This is an old topic but I can't resist on a comment.

When one converts to islam it is required that said individual must learn to read, write, and speak arabic. More so for the extremist. To be a true follower of islam one must be fluent in the language of Muhammad and Allah. When one converts they must be schooled to understand the true meanings of the Qur'an.

Same as when one converts to Judaism. Traditionally one must attend hebrew school to learn the language of the Tora, the profits, and of God.

With that being said, posting any translation would not be harmful in any way. These are things that are common knowledge to a jihadist. If anything it has educated the non-arabic speaking american to what these extremist are being taught.

Just my .02 cents

Gordon,

The post to which you referred includes a hyperlink to the translation of an Al-Qaeda published on-line by the U.S. Department of State.

This document does not, however, address polygraph countermeasures. I mentioned that the State Department had published a translated Al-Qaeda training manual in response to the suggestion by some polygraph supporters that our publication of a translation of an excerpt on lie detection from an Al-Qaeda training manual somehow constituted treason or aiding the enemy.

George,

On Nov 18, 2002 you wrote:

"I suggest that concerned individuals consult the U.S. Department of Justice (which has published a much more extensive translation of an Al-Qaeda Training Manual)."

I am interested in reading their countermeasure advice.  Can you tell me more precisely where I can obtain a copy.  I wasn't able to locate it through Google.

There are many things we disagree on, but I'm with you regarding the value of knowing what Al-Qaeda teaches.

Peace.

Gordon

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Indeed -- well-put.  It is instructive that the polygraph lobby, which so frequently claims the information in TLBTLD is bogus, claimed "treason" when translated versions of al Qaeda's information on the polygraph were posted -- information that, in part, agrees with that in TLBTLD.  If bogus, then al Qaeda's information must be useless.  Clearly, whatever value the polygraph had has been compromised, yet these proponents would prefer to do away with the evidence.

Thanks for the perspective.

Skeptic

I came by your board by accident, and have sat in my office enthralled by the discussion rather than getting on my with work.  I am not a US citizen, I am Scottish, but am still intrigued by the comments of your supposed 'Patriots'.

To accuse George W. Maschke of treason for publishing an English language version of the advice given to foreign terrorists is hardly reasonable or logical.  Fevered nonsense such as this only serves to diminish the credibility of the accusers.  It is quite, quite clear that the pro-polygraph lobby feel they have some inalienable right to the moral high-ground of patriotism.  Bunkum.   

I note that no-one has stated precisely why this publication would assist any enemy, although it is obvious why its publication would irk those who have some personal, professional or pecuiary interest in the continued use of this obviously medieval technology.  You should all note that I say this is someone who has no vested interest at all in the effectiveneess of polygraphy.   

From my detached position I would have to say that those who wish to caution against reliance on a method of intelligence gathering which the enemy can, quite clearly, use to its own advantage, are the true patriots.   

It may interest you to know that polygraph tests are held in as much esteem in the UK as stage magic and miracle cures.

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Thanks, Simon!

Skeptic

Here is some discussion on the subject:
http://www.afghanistanwar.com/discus/messages/20/7419.html?1037599290

In reference to the manual on the U.S. Department of Justice webiste.
I did not look at Mawsu'at al-jihad, it is probably in arabic.

Ask Osama, he will confirm.

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Oh, that's a stab in the dark.  Imagine what a real lawyer could do with such a case.

Skeptic

Loved your legal admonition Skeptic!

For some historical background on the Mawsu'at al-jihad (Encyclopedia of Jihad), see Reuel Marc Gerecht's article, "The Terrorists' Encyclopedia," published in The Middle East Quarterly, Vol. 8, No. 3 (Summer 2001). Gerecht, a former CIA Middle East specialist, writes in part:

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Simon,

When you claim that the "Al-Q Manual is a fake," which one specifically are you referring to? Do you mean Mawsu'at al-jihad or do you mean the manual on the U.S. Department of Justice webiste?

Specifically what language in the document to which you refer indicates that it is a "fake?" Thus far, you've provided us with nothing to substantiate your claim.

It is based on the text.

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I would also like to know how you know this, Simon.  Is it based on the text, based on information you've heard somewhere, or based on an opinion that a Muslim wouldn't write it?  Or something else?

Skeptic

simon
What exactly is that supposed to mean?
Interesting idea that you have there.  You support that claim how, exactly?

It is not written by muslim.

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Simon,
Why do you say that?

Skeptic

The Al-Q Manual is a fake

Batman:

That's real bright.  I have to admit that I got a kick out of seeing you try to rhyme "American" with "Farrakhan" (a little tortured, but not bad for on the fly).   

You should send that to Louis himself.  I bet he could do a lot with that one.

Batman wrote on Nov 19^th, 2002 at 10:47pm:


Everyone,
It would seem that "Batman" has gone full-tilt 51-cards-in-the-deck loony.  This is a sad day for vigilante law enforcement.

Please don't stare at the poor, gibbering caped crusader.  We can only wish him well for his recovery in the near future.  With hope and the right treatment, he may still recover a semblance of normal functioning and lead a productive life.

Skeptic

Beech, Skeptic, Anonymous, and Mark,

Stand up and sing the following to the tune of 'God Bless America':

God bless George Maschke,
Man that I love;
A true American,
Like Louie Farrekan,
Sent to us from the skies up above!

He's our hero,
He's not a zero,
Like the poly guys, do believe;
God Bless George Maschke,
A true blue guy,
God Bless George Maschke,
He'd never ever lie!

Your Welcome,

Batman 

This whole translation nonsense can be resolved by recalling the crucial principle Skeptic pointed out in a long ago post (I can't remember exactly where it was; maybe someone can help me).  It goes something like this, in my own formulation:

A sound security system (such as PGP) does not depend on the ignorance or laziness of others in order to be effective.  In fact, its design assumes knowledge and sophistication on the part of those who would beat it, and it still stands up.

If this thread fairly represents the polygraph community's reaction to the translation, they have unintentionally admitted that the polygraph relies on ignorance, and knowledge beats it.   

This is what is supposed to protect us from terrorists?

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You know, I'm not a lawyer, but I would love to hear the defense's argument.  I imagine it would go something like this:

"Your honor, my client is a patriotic American and an activist dedicated to exposing and fixing a documented critical flaw in our nation's security.  Unfortunately, this runs afoul of the economic interests of a number of people.  In an attempt to silence my client, the polygraph profession has tried many tactics, and is now resorting to the outrage of calling him a traitor.

"The prosecution would have you believe that Mr. Maschke is intentionally assisting our enemies with circumventing security procedures.  For this to be true, it would first be necessary that the polygraph could accurately be described as a "security procedure".  As recent findings by the National Academy of Sciences indicate, the polygraph is worse than useless for security screening; it is a detriment to security, one that has never caught a spy, one that has allowed our nation's worst espionage disasters to go on undetected.

"As for these charges, the prosecution's case boils down to claiming the translating of public-domain information from arabic to english constitutes treason.  We submit that this is prima facie absurd, and ask that these charges be dismissed with prejudice.  Further, in light of the fact that the prosecution is aware of the frivolous nature of the charges it has brought, we ask for recovery of all attorney's and legal fees."

I would pay to see the public flogging the prosecution would get on that one, not to mention the resulting damage to the polygraph profession.

Tell you what: I think it’s a lot more likely “An American” will be successfully sued for libel, should he continue with this crap.

Skeptic

Anonymous2,

Perhaps "An American" would be so kind as to clarify precisely what crime he believes has been committed. But his second post here also indicates that the crime he had in mind is treason. He wrote:

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