Top Thrill 2 and Ahmed Yassin: Difference between pages

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{{Expand|date=September 2008}}
{{Infobox roller coaster

| name = Top Thrill Dragster
{{Infobox Person
| image = Ttd.jpg
| name = Ahmed Yassin
| caption =''Top Thrill Dragster''
| image = Sheikahmedyassin300.jpg
| section = Top Thrill Dragster Midway (near Power Tower)
| image_size = 200px
| location = Cedar Point
| caption = Photograph of Ahmed Yassin taken on March 19, 2004
| type =Steel
| birth_date = 1937<ref name = "birthdate"/>
| type2 =Launched
| birth_place = [[Al-Jura]]
| manufacturer =Intamin AG
| death_date = {{Death date|2004|3|22}}
| designer = [[Werner Stengel]]
| death_place = [[Gaza City]]
| track = square-boxed structure with red and white paint and yellow supports.
}}
| lift = Hydraulic Launch
'''Sheikh Ahmed Ismail Yassin''' (1937 – March 22, 2004)<ref name = "birthdate">{{cite web
| model = Stratacoaster
|url= http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/yassin.html
| status = Open
|title= Sheikh Ahmad Yassin
| opened = [[May 4]], [[2003]]
|accessdate= 2008-04-06
| height_ft = 420
| drop = 400
|year= 2004
|publisher= [[Jewish Virtual Library]]
| length = 2800
|quote= <small>Ahmed Yassin's Palestinian passport listed his date of birth as January 1, 1929, but Palestinian sources listed his birth year as 1937 (other Western media reported it as 1938).</small>
| speed = 120
| inversions = 0
| duration = 17 sec.
| capacity = 1,051
| cost = US$ 25,000,000
| acceleration_mph = 120
| acceleration_in = under 4
| restriction = 52
| rcdb_number = 1896
}}
}}
</ref> ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: {{lang|ar|الشيخ أحمد ياسين}}) was the co-founder, with [[Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi]], of [[Hamas]], a [[Palestinian people|Palestinian]] [[paramilitary]] organization and political party. Yassin served as the [[spiritual leader]] of Hamas, an [[Islamist]] Palestinian group that has often been characterized by western states as a terrorist organization.<ref name="terr">
*Canada - [http://www.psepc.gc.ca/prg/ns/le/cle-en.asp#hhi18 Keeping Canadians Safe], Public Security and Emergency Preparedness Canada, National Security, Listed entities. Accessed July 31, 2006.
*[[European Union]]--[http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2005/l_340/l_34020051223en00640066.pdf "Council Decision"] [[Council of the European Union]], December 21, 2005
*[[Israel]]--[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2003/7/The%20Financial%20Sources%20of%20the%20Hamas%20Terror%20Organiza The Financial Sources of the Hamas Terror Organization] (Israel MFA)
*[[Japan]]--[http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2005/ch3-a.pdf Japan's Diplomatic Bluebook 2005] states that it has frozen the assets of "terrorist organizations, including... Hamas."
*[[United States]]--[http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/65463.pdf "Country reports on terrorism 2005"], [[United States Department of State]]. Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism. US Dept. of State Publication 11324. Released April 2006
*Banned in [[Jordan]]--Karmi, Omar. [http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=22307# "What does the Hamas victory mean for nearby Jordan?"], ''The Daily Star'', February 18, 2006
*[[Australia]] lists the militant wing of Hamas, the [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]], as a terrorist organization--[http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/agd/www/nationalsecurity.nsf/AllDocs/95FB057CA3DECF30CA256FAB001F7FBD?OpenDocument Listing of Terrorist Organisations], Australian Government Attorney-General's Department, 27 January 2006. Accessed July 31, 2006.
*[[United Kingdom]] lists the militant wing of Hamas, the [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]], as a terrorist organization--[http://security.homeoffice.gov.uk/legislation/current-legislation/terrorism-act-2000/proscribed-terrorist-groups?version=1" United Kingdom Home Security Office. Terrorism Act 2000. Proscribed terrorist groups]</ref>


Yassin, a [[paraplegic]] who was nearly [[blindness|blind]], had been confined to a [[wheelchair]] since a sporting accident at the age of 12.<ref name="islamaboutcom1">{{cite web | url = http://islam.about.com/b/a/073913.htm | title = islam.about.com | accessdate = 2007-06-18 | publisher = }}</ref> He was assassinated by an Israeli [[helicopter gunship]] in 2004.<ref name = AlJazeerah>{{cite web
'''''Top Thrill Dragster''''' is a steel, hydraulically-launched [[roller coaster]] located at [[Cedar Point]] Amusement Park in [[Sandusky, Ohio|Sandusky]], [[Ohio]]. It was the first "Strata Coaster," loosely defined as a complete circuit coaster that is 400-499&nbsp;feet tall. It was built by [[Intamin AG]] and debuted to the public on [[May 4]], [[2003]]. It is one of only 2 [[stratacoasters]] in existence, the other being ''[[Kingda Ka]]'' (2005) at [[Six Flags Great Adventure]] in [[New Jersey]].
|url = http://english.aljazeera.net/English/archive/archive?ArchiveId=2639
|title = The life and death of Shaikh Yasin
|accessdate = 2007-08-07
|date = March 25, 2004
|publisher = [[Al Jazeera]]
}}</ref> His killing, in an attack that claimed the lives of as many as nine bystanders, precipitated much criticism of [[Israel]], as many observers abroad suggested that the act would negatively impact the peace process.<ref name = AlJazeerah /> 200,000 Palestinians attended his funeral procession.<ref name=csm>Prusher, Ilene R. [http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0323/p01s04-wome.html Killing of Yassin a Turning Point]. ''The Christian Science Monitor''. March 23, 2004. </ref>


==Early life==
''Top Thrill Dragster'' was the second hydraulically-launched roller coaster built by Intamin AG, following ''[[Xcelerator]]'' at [[Knott's Berry Farm]], and it was the last one to use lapbars instead of over-the-shoulder restraints due to mechanical problems.
Ahmed Yassin was born in [[al-Jura]], a small village near the town of [[Majdal]] (today [[Ashkelon]] City) in then [[British Mandate of Palestine]]. His date of birth is not known for certain: according to his Palestinian [[passport]], he was born on 1 January 1929, but he claimed to have actually been born in 1938. He and his family moved to [[Gaza]] after his village was destroyed in 1948 during [[Israel's War of Independence]].<ref name = AlJazeerah />


Yassin came to Gaza as a refugee. When he was 12, a sports related injury left him [[quadriplegic]] and forced him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.<ref name = AlJazeerah />
Top Thrill Dragsters main theme song is "Ready to Go" by Republica.


