If I am understanding you correctly, you misread the article. I am taking it as you saying there is thin evidence that Foundation was translated as Al-Qaida. The article takes this as fact and says there is thin evidence that is was the “foundation” of the terrorist group.
Could someone please direct me to a cite [Arabic language okay, and preferred] of bin Laden’s organization/network referring to itself, or being referred to in native Arab language reporting, as al Qaida\Qaeda in 2000? In 1995?
While that region is hardly my field of expertise, it was my impression in 2001 that this usage of the phrase (to refer to the entire network) originated in the US govt, and I recall remarks to that effect at that time, in both US and Arab media (esp. al Jazeera)
Of course, I could be completely off-base, but I’d really like a cite
The boring truth is that, in Arabic, Al Qaeda is just a rather uninspired name for a terrorist group. It’s not unlike opening a fast-food hamburger restaurant and calling it “The Burger Stand.”
Among the numerous other problems with that story - like the fact that it’s totally unverified - I can’t envision Bin Laden reading a book written by a Westerner. Much less one who (according to a little searching I just did) was an open atheist. He doesn’t strike me as the sci-fi type anyway. “I’m a twelfth-level terrorist!”
I don’t know. As mentioned, that would be a fair enough translation, but all in all Arab culture doesn’t ‘get’ science fiction. Star Trek for example is unknown here and Saudis have no ability to do the Vulcan salute.
Ar? I’ve never thought “The Base” referred to a “military installation” or a “headquarters”. I’ve always interpreted “base” in this case meant “the bottom of a building” or “the fundamental idea”. i.e., “The foundation”. In the context of the organisation, I don’t see how the author could think “base” as anything other. “Foundation = Al Qaeda” is a coincidence.
That’s true. IANJ, but I understand it’s half of some sort of gesture used in a ceremony.
I have to doubt that Foundation was published in Arabic as early as 1952. It had only been published in the U.S. in 1951, and by Gnome Press, a small press that published only sf. Asimov did not have an international reputation at the time. It wouldn’t be until decades later that he achieved his fame.
The best article I can find on the connection is from the Guardian.
and on al-Qaida:
The evidence is thin to the point of non-existence.
I’ve never thought “The Base” referred to a “military installation” or a “headquarters”. I’ve always interpreted “base” in this case meant “the bottom of a building” or “the fundamental idea”. i.e., “The foundation”. In the context of the organisation, I don’t see how the author could think “base” as anything other. “Foundation = Al Qaeda” is a coincidence.
