who disagree completely and believe that Islam is strengthened by exposing Muslims to all the ideas in the world. He was killed by an American air strike that had targeted him.
He was killed by an American air strike that had targeted him.
Adam Yahiye Gadahn was an American senior operative, cultural interpreter, spokesman and media advisor for the Islamist group al-Qaeda. Beginning in 2004, he appeared in a number of videos produced by al-Qaeda as "Azzam the American" ('Azzām al-Amrīki, عزام الأمريكي, sometimes transcribed as Ezzam Al-Amerikee). Gadahn, who converted to Islam in 1995 at a California mosque, was described as "homegrown," a term used by scholars and government officials for Western citizens "picking up the sword of the idea" (in the words of one FBI agent) to commit attacks in the West. American intelligence officials allege that he inspired the 2007 Osama bin Laden video.