Yassin studied at [[Al-Azhar University]] in [[Cairo]], [[Egypt]], following secondary school. [[Islamism|Islamist]] and [[Pan-Arab]] movements were strong influences at the University. Yassin joined the [[Muslim Brotherhood]] during his studies at Al-Azhar.<ref>[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/yassin.html Sheikh Ahmad Yassin<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Top Thrill Dragsters catch phrase is "Race For The Sky"


==Involvement in the Israel-Palestinian conflict==
Yassin subsequently became involved with a Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. In 1987, during the [[First Intifada]], Yassin co-founded [[Hamas]] with [[Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi]], originally calling it the Palestinian Wing of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]], and becoming its spiritual leader.


Yassin opposed the [[Peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict|peace process]] between the Palestinians and the [[Israel]]is. He supported armed resistance against Israel, and was very outspoken in his views. He asserted that [[Palestine]] is an Islamic land "consecrated for future Muslim generations until [[Qiyamah|Judgment Day]]" and that no Arab leader had the right to give up any part of this territory.<ref name="newsbbccouk2"/> Yassin's rhetoric did not distinguish between Israelis and Jews, at one point stating that "Reconciliation with the Jews is a crime."<ref> {{cite interview
==Records==
| last = Yassin
When ''Top Thrill Dragster'' first debuted, it set five new records:
| first = Ahmed
*First continuous-circuit roller coaster to go beyond 400&nbsp;feet in height
| subjectlink = Ahmed Yassin
*First roller coaster to reach 120&nbsp;mph using a hydraulic launch system
| program = ''Filastin al-Muslimah''
*Highest drop of any coaster
| year = 1995
*Fastest roller coaster in the world
| month = March
*Tallest roller coaster in the world
}}
It is still considered the fastest. dragster doesnt have a set speed. People have been quoted as saying it launched at 130 mph. And most acers will agree with this. However kinda ka is still taller, but is launched at the set speed of 128 mph.
as quoted in
''Top Thrill Dragster'' was the fourth roller coaster to break the 100&nbsp;mph speed barrier. It was preceded in this feat by ''[[Tower of Terror (Dreamworld)|Tower of Terror]]'' at ''[[Dreamworld]]'', Australia, ''[[Superman: The Escape]]'' at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] in Valencia, California and ''[[Dodonpa]]'' (located at [[Fuji-Q Highland]]).
{{cite web
| url = http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/2885
| title = Hamas Takes "Revenge"?
| accessdate = 2007-09-30
| last = Passner
| first = Deborah
| date = October 28, 2003
| publisher = [[Arutz Sheva|Israel National News]]
}}
</ref> Yassin's inflammatory rhetoric was often scrutinized in the news media.<ref name=media>Poole, Elizabeth and Richardson, John E. ''Muslims and the News Media''. 2006, page 112.</ref> On one occasion, he opined that Israel "must disappear from the map".<ref name=media /> Yassin's declaration that "We chose this road, and will end with martyrdom or victory" later became an oft repeated mantra among Palestinians.<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=407397&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y Security forces on heightened terror alert - Haaretz - Israel News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


In 1997 Yassin was released from Israeli prison as part of an arrangement with [[Jordan]] following the failed assassination attempt of [[Khaled Mashal]], which had been conducted by the Israeli [[Mossad]] in Jordan. Yassin was released by Israel in exchange for two Mossad agents who had been arrested by Jordanian authorities, on the condition that he refrain from continuing to call for suicide bombings against Israel.
The previous record holder for overall height was ''[[Superman: The Escape]]'' at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] in Valencia, California (415&nbsp;feet tall). ''Top Thrill Dragster'' broke this record at 420&nbsp;feet. Top Thrill Dragster's record was broken in [[2005]] when ''[[Kingda Ka]]'' opened at [[Six Flags Great Adventure]], standing 456&nbsp;feet tall.


Following his release, Yassin resumed his leadership of Hamas. He immediately resumed his calls for attacks on Israel, using tactics including [[suicide bombing]]s, thus violating the condition of his release. He also sought to maintain relations with the Palestinian authority, believing that a clash between the two groups would be harmful to the interests of the [[Palestinian people]].<ref name="newsbbccouk2" /> Yassin, however, was repeatedly placed under house arrest by the Palestinian authority. Each time he was eventually released, often after extended [[Demonstration (people)|demonstrations]] by his supporters.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}
The previous record holders for the highest drop were the''[[Tower of Terror (Dreamworld)|Tower of Terror]]'' and ''[[Superman: The Escape]]'' with 325&nbsp;feet, also ''[[Steel Dragon 2000]]'' at [[Nagashima Spa Land]] in Nagashima, Japan, with 307&nbsp;feet.


Yassin criticized the outcome of the 2003 Aqaba summit. His group initially declared a temporary truce with Israel. However, in July 2003, the truce unravelled after Israeli forces killed two Hamas members in retaliation for the suicide bombing of a Jerusalem bus that left 21 people dead.<ref name="newsbbccouk2" />
The previous record holder for speed was Dodonpa, at 107&nbsp;mph. This record was broken by ''Top Thrill Dragster'', which reaches speeds up to 130 &nbsp;mph (depending on wind and other factors).


On September 6, 2003, an [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF) [[F-16]] fired several missiles on a building in [[Gaza City]], the [[Gaza Strip]]. Yassin was in the building at the time but survived.<ref name = AlJazeerah /> Israeli officials later confirmed that Yassin was the target of the attack. His injuries were treated at [[Shifa Hospital]] in Gaza City. Yassin responded to the media that "Days will prove that the assassination policy will not finish the Hamas. Hamas leaders wish to be martyrs and are not scared of death. Jihad will continue and the resistance will continue until we have victory, or we will be martyrs."<ref name="wwwcnncom3">{{cite web | url = http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/09/06/mideast.violence/ | title = cnn.com | accessdate = 2007-06-18 | publisher = }}</ref>
==The ride==
''Top Thrill Dragster'' dominates the Cedar Point skyline today, and is easily seen from nearly anywhere in the park, as well as surrounding locations near the Cedar Point peninsula. The towering structure consists of red and white Intamin 4 rail track that is affixed to a bright yellow support tower.


