Mr. Jessop, there's a suggestion a couple may have escaped.
As an aside, I vaguely remember that a suicide bomber (perhaps it was the US embassy bombings in 1998, though I might well be wrong) walked away after parking his lorry-bomb. When he was picked up, he claimed he had intended to commit suicide, but got his bomb into position unseen. If he had remained with the van his death would have bee pointless, and against Islam.
In his mind, it was only a valid to be a suicide bomber if you actually *had* to die. If he'd had to remain with the van to get it into position, it was a combat death. If he'd got the van into position and remained with it, it was 'just' suicide, which was against Islam.
It was an interesting distinction, and I wonder how widespread it was/is.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Believe it's fairly standard: they *want* to be identified
As what - Syrian, French, British, Iraqi? The passport may not be as genuine as it looks, especially one in the name of Charles Calthrop.
''The Tory print media will have a field day with Khan and his Islamic connections Londoners are pretty tolerant but they are not gormless enough to elect a Muslim mayor in a craven attempt at appeasing Muslims ..''
And of course there's no way the vast majority of moderate muslims in London will support a mayor with radical connections.....ahem.....
Boris and Lynton have already shown through their ''donut strategy'' that the suburbs will outvote the centre , that the Labour strongholds in the city centre can be defeated by the Tory /centrist voters in the perimeter
The Tory print media will spook those suburban voters to the polls with fear of an unholy alliance between the Corbyn left and Islam
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Depends if you fire off a couple of clips from an AK47 into a restaurant, then get away and make a break for the border to repeat it another day.
Rather inconsistent with wearing a suicide vest though, I'll give you that...
I believe it has to do with wanting the show the world who they were. They want their names and faces published after they are dead. This seems to be standard for suicide bombers.
Hmmm. Most suicide bombers seem to have mastered the art of filming themselves before their attack. Then having it posted on-line after the event.
I wonder if has more to do with making clear that, as promised, ISIS have used the wave of migrants into Europe to smuggle in their operatives. That would have the effect of (i) showing they were not lying (ii) proving they had delivered on their strategy (iii) suggesting untold hundreds of others have successfully made the same trek (iv) feeding the paranoia about Islamists and (v) worrying the population that maybe they are coming to my town next......
It's what I would do if I were ISIS. I'd also next hit some sleepy little market town. Greater chance of getting away - and making the point that NO-ONE IS SAFE.
The Stade de France suicide bombings are really puzzling. Why would they just blow themselves up ? The crowd were inside still. That's what I can make out. Is that correct ?
''The Tory print media will have a field day with Khan and his Islamic connections Londoners are pretty tolerant but they are not gormless enough to elect a Muslim mayor in a craven attempt at appeasing Muslims ..''
And of course there's no way the vast majority of moderate muslims in London will support a mayor with radical connections.....ahem.....
Boris and Lynton have already shown through their ''donut strategy'' that the suburbs will outvote the centre , that the Labour strongholds in the city centre can be defeated by the Tory /centrist voters in the perimeter
The Tory print media will spook those suburban voters to the polls with fear of an unholy alliance between the Corbyn left and Islam
Yes, Khan is vulnerable to attack, but I haven't as yet seen much evidence of Goldsmith enthusing ordinary Londoners. They're both rather weak candidates in my view. I'm not sure how it'll go, but at this stage I'd make Khan the slight favourite (and fwiw, I won't be voting for either of them).
Mr. Surbiton, if they'd been rumbled, they wouldn't want to be shot at distance and perhaps did what damage they could (sadly killing the heroic chap who stopped one of them going in).
"Clearly Brendan has met Roger or at least seen his ludicrous postings on PB."
Strawmen from start to finish and pretty illiogical. Did you read it? Knowing your penchent for precision and truth I'm surprised you found much to like
The Stade de France suicide bombings are really puzzling. Why would they just blow themselves up ? The crowd were inside still. That's what I can make out. Is that correct ?
They couldn't get in, and security had rumbled them.
Lots more highly visible armed police than usual when I flew out of Heathrow yesterday. The atmosphere was very sombre and watchful.
