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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Our thoughts tonight are simply with the people of Paris

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  • Floater said:

    @AnneBayefsky: CNN: Hostages texting that they are being killed 1-by-1. Begging for police raid.

    I could weep - this will have big repercussions.
    I dare say French police/special forces aren't waiting for one of their number to pop to the loo and are taking this with the requisite seriousness.
  • Moses_ said:

    Hollande declares state of emergency . Borders are being closed and the French army is mobilising

    Sky news.

    I suggest this is significant and will have ongoing ramifications in respect of the whole issue of open borders.
    Unfortunately I think we were always going to arrive at this point. I say 'unfortunately' only in the context of the inevitability terrorist acts, the purpose of which can only be provocative. But at some point after a terrorist spectacular the issue of borders was going to be unavoidable.
    I believe according to news snippets I have picked up we made a number of arrests recently which prevented a spate of similar hostage taking over here.
  • This will change everything - a very different Europe will emerge with Nations taking back their borders, immigration and security
  • watford30watford30 Posts: 3,474
    Speedy said:

    @AnneBayefsky: CNN: Hostages texting that they are being killed 1-by-1. Begging for police raid.

    Where is the police ?
    Err, dealing with a rapidly evolving mass terror attack, returning to duty, tooling up etc
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,422
    Floater said:

    @AnneBayefsky: CNN: Hostages texting that they are being killed 1-by-1. Begging for police raid.

    I could weep - this will have big repercussions.
    How awful. How shockingly terrible.
  • Y0kelY0kel Posts: 2,307

    @AnneBayefsky: CNN: Hostages texting that they are being killed 1-by-1. Begging for police raid.

    AndyJS said:

    Y0kel said:

    I'm woefully lacking in detail here but it looks as if the French authorities have:

    a) identified a watch lister who isn't at home
    b) an initial thought not all the perpetrators are French

    This is early days and they will be working through such a stream of data and ideas that things will come to the front and then be replaced but we'll see.

    US citizens reportedly casualties at that restaurant.

    A pity the French security services weren't able to stop this attack. I wonder whether British intelligence had any idea about it.
    If you look, there have been a lot of arrests in Europe in recent days. Might be something in it. might not.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    One of the purposes of this attack is probably to provoke a reaction leading to a Le Pen win in the presidential election.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    This is an attack on civilization. Tonight we are all French.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    Euronews reporting 1 explosion at least a suicide bomber - near or in /stade de France
  • john_zimsjohn_zims Posts: 3,399
    @notme

    "TheScreamingEagles">@keiranpedley: Can we all put politics aside for one night? I have strong views on this - very strong - but now is not the time #solidaritywithparis

    Why should we put politics aside? This is all about politics. The enemy is no longer at the gate, it's here and its got hoards of reinforcements on their way.'


    That's what we are told to do each time we have these massacres,we then have the happy clappy solidarity bit & then wait for the next massacre which is worse than the previous one.
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053
    Looks like about 6 to 8 seperate attacks taking place in 2 or 3 waves. Maybe street fighting ensuing in Paris.
  • France 24 reporting that the explosion at Stade De France was a suicide attack
  • CyclefreeCyclefree Posts: 25,346
    AndyJS said:

    Floater said:

    Francois Fillon, France's former prime minister, tweets: "War is upon us"

    Yep - it is.

    Probably not the choice of words a British politician would use.
    True, nonetheless.

  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 53,005

    Currently in a hotel in Manchester.

    Tragic events in Paris bringing back the bad memories from my Tunisian experience.

    Hoping fort no more deaths in Paris

    I fear not as the reports seem to be of hostage taking. The second mad and sickening attack in Paris after the cartoon based attacks. These do not happen on a whim I suspect and must have been planned for some time.
    Or at least, the plans were already in place for vengeance should one of ISIS's top targets get taken out. Kinda looks like ISIS just shouted "99".

    Hard not to suspect they have something lined up for the UK too....

  • watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
  • notmenotme Posts: 3,293
    AndyJS said:

    One of the purposes of this attack is probably to provoke a reaction leading to a Le Pen win in the presidential election.