Yassin further promised that Hamas would teach Israel an "unforgettable lesson" as a result of the assassination attempt.<ref name="wwwabcnetau4">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s940813.htm | title = abc.net.au | accessdate = 2007-06-18 | publisher = }}</ref> Yassin made no attempt to guard himself from further attempts on his life or hide his location. Journalists sometimes visited his Gaza address and Yassin maintained a routine daily pattern of activity, including being wheeled every morning to a nearby mosque.
The entrance to the queue is a concrete gateway that leads underneath the launch track. The queue itself, however, never crosses under either side of the ride. Rather, it consists entirely of the space between both tracks. This makes for an interesting experience as trains speed by either side of the people waiting in line. Along the left wall of the queue area, facts about the ride are posted and compared to similar statistics on an actual drag race car.


[[Reem Raiyshi]]'s suicide bombing at the [[Erez crossing]] on January 14, 2004, which killed four civilians, was believed by the Israeli military to have been directly ordered by Yassin. Yassin suggested that the suicide bomber was fulfilling her "obligation" to make [[jihad]],<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001837056_mideast15.html The Seattle Times: Nation & World: Palestinian mother is suicide bomber in attack at border<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and Israel's Deputy Defence Minister responded by publicly declaring that Yassin was "marked for death".<ref name=reembbc>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3402753.stm BBC NEWS | Middle East | Sheikh Yassin denies attack role<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Yassin denied having any involvement in the attack's planning.<ref name=reembbc />
[[Image:Top Thrill Dragster Sign.jpg|thumb|left|Queue sign.]]
Near the end of the queue, the queue branches off into two sides. Riders may choose to follow the queue to the front or rear station. The two stations are connected, but riders are prevented from entering the other side of the station by a barrier. In the stations, two trains are loaded at the same time before both are dispatched into the waiting area outside of the loading area. There, the front train is launched first, and the second after that. While this is occurring, two more trains have entered the station and loading has begun again. Very rarely does loading take long enough to create a situation where there is no train ready to be launched. By the time two loaded trains have been dispatched, two more have already been filled to follow them. Because of this set up, the line moves rather steadily. Whenever it does stop, it often means that a rider has failed to meet the requirements necessary to ride, and loading was temporarily delayed, or the ride has broken down, in which case the line will not move for possible hours. Such pauses in queue movement are often followed by large moments of progress as two more trains are launched once things are sorted out.


=== Alleged involvement in terrorist attacks ===
Once riders actually enter the station, they will be asked to choose a secondary queue to wait in which corresponds with the position in the car where they wish to ride. Often, the longest queue is for the front seat, though many enthusiasts insist that the second is the best due to the possible discomfort from wind or bugs. When the riders are next in line, they are quickly instructed to enter the train as the gates before them open. There, they must fasten their seatbelt in such a way that at least a half an inch of slack in the belt can be exposed. If a rider is unable to do so, they are declared unable to ride. The seats are exactly the same as the ones used on ''[[Millennium Force]]'', and the exact same policy is enforced at both coasters. For those that fear being unable to ride after waiting in line, sample seats are provided at the entrance to both of these rides. While in the station the ride's theme song is played, which is "[[Republica]] - [[Ready to Go]]".
{{see also|List of Hamas suicide attacks}}
Yassin was a founder and prominent leader of Hamas, which is regarded as a [[terrorist]] organization by many national governments.<ref name="terr" /> Israeli Prime Minister [[Ariel Sharon]] characterized Yassin as "the "mastermind of Palestinian terror" and a "mass murderer".<ref name=csm /> The [[Israeli government]] repeatedly asserted that Yassin was responsible for a number of terrorist attacks, which targeted and killed a number of civilians.<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2004/3/Behind%20the%20Headlines-%20Ahmed%20Yassin%2022-Mar-2004. Behind the Headlines: Ahmed Yassin 22-Mar-2004<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> They accused him of being behind all the attacks perpetrated by [[Hamas]] against Israel. According to an Israeli government website:
<blockquote>Yassin was the dominant authority of the [[Hamas]] leadership, which was directly involved in planning, orchestrating and launching terror attacks carried out by the organization. In this capacity, Yassin personally gave his approval for the launching of [[Qassam rockets]] against Israeli cities, as well as for the numerous Hamas terrorist bombings and suicide operations. In his public appearances and interviews, Yassin called repeatedly for a continuation of the 'armed struggle' against Israel, and for an intensification of the terrorist campaign against its citizens. The successful operation against Yassin constitutes a significant blow to a central pillar of the Hamas terrorist organization, and a major setback to its terrorist infrastructure.<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Templates/ArticleDynamicFix.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2fMFA%2fTerrorism-%2bObstacle%2bto%2bPeace%2fTerrorism%2band%2bIslamic%2bFundamentalism-%2fSheikh%2bYassin%2bkilled%2bin%2bIDF%2battack%2b22-Mar-2004%2ehtm&NRNODEGUID=%7b2B09115D-4DE6-47A2-96E4-ECCB2FCC8F03%7d&NRCACHEHINT=Guest IDF strike kills Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin (MFA)]</ref></blockquote>


==Assassination==
[[Image:Top thrill dragster.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Drop]]
Ahmed Yassin was killed in an Israeli attack on March 22, 2004. While he was being wheeled out of an early morning prayer session, an Israeli helicopter gunship fired [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire missiles]] at Yassin and both of his bodyguards. They were killed instantly, along with nine<ref name = AlJazeerah/> other bystanders.<ref name="wwwscoopconz5">{{cite web | url = http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0403/S00292.htm | title = scoop.co.nz | accessdate = 2007-06-18 | publisher = }}</ref> The reports also indicate that more than a dozen people were injured in the operation, including two of Yassin's sons. The operation was a part of an ongoing Israeli action against Hamas-sponsored operations.
After all guests are fully secured by a seatbelt and lapbar, the two loaded trains roll forward to the launch area. To the left of the track is a "[[Christmas tree (disambiguation)|Christmas tree]]" light, similar those employed at a [[Drag racing|drag strip]]. At this time, a brief message is played to the riders: "Arms down, head back, and hold on!". Due to the unsafe nature of raising one's hands on such a roller coaster, the ride host will not launch the train if any riders are holding their hands up. The host may replay the "arms down" part of the message repeatedly until the guests lower their arms, and stop the ride altogether if a guest persists. Once the ride is prepared to launch, a motor revving sound effect begins. At this time, the magnetic braking fins lower from the launch track, and the train rolls backwards a slight amount in order to connect with the launch car below the tracks. The lights on the tower itself and the small light fixture to the left of the track cycle from three yellows to a green light.


