Quote: the G-man said: Perhaps not a strict "declaration of war" sense, but when the leaders of a particular nation (Bush, Blair, etc.) announce they are sending troops that is a hell of a lot more official than what Al Quaeda does.
Why are al Qaeda, as a private group of individuals, obliged to declare war? They are not bound by international law - those precepts only bind states. And does it really make a difference to your argument?
I hasten to add that I do regard al Qaeda as criminals, but I do understand why they attacked the Cole, and with the greatest of respect to the victims' families it was a legitimate strike.