Waking up in DC this morning, I've only just caught up with Stop the War's vile Tweet. Not a surprise, of course. What a disgusting organisation. And it has a fast track into the Labour leadership. This is one of the reasons why a few of us thought putting Corbyn in charge would not only be electorally catastrophic for Labour, but also morally repugnant. He associates with and applauds apologists for terrorism. Repulsive.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Depends if you fire off a couple of clips from an AK47 into a restaurant, then get away and make a break for the border to repeat it another day.
Rather inconsistent with wearing a suicide vest though, I'll give you that...
I believe it has to do with wanting the show the world who they were. They want their names and faces published after they are dead. This seems to be standard for suicide bombers.
Hmmm. Most suicide bombers seem to have mastered the art of filming themselves before their attack. Then having it posted on-line after the event.
I wonder if has more to do with making clear that, as promised, ISIS have used the wave of migrants into Europe to smuggle in their operatives. That would have the effect of (i) showing they were not lying (ii) proving they had delivered on their strategy (iii) suggesting untold hundreds of others have successfully made the same trek (iv) feeding the paranoia about Islamists and (v) worrying the population that maybe they are coming to my town next......
It's what I would do if I were ISIS. I'd also next hit some sleepy little market town. Greater chance of getting away - and making the point that NO-ONE IS SAFE.
I mentioned on a previous thread, the true nightmare, and the true way to inspire terror is to have waves of attack.
Hillary is never going to be President ; she is too divisive and polarising ...she is just too retro ...the country doesn't want a Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty Marco Rubio has got her number ..he has a sunny affable disposition , like Bill Clinton and Reagan ,is a slick operator , is young , dynamic and Kennedy-esque; what's more he is in the zeitgeist and an obvious winner
That'll be why he's currently third in the polls for the nomination with the support of less than one Republican in eight?
Trump and carson are not serious candidates ; Trump is an ego manic and publicity hound who just loves the limelight , while Carson is a Christian nut who looks and talks like he is zonked out on pot ..he is just in the race to promote his books catch c Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
Mr. Surbiton, if they'd been rumbled, they wouldn't want to be shot at distance and perhaps did what damage they could (sadly killing the heroic chap who stopped one of them going in).
I didn't know that - he should certainly be awarded a posthumous legion d'honneur.
Hillary Clinton Will Be The Forty Fifth President Of The United States
HCWBTFFPOTUS
Don't know whether to rejoice at the US having their first female President of the US - or weep at how poor an example of the gender America will have chosen....
Or that she's been chosen in large part because she's her husband's wife?
Mum and I always argue about this, but I think it highly unlikely that Indira Gandhi would have been elected leader of the Congress Party if she wasn't Mr Nehru's daughter.
Hillary is never going to be President ; she is too divisive and polarising ...she is just too retro ...the country doesn't want a Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty Marco Rubio has got her number ..he has a sunny affable disposition , like Bill Clinton and Reagan ,is a slick operator , is young , dynamic and Kennedy-esque; what's more he is in the zeitgeist and an obvious winner
That'll be why he's currently third in the polls for the nomination with the support of less than one Republican in eight?
Trump and carson are not serious candidates ; Trump is an ego manic and publicity hound who just loves the limelight , while Carson is a Christian nut who looks and talks like he is zonked out on pot ..he is just in the race to promote his books catch c Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
People said the same about Corbyn, in the end he still won. Rubio is not even in the top 2 in most polling for the nomination and with GOP activists in an anti establishment mood the momentum remains with Trump
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Believe it's fairly standard: they *want* to be identified
As what - Syrian, French, British, Iraqi? The passport may not be as genuine as it looks, especially one in the name of Charles Calthrop.
Was Edward Fox's fingerprints found ?
I think this plethora of passports is suggestive of another diversionary tactic on ISIL's part. Sow confusion ? Suicide belt which they did blow up and passports to identify themselves ? Let's wait for the video-shoots to emerge.