    I doubt that is a purpose, why?? It would be a consequence, but not a purpose unless you are a false flag believer. I doubt ISIS could care less about the internal politics of France.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    From the Telegraph

    The Telegraph's Rory Mulholland reports:
    Quote
    A friend's daughter, Annette, got a text message a few minutes ago from one of her friends who is still in Le Carillon café, one of the places hit. "We all ran inside when the shooting started and dived for the ground. At this moment we have been told by police to remain on the ground. There are several bodies alongside us."
    The café is usually packed on a Friday night, with dozens of people standing outside drinking or sitting on the terrace.
    The Petit Cambodge is opposite the Carillon and is also always packed on a weekend night.

    Euronews showing wounded being brought out of theatre
  • A wicked, surreal night. Evil literally walking through the streets of one of the world's greatest cities. All strength to France and the French people. Endure and overcome. There is no other choice.
  • Y0kelY0kel Posts: 2,307

    Y0kel said:

    If it was a suicide bomb at the Stade de France, I find it difficult to believe that it went off when the attackers wanted it to. Surely they would have wanted the crowds around them? If so, that would imply that it exploded prematurely (or possibly late), or that the police / similar exploded it for them.

    Maybe couldn't get in.
    But the crowds would come out again? All they had to do was wait.
    All very sensible, but maybe they sent the trainees out on that job, maybe the stadium wasn't the target, maybe they were late, maybe they were halted at the perimeter, maybe they just didn't care, maybe they panicked, maybe they heard other things in the distance got the adrenaline and pulled the cord.

    Huge number of variables.

  • watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    Cyclefree said:

    AndyJS said:

    Floater said:

    Francois Fillon, France's former prime minister, tweets: "War is upon us"

    Yep - it is.

    Probably not the choice of words a British politician would use.
    True, nonetheless.

    Yes - it is past time we faced some hard brutal truths.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited November 2015
    notme said:

    AndyJS said:

    One of the purposes of this attack is probably to provoke a reaction leading to a Le Pen win in the presidential election.

    I doubt that is a purpose, why?? It would be a consequence, but not a purpose unless you are a false flag believer. I doubt ISIS could care less about the internal politics of France.
    If they believe her election would lead to maximum chaos and unrest in the country, they would support that outcome, probably.
  • OllyTOllyT Posts: 5,006
    Can't find adequate words of sympathy for those caught up in this. I suspect every secular western democracy with a significant Islamic minority is destined to have major problems over the coming years. Sadly I can also see the far right rising in each of these countries as well as a reaction to the fear. Didn't it occur to any of our politicians that allowing the mass immigration of people with medieval, intolerant, mysoginist, homophobic and anti-western beliefs into our countries wasn't going to end well?
  • Y0kel said:

    All very sensible, but maybe they sent the trainees out on that job, maybe the stadium wasn't the target, maybe they were late, maybe they were halted at the perimeter, maybe they just didn't care, maybe they panicked, maybe they heard other things in the distance got the adrenaline and pulled the cord.

    Huge number of variables.

    Doesn't look a very sophisticated set of attacks to me. Deadly, but crude.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 53,005
    OllyT said:

    Can't find adequate words of sympathy for those caught up in this. I suspect every secular western democracy with a significant Islamic minority is destined to have major problems over the coming years. Sadly I can also see the far right rising in each of these countries as well as a reaction to the fear. Didn't it occur to any of our politicians that allowing the mass immigration of people with medieval, intolerant, mysoginist, homophobic and anti-western beliefs into our countries wasn't going to end well?

    +1
  • watford30watford30 Posts: 3,474

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,422
    AndyJS said:

    notme said:

    AndyJS said:

    One of the purposes of this attack is probably to provoke a reaction leading to a Le Pen win in the presidential election.

    I doubt that is a purpose, why?? It would be a consequence, but not a purpose unless you are a false flag believer. I doubt ISIS could care less about the internal politics of France.
    If they believe her election would lead to maximum chaos and unrest in the country, they would support that outcome, probably.
    I doubt ISIS give a rat's ass who is in charge of the European powers, Cameron, Le Pen, Corbyn, Merkel etc.
  • First curfew in Paris since 1944.

    This is a challenge, a terrible threat, Europe must face and deal with together. We need true leadership now. No handwringing.
  • notmenotme Posts: 3,293

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    The whole shifting round the hoards of migrants making their way to the EU, and already here is going to stop pretty soon as well.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited November 2015
    OllyT said:

    Can't find adequate words of sympathy for those caught up in this. I suspect every secular western democracy with a significant Islamic minority is destined to have major problems over the coming years. Sadly I can also see the far right rising in each of these countries as well as a reaction to the fear. Didn't it occur to any of our politicians that allowing the mass immigration of people with medieval, intolerant, mysoginist, homophobic and anti-western beliefs into our countries wasn't going to end well?

