Mehsud affirms the traditional supranational unity of the Islamic umma, and portrays himself as a "true Muslim," which is always and everywhere the substance of the jihadist appeal in the Islamic world. "Pakistani Taliban vows jihad in Afghanistan," from Reuters, May 24 (thanks to Twostellas): KOTKAI, Pakistan - The leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Baitullah Mehsud, vowed on Saturday to carry on fighting NATO and U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan regardless of negotiations for a peace deal with the government of Pakistan.
The Taliban leader told a group of journalists, invited to his stronghold in the tribal lands of South Waziristan, that he wanted to stop fighting the Pakistan army.
"Fighting between the Taliban and Pakistan is harming Islam and Pakistan. This fighting should come to an end immediately," the black-bearded, short, muscular Mehsud said.
But he made no commitment about halting attacks in Afghanistan, and said the jihad, or holy war, would carry on.
"Islam does not recognise frontiers and boundaries. Jihad in Afghanistan will continue," Mehsud said, as guards carrying Kalashnikov assault rifles looked on.
Mehsud emerged as a notorious militant commander over the past year, having been linked to a string of suicide attacks, including one that killed former prime minister Benazir Bhutto last December....
Mehsud said he had never met al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden or Taliban chief Mullah Omar.
"But, like every true Muslim, I wish to have a glimpse of these two great leaders," he added....
Thanks Jihad Watch
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