Israel said the targeted killing was in response to dozens of [[suicide attack]]s by Hamas against [[Israel]]i civilians, and meant to thwart further attacks on Yassin's orders. Yassin's supporters, as well as various heads of state, condemned the assassination.
Once the green light displays a tire-screech sound is heard and the train begins its acceleration to 120mph in just 3.8 seconds.<ref name="accelerate">{{cite news
| title = Top Thrill Dragster
| publisher = Roller Coaster Database
| url = http://www.rcdb.com/id1896.htm
| accessdate = 2007-12-20 }}</ref> Near the end of the track is a sign which displays the speed that the ride was able to reach at that particular launch; it is usually a number between 120 and 124&nbsp;miles per hour. Shortly after reaching its maximum velocity in less than four seconds, the train begins its ascent up a 90-degree incline that has a 90-degree counter-clockwise twist that takes the train straight over the top of the 420&nbsp;foot hill, where riders will experience significant airtime (zero g-forces). On the way down the other side, there is a 270-degree clockwise twist that leads into the magnetic braking section that brings the train to a swift yet comfortable stop. The riders exit the train to their right, and the empty train proceeds into the loading area to be refilled.


The Israel Defense Forces issued the following statement regarding the operation:
[[Image:Top Thrill Dragster (Logo & Tower).JPG|thumb|right|200px|Top Thrill Dragster's logo and tower]] As ''Top Thrill Dragster'' grows older, Cedar Point is learning how to operate the coaster more efficiently and to minimize downtime. Even though there are six trains, usually only five are being used. The increase in operational efficiency is proven in the increased throughput since the ride debuted:<ref name="dragster">{{cite news
| title = Top Thrill Dragster
| publisher = Cedar Point
| url = http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/top_thrill_dragster/index.cfm
| accessdate = 2007-12-20 }}</ref>
*Riders in 2003: 562,438
*Riders in 2004: 943,313
*Riders in 2005: 953,945
*Riders in 2006: 994,531
*Riders in 2007: 1,082,218


:This morning, in a security forces operation in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF targeted a car carrying the head of the Hamas terror organization, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, and his aides. Yassin, responsible for numerous murderous terror attacks, resulting in the deaths of many civilians, both Israeli and foreign, was killed in the attack.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/03/22/yassin/index.html Thousands mourn Hamas founder (CNN)]</ref>
Dispatch Interval: 1:03;
Load and Unload time: 4:15;
Ready and Idle time: 1:35;
Trip Time: 16.8 seconds;
Cycle Time: 10:27 seconds;
Capacity Per Train: 18;
Trips Per Hour: 58.4; {{Fact|date=February 2007}}


==Reaction to assassination==
==Theme==
[[Kofi Annan]], UN General secretary, condemned the killing.<ref name="dominounorg6">{{cite web | url = http://domino.un.org/unispal.NSF/eed216406b50bf6485256ce10072f637/cb710ee41effd1ef85256e6000501683!OpenDocument | title = domino.un.org | accessdate = 2007-06-18 | publisher = }}</ref> The [[UN Commission on Human Rights]] passed a resolution condemning the killing<ref name="dominounorg7">{{cite web | url = http://domino.un.org/unispal.nsf/eed216406b50bf6485256ce10072f637/8bae3e0b4870ce9185256e610075e22d!OpenDocument | title = domino.un.org | accessdate = 2007-06-18 | publisher = }}</ref> supported by votes from 31 countries including the [[People's Republic of China]], [[India]], [[Indonesia]], [[Russia]], and [[South Africa]] with 2 votes against and 18 abstentions. The [[Arab League]] council also expressed condemnation, <ref name="dominounorg8">{{cite web | url = http://domino.un.org/unispal.nsf/eed216406b50bf6485256ce10072f637/029fa086fb91031885256e680074212a!OpenDocument | title = domino.un.org | accessdate = 2007-06-18 | publisher = }}</ref> as did the [[African Union]].<ref name="dominounorg9">{{cite web | url = http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/99818751a6a4c9c6852560690077ef61/df19a9217edaf7ac85256e7b0066a9cb!OpenDocument | title = domino.un.org | accessdate = 2007-06-18 | publisher = }}</ref>
The theme of the roller coaster is based on the Top Fuel Drag Racing motor sport and many riders state that this ride feels exactly like a dragster starting to accelerate, however, the actual acceleration of a Top Fuel Dragster is far more significant than that of the ride. A real Top Fuel dragster usually weighs about one ton, while each empty train on Top Thrill Dragster weighs 5.3 tons.


