Al-Ahram: Returnee fighter from Afghanistan caves
Egypt, Politics, 7/6/2002

Al-Ahram newspaper interviews Abdel Fatah Fahmi Ahmad, know as Abul Kheir a former member of Al-Jihad who travelled to Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and England.

Abul Kheir begins by differentiating between Jamaa Islamia (Islamic Group) and Al-Jihad Organization. He said the Islamia Group has stronger links and close ties, because most of the members came from Upper Egypt.

When Imam says no, nobody objects. Al-Jihad resorts to violence and quick action. Even after the assassination of Sadat, Islamic group adopts "Islam is the solution" motto. Yet in 1988, the Islamic organizations transferred their activities abroad.

Responding to a question on the aid the Islamic organizations in Afghanistan, Abul Kheir said he has eye witnessed vans stuffed with all kind of weapons for the Islamic formation. They received weapons from Iran, USA and Pakistan.

USA provided stinger missile in 1988, which was very effective in the war in Afghanistan. Pakistan believed the Islamic groups are a way out to its trouble with India.

When Jihad ended in Afghanistan, what happened? Abul Kheir said they left to Sudan, then returned to Afghanistan when he acquired the nationality.

On the terrorist attacks in Egypt, Abul Kheir said he advised the Islamic Jihad leaders to adopt different principles.

Ayman Al-Zawahri and other leaders of Al-Jihad criticized Abul Kheir when he told them to call Afghans to understand Islam.

He resorted to visit small towns and villages to spread his thought. Abul Kheir's call was partially accepted by Mohamed Atef (Abu Hafs), Bin Laden's assistant.

Abu Hafs invited Abul Kheir to join Al-Qaeda and conduct his researches in 1991.

He agreed but said he needs to visit Egypt on regular bases. When the request was denied Abul Kheir refused to join any group and preferred to work independently.

Responding to a question on the impression on the Islamic organizations in Afghanistan after the terrorist attacks in Egypt in 1992, he said Egypt was different from Afghanistan.

The Islamic organizations leaders behind turmoil in Egypt would bring new ruling regime. But later, when 1000 of the Islamic Organizations were arrested in Egypt, the leaders preferred to reconsider their policies.

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