One passport with Leros entry stamp is almost certainly a plant to confuse issues. It's too good to be true.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Isn't France one of the countries where you have to keep "your papers" on you?
Many politicians call terrorists cowards. I have always found that strange.
"a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things"
I would use other desciptions as whatever they are coward does not seem correct.
The argument is they are attacking people who can't fight back rather than equal adversaries
Drone operators are cowards? I wouldn't have gone that far myself..
It is ironic the amount of slavering on here for Cameron to start bombing Syria, where we would once again be murdering civilians , as per previous escapades, drones , etc etc. Funny how it is just collateral damage for teh Tories when we do it and terrorist cowards when they are doing it back , actually on the ground and not from Cambridge, Florida or 30,000 feet. Strange sense of right and wrong.
Hillary Clinton Will Be The Forty Fifth President Of The United States
HCWBTFFPOTUS
Don't know whether to rejoice at the US having their first female President of the US - or weep at how poor an example of the gender America will have chosen....
Or that she's been chosen in large part because she's her husband's wife?
On that basis I'd rather have Michelle Obama.... She always strikes me as having at least as much about her as her husband.
You might well but she's not an option. Seriously though, it doesn't count as breaking the glass ceiling if you've a private key to the route someone else has built around it.
"Mr. Roger, some people really do hold the views you mentioned about video games."
I realise i've just abused a sacred cow! I have to admit I've never played one and i've never thought them influential or dangerous. It was the image of Kalashnikov carrying juveniles standing in a theatre spraying bullets that conjured up the image
Hillary Clinton Will Be The Forty Fifth President Of The United States
HCWBTFFPOTUS
Don't know whether to rejoice at the US having their first female President of the US - or weep at how poor an example of the gender America will have chosen....
Or that she's been chosen in large part because she's her husband's wife?
Mum and I always argue about this, but I think it highly unlikely that Indira Gandhi would have been elected leader of the Congress Party if she wasn't Mr Nehru's daughter.
Or, Rajiv. But Rahul was a standout in "uselessness" . Priyanka would have been better. What a pity with India. 68 years after Independence , the Congress cannot do without dynasty. However, the same goes with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia.......USA !
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Believe it's fairly standard: they *want* to be identified
As what - Syrian, French, British, Iraqi? The passport may not be as genuine as it looks, especially one in the name of Charles Calthrop.
The Observer makes the point this morning that Syrian passports are particularly easy to fake.
If foreign policy and national security become increasingly important in the election battle that will benefit both Clinton and Trump. Clinton can pose as an experienced, tough figure and Trump can pose as the champion of tougher border controls. Rubio by contrast is both inexperienced and relatively liberal on immigration.
Just as Obama offered a more contemplative, less aggressive presidency than George W Bush so now voters may want a tougher, more interventonist policy after the relative inaction of Obama
I can't watch the news anymore - we're in Interview Grieving Friends & Relatives mode and digging out bystanders saying the same things others said yesterday.
Next it's Victim Blaming/handwringing. Hopefully this period won't last too long.
Mr. Roger, I wouldn't go that far, it's just that the view you espoused as silliness really is held by some people so it was treated more seriously than you expected.
I agree with you entirely. Whilst the odd idiot might 'copy' a violent videogame, the same happens with films (cf Batman), books and so on.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Isn't France one of the countries where you have to keep "your papers" on you?
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Isn't France one of the countries where you have to keep "your papers" on you?
Does the law apply to suicide bombers as well ?
I guess if they were stopped by security before they wanted to carry out the attack they needed something to show them.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Believe it's fairly standard: they *want* to be identified
As what - Syrian, French, British, Iraqi? The passport may not be as genuine as it looks, especially one in the name of Charles Calthrop.
Was Edward Fox's fingerprints found ?
I think this plethora of passports is suggestive of another diversionary tactic on ISIL's part. Sow confusion ? Suicide belt which they did blow up and passports to identify themselves ? Let's wait for the video-shoots to emerge.
One passport with Leros entry stamp is almost certainly a plant to confuse issues. It's too good to be true.