A draft resolution condemning the extrajudicial execution of Yassin and six other Palestinians, as well as all terrorist attacks against civilians<ref name="UN_S2004240">{{UN document |docid=S-2004-240 |type=Document |body=Security Council |year=2004 |document_number=240 |accessdate=2007-09-13|date=24 March 2004}}</ref> was brought before the [[United Nations Security Council]] and vetoed by the [[United States]], with [[United Kingdom]], [[Germany]], and [[Romania]] abstaining.<ref>{{ UN document |docid=S-PV-4934 |body=Security Council |type=Verbotim Report |meeting=4934 |page=3 |anchor=pg003-bk03 |date=25 March 2004 |meetingtime=17:05 |accessdate=2007-09-13 }}</ref> The United States explained that the draft resolution should have condemned [[Hamas]] explicitly following its sponsored suicide bombings in [[Ashdod]] the [[Violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 2004|week before]].<ref>{{ UN document |docid=S-PV-4934 |body=Security Council |type=Verbotim Report |meeting=4934 |page=2 |anchor=pg002-bk10 |date=25 March 2004 |meetingtime=17:05 |speakername=[[John Negroponte]] | speakernation=United States |accessdate=2007-09-14 }}</ref>
==Rollbacks==
The speed of ''Top Thrill Dragster'' is controlled by a computer which regulates the speed of the launch in order to minimize forces as the train crests the hill. Occasionally, a train is not launched with enough speed to clear the crest. This tends to happen in cool, wet or breezy weather, when the wind is working against the train. When the track is wet or the weather is cold, the standard launch speed is typically not enough to force the train over the hill. The train's momentum can also be hindered by a good headwind. When this happens, the train will climb the hill, stop just short of the apex, and roll back down the hill in reverse, hence the name "rollback". To avert disaster, the launch track is equipped with retractable magnetic braking fins. After every launch these fins are quickly and systematically deployed, as if chasing the coaster train, to make absolutely sure to slow down a train that happens to roll backwards afterward to stop it safely and comfortably.


===Palestinian===
A sign near the split in the queue line warns that rollbacks are expected and safe, as systems are set in place to bring a rollback to a safe and comfortable stop.
The [[Palestinian Authority]] declared three days of mourning and closed Palestinian schools. Hamas official [[Ismail Haniyeh]] suggested, "This is the moment Sheikh Yassin dreamed about". The Hamas leadership said [[Ariel Sharon]] had "opened the gates of hell." Hamas called for retaliation against Israel. About 200,000 people took to the streets of the Gaza Strip for Yassin's funeral as Israeli forces declared a national alert.<ref name=csm />


[[Abdel Aziz Rantisi]] was announced as the new head of Hamas. At a memorial service for Sheik Yassin, he declared that "The Israelis will not know security... We will fight them until the liberation of Palestine, the whole of Palestine."<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C04E1DB1430F937A15750C0A9629C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 After Sheik Is Slain, Hamas Picks Fiery Figure as Its Leader in Gaza - New York Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Publicly addressing the "military wing" of Hamas, Rantisi suggested, "The door is open for you to strike all places, all the time and using all means."<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Rantissi was himself assassinated by Israel on April 17, 2004.
These "[[rollback (roller coaster)|rollbacks]]" are something that many Cedar Point fans look forward to, and hope to receive at some point. Since the launch is arguably the most exciting and intense part of the ride, a rollback means you get the option to either ride it again without waiting in line, or exit the ride.


===Israeli===
Intamin's term for this phenomenon is "short shot" rather than "rollback", but the term "rollback" is used almost exclusively in the parks that operate Accelerator Coasters, as well as in the coaster enthusiast community.


[[Shaul Mofaz]], the Israeli Defense Minister, branded Yassin "the Palestinian [[Osama bin Laden|bin Laden]]" and said, "If we have to balance how many more terrorists Yassin would have sent, how many terror attacks he would have approved, if we weigh this on the scales, we acted rightly".<ref name=csm />
On Friday, [[June 24]], [[2005]], the green train was launched with exactly enough momentum to bring it to rest at the top of the tower. It remained balanced there for nearly fifteen minutes with 16 passengers on board until a maintenance worker arrived via elevator, gave it a push, and sent it on its way.<ref name="stuck">{{cite news
| title = Top Thrill Dragster Stuck at Top
| publisher = Xtreme Coastin
| date = [[2005-06-24]]
| url = http://www.xtremecoastin.com/videos/misc_videos/ttdstuck_2005.htm
| accessdate = 2007-12-20 }}</ref>


[[Avraham Poraz]], Israel's Interior Minister and member of the centrist Shinui Party, said he believed the assassination of Yassin "was a bad idea because I am afraid of a revenge coming from the Palestinian side, from the Hamas side."<ref name=bbcn>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3557451.stm Israel defiant over Yassin killing]. ''BBC News''. Monday, 22 March, 2004</ref> [[Shimon Peres]], then leader of the Labour opposition, was critical of the assassination, suggesting that it "could lead to an escalation of terror".<ref name=bbcn />
==Weather==
''Top Thrill Dragster'' does not operate in any form of precipitation. The ride's control system operates via a series of proximity sensors that relay the location of the train by magnetic contacts, and the trains are propelled through flat sections of the track by friction wheels. Rain, or any other form of precipitation impedes the safe and efficient movement of trains through the holding and station positions. To re-open the ride, all precipitation must have stopped. Depending on the temperature, how long the ride was down, and how wet the tracks, trains, and friction wheels are, ride hosts determine how many test trains to send. Many times each train is sent around until it makes it over, however, in many instances once one train has gone over the tower the ride may be re-opened with riders. The determining factor in re-opening the ride to guests is how long the train takes to go over the tower, and the speed reduction on the ride's touch-screen. If trains are making it over the tower, but the speed reduction is still too high, trains will be loaded with fewer rows closed off from the back, normally the ride is re-opened with the last four rows closed, this is to ensure that the ride does not rollback, or rolls back fewer times than when sending full trains.


An informal survey by the BBC suggested support for the attack from Israelis.<ref name=bbcn />
''Top Thrill Dragster'' can not operate in winds exceeding 35&nbsp;mph.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} An anemometer on top of the tower relays wind speeds to the ride's computer. Wind speeds above 35&nbsp;mph for approximately 5 seconds will disrupt normal operation of the ride, placing the ride into Manual mode. This is called an Auto Mode Stop. The ride's control panel notifies ride hosts of this and other faults by a trouble light, which is a red flashing or solid push button and light. The ride also has a high wind speed indicator that illuminated along with a warning on the rides touch-screen that alerts the ride host in the controls position that the ride has detected wind speeds greater than 20-34mph. High winds that cause the ride to stop, result in the ride being reset, a timer being started for approximately fifteen minutes. If within that fifteen minutes winds go above 35mph again, the fault is again reset and the timer re-started. Once fifteen minutes has elapsed with winds below 35mph the ride is re-started, however if wind speeds are persistently high, ride hosts may close off rows in the back of the trains to ensure the wind, and speed reduction will not cause rollbacks.


