Working on a convenient forward operating base to Europe, in an update on this story. “Al-Qaida growing in strength and numbers in Africa,” by Lolita C. Baldor for the Associated Press, March 1: WASHINGTON — Al-Qaida’s terror network in North Africa is growing more active and attracting new recruits, threatening to further destabilize the continent’s […]
Archives for March 2010
Nigeria: Authorities look the other way from church burnings
Iraq, Pakistan, and now Nigeria: inaction abounds. An update on this story. “Christians in Nigeria Decry Police Inaction in Church Burnings,” by Lekan Otufodunrin for Compass Direct News, March 2: LAGOS, Nigeria (CDN) — The head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Zamfara state told Compass that he was disappointed in the lack […]
U.K. to ban al-Shabaab jihadist group
Good idea: “A ban would make membership in the group a criminal offense and would mean it could not lawfully raise money or conduct other activities on British soil.” “Britain to Ban Somali Islamic Militant Group,” from Voice of America, March 1: The British government says it is banning the Somali militant group, al-Shabab and […]
Australian nationals under surveillance for connections to Yemeni jihadists
Yemen: Where the elite meet to “misunderstand” Islam. “Growing Yemen links alarm anti-terror squad,” for The Australian, March 1 (thanks to Sr. Soph): Counter-terrorism agencies are increasingly concerned about deepening links between a group of Australians under surveillance because of their connections with the Sydney terror cell and Islamic militants in Yemen, widely regarded as […]
Pakistani archbishop criticizes government’s “lethargic” attitude to Taliban’s persecution of non-Muslims
If Pakistan responds at all, it will be to say they’re doing everything they can (no, really), but Islam is tolerant anyway (again, no, really). “Church points out government’s lethargic attitude towards Taliban’s elimination of religious minorities,” from Fides, February 26 (thanks to Twostellas): Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha, President of the Bishops’ […]
Jerusalem: Muslims throw stones at visitors, Israeli police following rumors of Jewish takeover of shrine
So-called “defensive jihad” in search of an excuse. “Israeli Police Clash With Stone Throwers,” by Ethan Bronner for the New York Times, February 28: JERUSALEM — Israeli police officers in Jerusalem entered the plaza containing Al Aksa Mosque on Sunday after Palestinian youths barricaded inside threw stones at visitors they believed to be radical Jewish […]
Iranian Revolutionary Guards deputy threatens… a bunch of people
And he wonders why no one likes Iran’s nuclear program. “Iran says can cut energy to Europe, hit enemies,” from Reuters, February 28: Iran is locked in dispute with the United States and its allies over its nuclear energy programme which Western countries fear is aimed at allowing Iran the chance to develop nuclear weapons. […]
Toronto’s York University: Flagrant double standards favor anti-Israel events
This writer hits the nail on the head: “Since the anti-Israel people might use violence, the speech of the pro-Israel people must be limited. On the other hand, since the pro-Israel people do not use violence, the speech of the anti-Israel people can proceed without restraint.” That’s exactly what’s going on, official denials notwithstanding. “Something’s […]