    I think the UK, Canada and the USA will be okay. The BNP have completely disintegrated here for example. The problem is mainland European countries.
  • Currently in a hotel in Manchester.

    Tragic events in Paris bringing back the bad memories from my Tunisian experience.

    Hoping fort no more deaths in Paris

    I fear not as the reports seem to be of hostage taking. The second mad and sickening attack in Paris after the cartoon based attacks. These do not happen on a whim I suspect and must have been planned for some time.
    Or at least, the plans were already in place for vengeance should one of ISIS's top targets get taken out. Kinda looks like ISIS just shouted "99".

    Hard not to suspect they have something lined up for the UK too....

    Yes a fair point, but as I have said in another comment, did we not just the other day make a dozen arrests in foiling a hostage taking plot? Meantime this is the second not dissimilar attack in Paris - the first being the Charlie Hebdo related thing.
    The explosives, the guns, the recruiting, the planning - this is not all done in a matter of hours surely?
    At some point an excuse, one suitable for a terrorist anyway, will always crop up. If its based on these drone strikes then it shows we must be winning.
  • watford30watford30 Posts: 3,474
    What must the Germans be thinking tonight? And the Swedish?
  • Y0kelY0kel Posts: 2,307
  • OllyT said:

    Can't find adequate words of sympathy for those caught up in this. I suspect every secular western democracy with a significant Islamic minority is destined to have major problems over the coming years. Sadly I can also see the far right rising in each of these countries as well as a reaction to the fear. Didn't it occur to any of our politicians that allowing the mass immigration of people with medieval, intolerant, mysoginist, homophobic and anti-western beliefs into our countries wasn't going to end well?

    :+1:
  • Y0kel said:

    All very sensible, but maybe they sent the trainees out on that job, maybe the stadium wasn't the target, maybe they were late, maybe they were halted at the perimeter, maybe they just didn't care, maybe they panicked, maybe they heard other things in the distance got the adrenaline and pulled the cord.

    Huge number of variables.

    Doesn't look a very sophisticated set of attacks to me. Deadly, but crude.
    A coordinated set of attacks is simply very difficult. Even a well-organised group is unlikely to get beyond crude.
  • notmenotme Posts: 3,293
    AndyJS said:

    notme said:

    AndyJS said:

    One of the purposes of this attack is probably to provoke a reaction leading to a Le Pen win in the presidential election.

    I doubt that is a purpose, why?? It would be a consequence, but not a purpose unless you are a false flag believer. I doubt ISIS could care less about the internal politics of France.
    If they believe her election would lead to maximum chaos and unrest in the country, they would support that outcome, probably.
    I dont think they would have such a nuanced understanding or interest in the democratic voting of another country.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    OllyT said:

    Can't find adequate words of sympathy for those caught up in this. I suspect every secular western democracy with a significant Islamic minority is destined to have major problems over the coming years. Sadly I can also see the far right rising in each of these countries as well as a reaction to the fear. Didn't it occur to any of our politicians that allowing the mass immigration of people with medieval, intolerant, mysoginist, homophobic and anti-western beliefs into our countries wasn't going to end well?

    Obviously not - and they shouted down anybody who did point that out.
  • watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited November 2015
    notme said:

    AndyJS said:

    notme said:

    AndyJS said:

    One of the purposes of this attack is probably to provoke a reaction leading to a Le Pen win in the presidential election.

    I doubt that is a purpose, why?? It would be a consequence, but not a purpose unless you are a false flag believer. I doubt ISIS could care less about the internal politics of France.
    If they believe her election would lead to maximum chaos and unrest in the country, they would support that outcome, probably.
    I dont think they would have such a nuanced understanding or interest in the democratic voting of another country.
    Is it really that nuanced? The London bomber David Copeland understood it, and he was just one person.
  • watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    French confirm 2 suicide attacks and one other bomb

  • CyclefreeCyclefree Posts: 25,346

    OllyT said:

    Can't find adequate words of sympathy for those caught up in this. I suspect every secular western democracy with a significant Islamic minority is destined to have major problems over the coming years. Sadly I can also see the far right rising in each of these countries as well as a reaction to the fear. Didn't it occur to any of our politicians that allowing the mass immigration of people with medieval, intolerant, mysoginist, homophobic and anti-western beliefs into our countries wasn't going to end well?