==Awards==
===Arab===
{| class="wikitable"
!align="center" bgcolor="white" colspan="31"|[[Golden Ticket Awards]]: Best Steel Coaster
|- style="background-color: #white;"
!align="center"|Year
!2003
!2004
!2005
!2006
!2007
!2008
|-
!align="center" style="background-color: #white;"|Ranking
|<center>11
|<center>7
|<center>7
|<center>10
|<center>9
|<center>9
|-
|}


Jordanian King Abd Allah II described the assassination as a "crime".<ref name = AlJazeerah/>
==References==
{{reflist}}


Lebanon's president Emile Lahud vehemently denounced the Israeli act. "Israel has committed a crime but will not succeed in liquidating the Palestinian cause, for the resistance is going to increase."<ref name = AlJazeerah/>
== External links ==
*[http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/top_thrill_dragster/index.cfm CedarPoint.com - Top Thrill Dragster Official page]
*[http://www.thepointol.com/topthrilldragster.html ThePointOL.com - Top Thrill Dragster Unofficial Page]
*[http://www.pointpics.com/categories.php?cat_id=23 PointPics.com - Top Thrill Dragster Photo Gallery]
*[http://pointpics.com/categories.php?cat_id=232 PointPics.com - Top Thrill Dragster Construction Photo Gallery]


In Kuwait, Prime Minister Shaikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah said: "Violence will increase now because violence always breeds violence."<ref name = AlJazeerah/>
{{s-start}}

{{s-bef|before=''[[Steel Dragon 2000]]''}}
The head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Muhammad Akif, described Yasin as a "martyr" and his assassination a "cowardly operation."<ref name = AlJazeerah/>
{{s-ttl|title=[[Notable roller coasters#Tallest steel roller coasters|World's Tallest Complete Circuit Roller Coaster]]|years=May 2003 – May 2005}}

{{s-aft|after=''[[Kingda Ka]]''}}
===Western===
|-
[[Jack Straw (politician)|Jack Straw]], then British Foreign Secretary, said: "All of us understand Israel's need to protect itself - and it is fully entitled to do that - against the terrorism which affects it, within international law. But it is not entitled to go in for this kind of unlawful killing and we condemn it. It is unacceptable, it is unjustified and it is very unlikely to achieve its objectives."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3556753.stm BBC News: Blair condemns Hamas chief death]</ref>
{{s-bef|before=''[[Dodonpa]]''}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[Notable roller coasters#Fastest roller coasters|World's Fastest Roller Coaster]]|years=May 2003 – May 2005}}
In response to a question about the killing on 23 March 2004, U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] responded,
{{s-aft|after=''[[Kingda Ka]]''}}

{{end}}
<blockquote>As far as the Middle East, it's a troubled region, and the attacks were troubling. There needs to be a focused, concerted effort by all parties to fight terror. Any country has a right to defend itself from terror. Israel has the right to defend herself from terror. And as she does so, I hope she keeps consequences in mind as to how to make sure we stay on the path to peace.<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/03/20040323-5.html President Discusses Economy and Terrorism After Cabinet Meeting<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref></blockquote>

US ambassador to Iraq [[John Negroponte]] stated that the USA was "deeply troubled", and characterized Yassin as "the leader of a terrorist organization [...] who preached hatred, and glorified suicide bombings of buses, restaurants, and cafes."<ref>[http://www.usembassy.it/viewer/article.asp?article=/file2004_03/alia/a4032408.htm U.S. Mission to Italy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
{{CP Coasters}}
* Reports on death
** [http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Terrorism+and+Islamic+Fundamentalism-/Sheikh+Yassin+killed+in+IDF+attack+22-Mar-2004.htm "IDF strike kills Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin"] (Israeli MFA)
** [http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=59063 "Hamas' spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin killed in Israeli gunships airstike"]
** [http://www.jerusalemites.org/news/english/mar2004/22.htm "Sharon was after the Yassin's murder"]
**[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0403/S00292.htm "Assassination of Sheik Yasin Opened Pandora's box"]
** [http://www.ict.org.il/spotlight/det.cfm?id=971 "Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin killed in Israeli airstrike"] ([[Institute for Counter-Terrorism]])
** [http://www.guardian.co.uk/flash/0,5860,1175454,00.html Interactive Guide: Sheikh Yassin assassination] - [http://www.guardian.co.uk The Guardian]
* Profiles of Yassin
** [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1695470.stm BBC Obituary]
** [http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1175854,00.html?79%3A+International+news+-+guardian Guardian Obituary]
** [http://www.ict.org.il/documents/documentdet.cfm?docid=63 Ahmed Yassin, leader of Hamas terrorist organization] (Institute for Counter-Terrorism)


* UN Response
{{coord|41|29|18|N|82|41|34|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark|display=title}}
** [http://www.iht.com/articles/512112.html U.S. vetoes a UN resolution condemning Israel for killing]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Yassin, Ahmed}}
[[Category:Amusement park accidents]]
<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Cedar Point]]
[[Category:1937 births]]
[[Category:2004 deaths]]
[[Category:Antisemitism]]
[[Category:Hamas members]]
[[Category:Palestinian militants]]
[[Category:Arab people]]
[[Category:Palestinian Muslims]]
[[Category:Palestinian terrorists]]
[[Category:Muslim activists]]
[[Category:Assassinated Palestinian politicians]]
[[Category:Muslim Brotherhood leaders]]
[[Category:People with paraplegia]]


<!-- Interwikis -->
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[[ar:أحمد ياسين]]
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[[ca:Àhmad Yassín]]
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[[ja:トップ・スリル・ドラッグスター]]
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[[fr:Ahmed Yassine]]
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Revision as of 22:42, 10 October 2008


Ahmed Yassin
File:Sheikahmedyassin300.jpg
Photograph of Ahmed Yassin taken on March 19, 2004
Born1937[1]
Al-Jura
Died(2004-03-22)March 22, 2004
Gaza City

Sheikh Ahmed Ismail Yassin (1937 – March 22, 2004)[1] (Arabic: الشيخ أحمد ياسين) was the co-founder, with Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi, of Hamas, a Palestinian paramilitary organization and political party. Yassin served as the spiritual leader of Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian group that has often been characterized by western states as a terrorist organization.[2]

