But killing Americans is so darned hard, it seems. Let's not even mention on the battlefield! Even getting at American civilians here at home seems too difficult, despite great efforts. Hard to get good help, it seems.
Luckily for al Qaeda, killing those nearby is almost as good as killing Americans:
An al-Qaida-linked Somali militant group suspected in twin bombings in Uganda's capital that hit crowds watching the World Cup final endorsed the attacks Monday but stopped short of claiming responsibility, while the death toll rose to 74.
The blasts came two days after a commander with the Somali group, al-Shabab, called for militants to attack sites in Uganda and Burundi, two nations that contribute troops to the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia.
The attacks on two soft targets filled with civilians also raise concerns about the capabilities and motives of al-Shabab, which the U.S. State Department has declared a terrorist organization. If confirmed that the group carried out the attacks, it would be the first time al-Shabab has struck outside Somalia.
But don't go thinking that killing Ugandans is a consolation prize, or something. It still fills the jihadis with joy--with the synchronized multiple strikes a point of pride for al Qaeda and their franchise operators--even if the celebrations wouldn't be as raucous as one following a big strike on New York City, as one jihadi commander crowed:
Sheik Yusuf Sheik Issa, an al-Shabab commander, told The Associated Press early Monday that he was happy with the attacks in Uganda but refused to confirm or deny that al-Shabab was responsible.
"Uganda is one of our enemies. Whatever makes them cry, makes us happy. May Allah's anger be upon those who are against us," Sheik said.
Yeah, we are the prime enemy, but the jihadis seem perfectly content to slaughter non-Americans wherever they are--whether Moslem or not--when they can't kill Americans.
Killing someone--anyone--seems to take priority to fill their down time between the big hits on Western targets. It really does seem to make them happy.
Well who hasn't been there before?