    :+1:
    Well said.

  • SpeedySpeedy Posts: 12,100
    watford30 said:

    What must the Germans be thinking tonight? And the Swedish?

    Wetting beds I presume.
  • watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
    I also noticed they were looking at me very closely.
  • watford30watford30 Posts: 3,474
    Explosion was at one of the entrances to the Stade de France.
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053
    Floater said:

    OllyT said:

    Can't find adequate words of sympathy for those caught up in this. I suspect every secular western democracy with a significant Islamic minority is destined to have major problems over the coming years. Sadly I can also see the far right rising in each of these countries as well as a reaction to the fear. Didn't it occur to any of our politicians that allowing the mass immigration of people with medieval, intolerant, mysoginist, homophobic and anti-western beliefs into our countries wasn't going to end well?

    Obviously not - and they shouted down anybody who did point that out.
    Our leaders have ignored the wishes of the indigenous populations for decades now. They were and are warned about the dangers of Islamisation daily.
  • watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
    I also noticed they were looking at me very closely.
    Just to lighten things. Was it your shoes?
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053

    watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
    I also noticed they were looking at me very closely.
    You must be particularly suspect!
  • MikeK said:

    Looks like about 6 to 8 seperate attacks taking place in 2 or 3 waves. Maybe street fighting ensuing in Paris.

    All points to something that has been a long time planning, possibly following on from the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo shootings?
  • watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
    I also noticed they were looking at me very closely.
    Just to lighten things. Was it your shoes?
    Alas no, they were very sober shoes.

    Judging by what I'm reading on twitter, I'm likely to get deported along with every other Muslim in the country, so enjoy my shoes whilst you can.
  • Marine Le Pen Verified account
    @MLP_officiel
    Ce soir l'horreur encore... Nous suspendons nos campagnes jusqu'à nouvel ordre. #Fusillade MLP
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    SKY - several Paris metro lines shut down - probably sensible.
  • Been busy work wise for a while

    Utterly sickening. Europe is under attack, i dont think i can trust myself to remain sensible on the current situation
  • Y0kelY0kel Posts: 2,307
    There are reportedly now two hostage situations, one at the theatre one at a bar/restaurant.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    Police may now be storming Bataclan
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    Sky News: 5 explosions at concert hall.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207

    watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
    I also noticed they were looking at me very closely.
    Just to lighten things. Was it your shoes?
    Alas no, they were very sober shoes.

    Judging by what I'm reading on twitter, I'm likely to get deported along with every other Muslim in the country, so enjoy my shoes whilst you can.
    Fuck - 5 explosions at concert hall

    Hope its stun grenades

  • This is a huge attack. Multiple people, clearly a large network. How can this happen ?
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053
    New explosions heard from the Bataclan theatre. (BBC)
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,095
  • Floater said:

    Fuck - 5 explosions at concert hall

    Hope its stun grenades

    According to the Figaro, the security forces are going in, so hopefully they are stun grenades
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207

    Been busy work wise for a while

    Utterly sickening. Europe is under attack, i dont think i can trust myself to remain sensible on the current situation

    We have to be sensible - but we have to be firm
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,422
    Moderate earthquake in Japan.
  • Moses_Moses_ Posts: 4,865
    5 explosions and gun fire at concert hall

    Cops going in?

    Sky news
  • watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
    I also noticed they were looking at me very closely.
    Just to lighten things. Was it your shoes?
    Alas no, they were very sober shoes.

    Judging by what I'm reading on twitter, I'm likely to get deported along with every other Muslim in the country, so enjoy my shoes whilst you can.
    I have sympathy TSE, but Europe has now clearly a very serious fundamentalist islamist problem
  • CyclefreeCyclefree Posts: 25,346

    A wicked, surreal night. Evil literally walking through the streets of one of the world's greatest cities. All strength to France and the French people. Endure and overcome. There is no other choice.


    Yes - but also fight back and defeat this evil. Not just endure it. Long past the time for us to stoically endure this evil. We need to hit back hard and defeat it. I'm not prepared to let European civilization go down without a fight.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited November 2015

    This is a huge attack. Multiple people, clearly a large network. How can this happen ?

    It's concerning they could do this without being infiltrated by the security services or having their communications hacked.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    Cyclefree said:

    A wicked, surreal night. Evil literally walking through the streets of one of the world's greatest cities. All strength to France and the French people. Endure and overcome. There is no other choice.


