Al-Qaeda Documentation on Lie Detection

[Mark Mallah]

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?

[Batman (Guest)]

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

[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!

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

[Mark Mallah]

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.

[simon]

The Al-Q Manual is a fake

[Skeptic]

The Al-Q Manual is a fake

Simon,
Why do you say that?

Skeptic

[simon]

It is not written by muslim.

[Seeker]

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

[Skeptic]

It is not written by muslim.

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]

It is based on the text.

[George W. Maschke]

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.

[George W. Maschke]

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:

I took one look at it, the Mawsu'at al-Jihad al-Afghani in Arabic, and realized I just might have a key, perhaps the key, for understanding the evolution and intent of bin Ladin's organization.

[American]

Loved your legal admonition Skeptic!

[Skeptic]

Loved your legal admonition Skeptic!

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

Skeptic

[simon]

Ask Osama, he will confirm.