Not unlike a similar case of bias that has arisen at Bikya Masr, this report talks out of both sides of its proverbial mouth, abruptly shifting the focus to women who say they have “found love.” It is not enough that a Pakistani journalist quoted below says he has spoken to a few women and […]
Archives for March 2012
Toulouse jihad murderer had ties to jihadists in U.K.
Earlier coverage observed that Merah had “been surprised: he thought he’d be able to continue his offensive and carry on with the killings and it’s clear that he hadn’t prepared anything (in the event of a siege).” With any luck, his hubris and lack of preparation may lead to the untangling of a larger web […]
Saudi Arabia: Another Twitter user faces charges for apostasy
“Many scholars and people are now demanding his execution.” That may be about as close to democracy as Saudi Arabia gets: giving the people what they want, at least when it’s death. “Another Twitter user accused of apostasy in Saudi Arabia,” from Emirates 24-7, March 25: An Arab man in Saudi Arabia is accused of […]
France: Preliminary charges filed against brother of Toulouse jihad murderer
Abdelkader Merah Update. “Preliminary charges filed against gunman’s brother,” from the Associated Press, March 25: A Frenchman suspected of helping his brother plot attacks against Jewish schoolchildren and paratroopers was handed preliminary murder and terrorism charges Sunday. But Abdelkader Merah denied any role in the attacks. Investigators looking into France’s worst terror attacks in years […]
Dozens of French nationals being trained by Taliban
There’s more where Mohamed Merah came from. Much is made below of the fact that Merah did not appear religious, and was seen in a nightclub. But it is nothing new for jihadists to make an effort to appear non-religious (see also: Lesson 8 of the “Al-Qaeda playbook”), or to indulge in what they please […]
Toulouse jihad murderer’s brother suspected of complicity
In a prior report, Mohamed Merah’s brother Abdelkader said “I am very proud of my brother. I regret nothing for him and approve of what he did.” This development barely begins to unravel the trail of money and contacts that made it possible for Mohamed, who was on welfare, to travel extensively and amass weapons, […]
Tunisia: Thousands rally to demand Sharia law
At another recent rally, we saw some signs of self-delusion about what they would be getting under Sharia. Many others, however, know exactly what they want to impose on the country. “Thousands rally in Tunis to demand Islamic law,” from Agence France-Presse, March 25: At least 8,000 Islamists staged a mass demonstration in central Tunis […]
U.K.: Deported jihadist hate preacher still broadcasting message into country, urges establishment of secret jihadist mosques
Abdullah el-Faisal Update. This report is from earlier in the month, but still merits attention. “Exile hate preacher’s web rants,” by Simon Hughes for The Sun, March 13: Sinister Abdullah el-Faisal broadcasts his wicked gospel live to the UK over the internet six nights a week. Misnomer of the month: neither Gospel nor “good news.” […]
Egypt: Islamic parties are majority on constitutional panel
Similar to a question posed last week: can something be newsworthy, and yet entirely expected? A democracy is only as good as the values that inform its participants. Much also depends on who is allowed to participate in the first place. An update on this story. “Islamists are majority on Egypt constitution panel,” from the […]
Mainstream media lies again: Toulouse jihad murderer was no “lone wolf”
An active and well-connected jihadist. “France’s Jihadist Shooter Was No Lone Wolf: Mohamed Merah was practically a prince in violent extremist circles,” by Jytte Klausen in the Wall Street Journal, March 25 (thanks to Bob): Mohamed Merah, the Frenchman who assassinated three French paratroopers of North African background and then launched a terrible attack on […]