    Yes - but also fight back and defeat this evil. Not just endure it. Long past the time for us to stoically endure this evil. We need to hit back hard and defeat it. I'm not prepared to let European civilization go down without a fight.
    100% agree - no more hand wringing please
  • SpeedySpeedy Posts: 12,100
    HYUFD said:
    Action-Reaction.
  • watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
    I also noticed they were looking at me very closely.
    Just to lighten things. Was it your shoes?
    Alas no, they were very sober shoes.

    Judging by what I'm reading on twitter, I'm likely to get deported along with every other Muslim in the country, so enjoy my shoes whilst you can.
    This is precisely why we need to retain a sense of calm and proportion. I for one do not want to walk into the elephant trap dug by these terrorists.
    I am trying to remember the loss of life suffered in the 7/7/and 14/7(?) attacks, but it was severe. I think I was on the London Tube on 8/7 (or very close) and it was a very strange feeling.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    Not surprising

    @ShippersUnbound: First call for bombing https://t.co/JUmvYxNVNF
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207

    Floater said:

    Fuck - 5 explosions at concert hall

    Hope its stun grenades

    According to the Figaro, the security forces are going in, so hopefully they are stun grenades
    Lets pray that this is so.

    I
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,822
    edited November 2015
    Cyclefree said:

    Yes - but also fight back and defeat this evil. Not just endure it. Long past the time for us to stoically endure this evil. We need to hit back hard and defeat it. I'm not prepared to let European civilization go down without a fight.

    Now now, keep a sense of perspective! This is a very nasty set of terrorist attacks, like the IRA bombings of the 70s and 80s, but it's not the end of civilisation.
  • The sea is our very good friend. Border controls too. Schengen is dead.
  • AndyJS said:

    This is a huge attack. Multiple people, clearly a large network. How can this happen ?

    It's concerning they could do this without being infiltrated by the security services or having their communications hacked.
    On the basis of fhis let the intelligence services have every single thing they bloody well need.
  • watford30watford30 Posts: 3,474
    Moses_ said:

    5 explosions and gun fire at concert hall

    Cops going in?

    Sky news

    Breaching charges?
  • JonathanDJonathanD Posts: 2,400
    AndyJS said:

    This is a huge attack. Multiple people, clearly a large network. How can this happen ?

    It's concerning they could do this without being infiltrated by the security services or having their communications hacked.

    Thanks Snowden... such a hero.
  • isamisam Posts: 41,118
    Hollande has closed french borders
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @inihelene: RETWEET: French Police urges everyone to stop reporting the situation around Bataclan theatre. Will only inform the terrorists!!!!
  • not_on_firenot_on_fire Posts: 4,449
    That tweet was posted this afternoon
  • Y0kelY0kel Posts: 2,307
    edited November 2015
    Scott_P said:

    Police may now be storming Bataclan

    If they are they've gone for the least worst option, if there is line up killing going on, which is a quick strike. I just fear that the most opportune timing moment of 2-3 hours has passed. If so the complications multiply.

    Active measures units will often have a database of key buildings that not includes floor plans but have also been surveyed. I have no doubts whatsoever the French have one, its really a question of whether they have one for that theatre. Priceless if they do.

    It will be interesting to see the weapon source and whether some dodge-pot in the Benelux region was involved somewhere down the line.

    Slackbladder, you could do this with less than a dozen shooters and a few dumbos with the desire to press the big button on their chest.
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053
    edited November 2015
    https://twitter.com/AFP/status/665310729629736962

    It looks like I was right about 6/8 attacks.
  • PongPong Posts: 4,693
    I'm a prick.

    I've just placed a large bet based on the possible implications of this.

    Sorry France.

    Donation to children in need is on its way. Dunno why, but it seems appropriate.

    Sorry again.

    RIP.
  • The sea is our very good friend. Border controls too.

    And gun control. Getting hold of automatic weapons here is much harder than in France or Belgium, I believe.
  • The sea is our very good friend. Border controls too. Schengen is dead.

    It's going to cause chaos in the refugee camps and among all the unfortunate migrants in transit at the moment. No country is going to want to allow them in now. It's going to change everything.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207

    Cyclefree said:

    Yes - but also fight back and defeat this evil. Not just endure it. Long past the time for us to stoically endure this evil. We need to hit back hard and defeat it. I'm not prepared to let European civilization go down without a fight.

