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America Targets Terrorism: Some Captives Feel They Were Misled
Wednessday, February 20, 2002
(12:00 AM)
By Verena Dobnik
Associated Press Writer

Interrogators are aided by interpreters in dozens of languages who relay into English the mysteries of a worldwide terror network unraveling like "a sweater ... one piece at a time."

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba -- AP
Some feel they were led astray in pursuit of a shortcut to heaven. Others remain steadfast in their belief the Sept. 11 attacks were justified.

As interrogators at the Guantanamo Bay naval base remain tightlipped about what they're learning from 300 prisoners of the war in Afghanistan, the person closest to their thoughts appears to be the U.S. Navy Muslim cleric caring for their spiritual welfare.

Lt. Abuhena Mohammad Saiful-Islam said some of the younger detainees have indicated local Muslim leaders might have misled them about the meaning of "jihad."

"They thought fighting is the ultimate jihad -- a short way to heaven," he said Monday. "They do feel somewhat that they made the wrong choice, at the wrong time."
(More: The San Antonio Express-News Source)
2002 © The Associated Press.

Dan