Yassin, a paraplegic who was nearly blind, had been confined to a wheelchair since a sporting accident at the age of 12.[3] He was assassinated by an Israeli helicopter gunship in 2004.[4] His killing, in an attack that claimed the lives of as many as nine bystanders, precipitated much criticism of Israel, as many observers abroad suggested that the act would negatively impact the peace process.[4] 200,000 Palestinians attended his funeral procession.[5]

Early life

Ahmed Yassin was born in al-Jura, a small village near the town of Majdal (today Ashkelon City) in then British Mandate of Palestine. His date of birth is not known for certain: according to his Palestinian passport, he was born on 1 January 1929, but he claimed to have actually been born in 1938. He and his family moved to Gaza after his village was destroyed in 1948 during Israel's War of Independence.[4]

Yassin came to Gaza as a refugee. When he was 12, a sports related injury left him quadriplegic and forced him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.[4]

Yassin studied at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, following secondary school. Islamist and Pan-Arab movements were strong influences at the University. Yassin joined the Muslim Brotherhood during his studies at Al-Azhar.[6]

Involvement in the Israel-Palestinian conflict

Yassin subsequently became involved with a Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. In 1987, during the First Intifada, Yassin co-founded Hamas with Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi, originally calling it the Palestinian Wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, and becoming its spiritual leader.

Yassin opposed the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis. He supported armed resistance against Israel, and was very outspoken in his views. He asserted that Palestine is an Islamic land "consecrated for future Muslim generations until Judgment Day" and that no Arab leader had the right to give up any part of this territory.[7] Yassin's rhetoric did not distinguish between Israelis and Jews, at one point stating that "Reconciliation with the Jews is a crime."[8] Yassin's inflammatory rhetoric was often scrutinized in the news media.[9] On one occasion, he opined that Israel "must disappear from the map".[9] Yassin's declaration that "We chose this road, and will end with martyrdom or victory" later became an oft repeated mantra among Palestinians.[10]

In 1997 Yassin was released from Israeli prison as part of an arrangement with Jordan following the failed assassination attempt of Khaled Mashal, which had been conducted by the Israeli Mossad in Jordan. Yassin was released by Israel in exchange for two Mossad agents who had been arrested by Jordanian authorities, on the condition that he refrain from continuing to call for suicide bombings against Israel.

Following his release, Yassin resumed his leadership of Hamas. He immediately resumed his calls for attacks on Israel, using tactics including suicide bombings, thus violating the condition of his release. He also sought to maintain relations with the Palestinian authority, believing that a clash between the two groups would be harmful to the interests of the Palestinian people.[7] Yassin, however, was repeatedly placed under house arrest by the Palestinian authority. Each time he was eventually released, often after extended demonstrations by his supporters.[citation needed]

Yassin criticized the outcome of the 2003 Aqaba summit. His group initially declared a temporary truce with Israel. However, in July 2003, the truce unravelled after Israeli forces killed two Hamas members in retaliation for the suicide bombing of a Jerusalem bus that left 21 people dead.[7]

On September 6, 2003, an Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-16 fired several missiles on a building in Gaza City, the Gaza Strip. Yassin was in the building at the time but survived.[4] Israeli officials later confirmed that Yassin was the target of the attack. His injuries were treated at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Yassin responded to the media that "Days will prove that the assassination policy will not finish the Hamas. Hamas leaders wish to be martyrs and are not scared of death. Jihad will continue and the resistance will continue until we have victory, or we will be martyrs."[11]

Yassin further promised that Hamas would teach Israel an "unforgettable lesson" as a result of the assassination attempt.[12] Yassin made no attempt to guard himself from further attempts on his life or hide his location. Journalists sometimes visited his Gaza address and Yassin maintained a routine daily pattern of activity, including being wheeled every morning to a nearby mosque.

Reem Raiyshi's suicide bombing at the Erez crossing on January 14, 2004, which killed four civilians, was believed by the Israeli military to have been directly ordered by Yassin. Yassin suggested that the suicide bomber was fulfilling her "obligation" to make jihad,[13] and Israel's Deputy Defence Minister responded by publicly declaring that Yassin was "marked for death".[14] Yassin denied having any involvement in the attack's planning.[14]

Alleged involvement in terrorist attacks

See also: List of Hamas suicide attacks

Yassin was a founder and prominent leader of Hamas, which is regarded as a terrorist organization by many national governments.[2] Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon characterized Yassin as "the "mastermind of Palestinian terror" and a "mass murderer".[5] The Israeli government repeatedly asserted that Yassin was responsible for a number of terrorist attacks, which targeted and killed a number of civilians.[15] They accused him of being behind all the attacks perpetrated by Hamas against Israel. According to an Israeli government website:

Yassin was the dominant authority of the Hamas leadership, which was directly involved in planning, orchestrating and launching terror attacks carried out by the organization. In this capacity, Yassin personally gave his approval for the launching of Qassam rockets against Israeli cities, as well as for the numerous Hamas terrorist bombings and suicide operations. In his public appearances and interviews, Yassin called repeatedly for a continuation of the 'armed struggle' against Israel, and for an intensification of the terrorist campaign against its citizens. The successful operation against Yassin constitutes a significant blow to a central pillar of the Hamas terrorist organization, and a major setback to its terrorist infrastructure.[16]

Assassination

Ahmed Yassin was killed in an Israeli attack on March 22, 2004. While he was being wheeled out of an early morning prayer session, an Israeli helicopter gunship fired Hellfire missiles at Yassin and both of his bodyguards. They were killed instantly, along with nine[4] other bystanders.[17] The reports also indicate that more than a dozen people were injured in the operation, including two of Yassin's sons. The operation was a part of an ongoing Israeli action against Hamas-sponsored operations.

Israel said the targeted killing was in response to dozens of suicide attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians, and meant to thwart further attacks on Yassin's orders. Yassin's supporters, as well as various heads of state, condemned the assassination.