    Now now, keep a sense of perspective! This is a very nasty set of terrorist attacks, like the IRA bombings of the 70s and 80s, but it's not the end of civilisation.
    Richard - this is nothing less than a clash of "civilizations" - to compare the current situation to the IRA is frankly laughable.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    On a personal note my sister-in-law and her husband are in France and were planning to return to England tomorrow.

    What's the prognosis now the borders are closed?
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633

    watford30 said:

    watford30 said:

    That's the end of Schengen.

    The French Army are mobilising.

    I agree. I am not sure to what extent Schengen is directly relevant but this on top of the clear change in the whole picture of mass movements of ultimately millions of people shows it is a busted flush.

    On a pedantic point I am not sure 'mobilising' is the right word, unless the French are indeed calling up reservists.
    You can mobilise the regulars, linguistically speaking; not all regularly are war-ready at any particular time.
    The Gendarmerie are a paramilitary force. They'll likely be reinforced with regular troops at sensitive sites.
    When I was in Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed a much more visible Police presence at Gare du Nord and other touristy places.
    Christian Fraser ‏@ChristianFraser 10m10 minutes ago
    Paris was already at highest level of alert. The French army guarding train stations, synagogues, tourist sites. Dreading the next attack/s
    I also noticed they were looking at me very closely.
    Just to lighten things. Was it your shoes?
    Alas no, they were very sober shoes.

    Judging by what I'm reading on twitter, I'm likely to get deported along with every other Muslim in the country, so enjoy my shoes whilst you can.
    Whatever tonight is TSE - it ain't about you - give it a fucking rest eh ?
  • Scott_P said:

    Police may now be storming Bataclan

    I am praying this happens. What is reported to happening at that concert hall is absolutely heart breaking.
  • Y0kel said:

    Scott_P said:

    Police may now be storming Bataclan



    Slackbladder, you could do this with less than a dozen shooters and a few dumbos with the desire to press the big button on their chest.
    Indeed, but a dozen people is a pretty large network and is not a small operation
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @joeyfjones: French media confirm bataclan stormed by police
  • isamisam Posts: 41,118
    edited November 2015
    Pong said:

    I'm a prick.

    I've just placed a large bet based on the possible implications of this.

    Sorry France.

    Donation to children in need is on its way. Dunno why, but it seems appropriate.

    Sorry again.

    RIP.

    Shades of cantor index scum on 9/11, although it crossed my mind...
  • AndyJS said:

    This is a huge attack. Multiple people, clearly a large network. How can this happen ?

    It's concerning they could do this without being infiltrated by the security services or having their communications hacked.
    Indeed - A large and coordinated attack on this scale should not have escaped the attention of the French security services. French MI5 asleep at the wheel?
  • Cyclefree said:

    A wicked, surreal night. Evil literally walking through the streets of one of the world's greatest cities. All strength to France and the French people. Endure and overcome. There is no other choice.


    Yes - but also fight back and defeat this evil. Not just endure it. Long past the time for us to stoically endure this evil. We need to hit back hard and defeat it. I'm not prepared to let European civilization go down without a fight.

    Hence use of the word overcome. We will defeat them. We are stronger and we are better.

  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    BBC: still reporting 100 hostages at concert hall.
  • I refuse to believe that ISIS will win this war. We simply can't let them, and if all the European countries + America unite together, I'm sure we can win this war.
  • Pulpstar said:

    AndyJS said:

    notme said:

    AndyJS said:

    One of the purposes of this attack is probably to provoke a reaction leading to a Le Pen win in the presidential election.

    I doubt that is a purpose, why?? It would be a consequence, but not a purpose unless you are a false flag believer. I doubt ISIS could care less about the internal politics of France.
    If they believe her election would lead to maximum chaos and unrest in the country, they would support that outcome, probably.
    I doubt ISIS give a rat's ass who is in charge of the European powers, Cameron, Le Pen, Corbyn, Merkel etc.
    Do ISIS have any coherent leadership or strategy? It does not seem to be leading them anywhere.

    Now Corbyn is in the Privy Council and will have had told to him the true state of the world, what will he say?
  • isamisam Posts: 41,118
    How's that channel tunnel?
  • The sea is our very good friend. Border controls too. Schengen is dead.

    Interesting that on France 24 the commentators are still talking about how Hollande will have trouble closing the borders because of Schengen. They seem totally divorced from the reality of what is happening.
This discussion has been closed.