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GUEST: Craig Murray, former UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of Islamic Shura Council

Investigations into a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners in mid-air are now focusing on the possible financing role played by Islamic charities. The plot was apparently uncovered during a Pakistani interrogation session, and foiled by British, Pakistani and U.S. security agencies a week ago. Police raided dozens of U.K. premises last week after intelligence services said bombers were days away from using liquid explosives to attack U.S.-bound flights from the U.K. There are 24 men in detention who can remain in custody without being charged for up to 28 days, subject to court review at regular intervals. Among the 24 men, 19 have been identified as British Muslims – one was a Muslim bookkeeper and apparently worked at Heathrow Airport. The youngest among those arrested is 17-years-old. Britain’s Home Secretary John Reid has said that the threat of a terrorist attack here remained “very substantial,” disclosing that about two dozen major terrorist conspiracies were under investigation. But some are increasingly skeptical of these terrorist conspiracies – Craig Murray is the former UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan. He says of this story, “the timing is deeply political. This is more propaganda than plot. … Be skeptical. Be very, very skeptical.”

Read Craig Murray’s blog at www.craigmurray.co.uk.

Open Mosque Day will be this Sunday August 20th from 11 am to 4 pm. For a list of participating mosques, visit www.shuracouncil.org, or call 714-239-6473.