The Israel Defense Forces issued the following statement regarding the operation:

This morning, in a security forces operation in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF targeted a car carrying the head of the Hamas terror organization, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, and his aides. Yassin, responsible for numerous murderous terror attacks, resulting in the deaths of many civilians, both Israeli and foreign, was killed in the attack.[18]

Reaction to assassination

Kofi Annan, UN General secretary, condemned the killing.[19] The UN Commission on Human Rights passed a resolution condemning the killing[20] supported by votes from 31 countries including the People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa with 2 votes against and 18 abstentions. The Arab League council also expressed condemnation, [21] as did the African Union.[22]

A draft resolution condemning the extrajudicial execution of Yassin and six other Palestinians, as well as all terrorist attacks against civilians[23] was brought before the United Nations Security Council and vetoed by the United States, with United Kingdom, Germany, and Romania abstaining.[24] The United States explained that the draft resolution should have condemned Hamas explicitly following its sponsored suicide bombings in Ashdod the week before.[25]

Palestinian

The Palestinian Authority declared three days of mourning and closed Palestinian schools. Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh suggested, "This is the moment Sheikh Yassin dreamed about". The Hamas leadership said Ariel Sharon had "opened the gates of hell." Hamas called for retaliation against Israel. About 200,000 people took to the streets of the Gaza Strip for Yassin's funeral as Israeli forces declared a national alert.[5]

Abdel Aziz Rantisi was announced as the new head of Hamas. At a memorial service for Sheik Yassin, he declared that "The Israelis will not know security... We will fight them until the liberation of Palestine, the whole of Palestine."[26] Publicly addressing the "military wing" of Hamas, Rantisi suggested, "The door is open for you to strike all places, all the time and using all means."[26] Rantissi was himself assassinated by Israel on April 17, 2004.

Israeli

Shaul Mofaz, the Israeli Defense Minister, branded Yassin "the Palestinian bin Laden" and said, "If we have to balance how many more terrorists Yassin would have sent, how many terror attacks he would have approved, if we weigh this on the scales, we acted rightly".[5]

Avraham Poraz, Israel's Interior Minister and member of the centrist Shinui Party, said he believed the assassination of Yassin "was a bad idea because I am afraid of a revenge coming from the Palestinian side, from the Hamas side."[27] Shimon Peres, then leader of the Labour opposition, was critical of the assassination, suggesting that it "could lead to an escalation of terror".[27]

An informal survey by the BBC suggested support for the attack from Israelis.[27]

Arab

Jordanian King Abd Allah II described the assassination as a "crime".[4]

Lebanon's president Emile Lahud vehemently denounced the Israeli act. "Israel has committed a crime but will not succeed in liquidating the Palestinian cause, for the resistance is going to increase."[4]

In Kuwait, Prime Minister Shaikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah said: "Violence will increase now because violence always breeds violence."[4]

The head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Muhammad Akif, described Yasin as a "martyr" and his assassination a "cowardly operation."[4]

Western

Jack Straw, then British Foreign Secretary, said: "All of us understand Israel's need to protect itself - and it is fully entitled to do that - against the terrorism which affects it, within international law. But it is not entitled to go in for this kind of unlawful killing and we condemn it. It is unacceptable, it is unjustified and it is very unlikely to achieve its objectives."[28]

In response to a question about the killing on 23 March 2004, U.S. President George W. Bush responded,

As far as the Middle East, it's a troubled region, and the attacks were troubling. There needs to be a focused, concerted effort by all parties to fight terror. Any country has a right to defend itself from terror. Israel has the right to defend herself from terror. And as she does so, I hope she keeps consequences in mind as to how to make sure we stay on the path to peace.[29]

US ambassador to Iraq John Negroponte stated that the USA was "deeply troubled", and characterized Yassin as "the leader of a terrorist organization [...] who preached hatred, and glorified suicide bombings of buses, restaurants, and cafes."[30]

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b "Sheikh Ahmad Yassin". Jewish Virtual Library. 2004. Retrieved 2008-04-06. Ahmed Yassin's Palestinian passport listed his date of birth as January 1, 1929, but Palestinian sources listed his birth year as 1937 (other Western media reported it as 1938).
  2. ^ a b
  3. ^ "islam.about.com". Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The life and death of Shaikh Yasin". Al Jazeera. March 25, 2004. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
  5. ^ a b c d Prusher, Ilene R. Killing of Yassin a Turning Point. The Christian Science Monitor. March 23, 2004.
  6. ^ Sheikh Ahmad Yassin
  7. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference newsbbccouk2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Yassin, Ahmed (1995). (Interview). {{cite interview}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |subjectlink= ignored (|subject-link= suggested) (help) as quoted in Passner, Deborah (October 28, 2003). "Hamas Takes "Revenge"?". Israel National News. Retrieved 2007-09-30.
  9. ^ a b Poole, Elizabeth and Richardson, John E. Muslims and the News Media. 2006, page 112.
  10. ^ Security forces on heightened terror alert - Haaretz - Israel News
  11. ^ "cnn.com". Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  12. ^ "abc.net.au". Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  13. ^ The Seattle Times: Nation & World: Palestinian mother is suicide bomber in attack at border
  14. ^ a b BBC NEWS | Middle East | Sheikh Yassin denies attack role
  15. ^ Behind the Headlines: Ahmed Yassin 22-Mar-2004
  16. ^ IDF strike kills Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin (MFA)
  17. ^ "scoop.co.nz". Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  18. ^ Thousands mourn Hamas founder (CNN)
  19. ^ "domino.un.org". Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  20. ^ "domino.un.org". Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  21. ^ "domino.un.org". Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  22. ^ "domino.un.org". Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  23. ^ United Nations Security Council Document 240. S/2004/240 24 March 2004. Retrieved 2007-09-13.
  24. ^ United Nations Security Council Verbotim Report 4934. S/PV/4934 page 3. 25 March 2004 at 17:05. Retrieved 2007-09-13.
  25. ^ United Nations Security Council Verbotim Report 4934. S/PV/4934 page 2. John Negroponte United States 25 March 2004 at 17:05. Retrieved 2007-09-14.
  26. ^ a b After Sheik Is Slain, Hamas Picks Fiery Figure as Its Leader in Gaza - New York Times
  27. ^ a b c Israel defiant over Yassin killing. BBC News. Monday, 22 March, 2004
  28. ^ BBC News: Blair condemns Hamas chief death
  29. ^ President Discusses Economy and Terrorism After Cabinet Meeting
  30. ^ U.S. Mission to Italy

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Top_Thrill_2&oldid=244462816"