DAR AL HARB/ISLAM - U.S.A./SAUDI ARABIA: SAUDI $$$ FUNDING WAHHABI MOSQUES ACROSS NORTH AFRICA

U.S. mum as Saudi millions funding Wahabi mosques across North Africa

WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia has been funneling hundreds of millions of dollars to establish Wahabi mosques and schools in North Africa.

The United States has been monitoring the flow of funds but has not conveyed any protest to Saudi Arabia or other GCC states. The Gulf funds are aimed to establish a Wahabi network in North Africa that would train Muslim clerics and teachers.

"I think we have underestimated the capabilities of Al Qaida to get a beachhead there," said Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

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"Saudi foreign policy is primarily the promotion of the Wahabi doctrine," an official said. "It's problematic because the path from Wahabi doctrine to Al Qaida philosophy is quite short."

Both Iran and GCC states have been targeting the huge population of youngsters in North Africa. Many young people, particularly in Algeria and Morocco, have sought opportunities in education and jobs.

The influx of Saudi funds comes as Al Qaida has formed a regional network, called the Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb. The organization, which merged with the Algerian-based Salafist Brigade for Combat and Call, has initiated suicide strikes in Algeria.

"The threat from Al Qaida's presence in the region is significant, very dangerous and potentially growing in a couple of cases," Assistant Secretary of State David Welch told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on June 6.



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1) U.S. mum as Saudi millions funding Wahabi mosques across North Africa