Scary times out there: The world is still trying to screw its head back on after last week's attack on the satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo. The publication, which was hit by two gunmen who took 12 lives, had long been a target for radical Islam after its provocations against religious hardliners. It turns out, in 2013, the magazine's publisher, Stéphane Charbonnier, was included on an al Qaeda most-wanted list along with another name you might recognize: Florida Qur'an-burner Terry Jones.
Jones regularly bangs the pulpit from his church in Gainesville. But he's probably more widely known both for his Civil War facial chops and his fixation with burning Qur'ans. Beginning in 2010, on the ninth anniversary of 9/11, Jones has regularly bullhorned out his intention to light the Muslim holy book on fire.
The provocation has not endeared him to the Muslim world, particularly the more extreme pockets. According to NYMag.com, in 2013, the Jihadist, English-language magazine Inspire published a list featuring outspoken critics of the religion: "Wanted Dead or Alive for Crimes Against Islam," the list stated.
"Yes we can. A bullet a day keeps the infidel away. Defend Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him."
Jones was featured on the list, as well as Charlie Hebdo's Charbonnier. Other names include novelist Salman Rushdie and Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks. So far, Charbonnier is the only one of the nine men and two woman listed who has been targeted. But it's worth pointing out that Inspire is put out by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula -- the same group that has now taken credit for the Paris attacks.
Jones doesn't seem to be keeping a low profile. This pastor is planning to hold a demonstration Saturday in Tampa in solidarity with the people of Paris.
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