Do passports survive close-proximity explosions? Just asking.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Isn't France one of the countries where you have to keep "your papers" on you?
Does the law apply to suicide bombers as well ?
I have seen it suggested in several media outlets that it is quite common place in places where suicide bombers are active, it is basically a sick "calling card".
Hillary Clinton Will Be The Forty Fifth President Of The United States
HCWBTFFPOTUS
Don't know whether to rejoice at the US having their first female President of the US - or weep at how poor an example of the gender America will have chosen....
Or that she's been chosen in large part because she's her husband's wife?
I actively dislike Hilary, but to be honest, she was always going to graduate to high political office, with or without Bill.
That we'll never know. I don't dispute that she might have or that she was a critical member of Bill's team. All the same, I very much doubt that she'd have become senator for New York in 2000 had she not been First Lady at the time.
RUBIO is not only the obvious winner of the primaries , but he's also going to crush Hillary next November
1/ It's rare for a political party to win more than two terms , especially when the incumbent is less than 50% approval ratings
2/ Rubio is a republican Obama and Obama defeated Hillary ; he's young , handsome , minority and Kennedy-esque and offers a near perfect contrast to the aging establishment figure with an Olympic sense of entitlement
3/ Rubio , like Reagan and Bill Clinton has an affable sunny disposition that sells well in American politics ....an optimism that is part of the American psyche ...indeed , it will always be ''Morning in America ''!
4/ American politics is increasingly intertwined with Hollywood and Rubio casts an impressive shadow across the stage as a young , slick smooth operator , while Hillary is increasing looking like an aged actress who just cannot except that she's not wanted anymore
5/ Rubio is a ''Hawk '' and well versed in History and international politics ; he's exactly the type of leader that would rise to the top in an increasingly volatile world with threats of terrorism from the M E
6/ Hillary is so divisive and just so yesterday ..the electorate don't care for anymore from the Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty
"Paris reaps whirlwind of western support for extremist violence in Middle East Without decades of intervention by the US and its allies there would have been no 'war on terror' and no terrorist attacks in Paris."
Mr. Jessop, there's a suggestion a couple may have escaped.
As an aside, I vaguely remember that a suicide bomber (perhaps it was the US embassy bombings in 1998, though I might well be wrong) walked away after parking his lorry-bomb. When he was picked up, he claimed he had intended to commit suicide, but got his bomb into position unseen. If he had remained with the van his death would have bee pointless, and against Islam.
In his mind, it was only a valid to be a suicide bomber if you actually *had* to die. If he'd had to remain with the van to get it into position, it was a combat death. If he'd got the van into position and remained with it, it was 'just' suicide, which was against Islam.
It was an interesting distinction, and I wonder how widespread it was/is.
I'd love to know if I've remember this correctly.
The Godfathers, if you'll forgive the term, of Islamic terrorism have wised up to that one. Now a lot of the bombs and belts also have a remote detonation device as well as the trigger to be used by the operative. This enables the mission to "succeed" even if the operative decides at the last minute that suicide is un-islamic - the person in overwatch hits his button. It also removes the one defence local security people have against a determined suicide bomber, that is the head shot which drops the idiot without him having time to pull the cord.
Mr. Surbiton, if they'd been rumbled, they wouldn't want to be shot at distance and perhaps did what damage they could (sadly killing the heroic chap who stopped one of them going in).
I didn't know that - he should certainly be awarded a posthumous legion d'honneur.
Absolutely (it's a point I made yesterday). Being an official at a turnstile is such a mind-numbing job that it is difficult to maintain the necessary alertness, since 99.99% of people coming through don't need to be stopped.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Believe it's fairly standard: they *want* to be identified
As what - Syrian, French, British, Iraqi? The passport may not be as genuine as it looks, especially one in the name of Charles Calthrop.
Was Edward Fox's fingerprints found ?
I think this plethora of passports is suggestive of another diversionary tactic on ISIL's part. Sow confusion ? Suicide belt which they did blow up and passports to identify themselves ? Let's wait for the video-shoots to emerge.
One passport with Leros entry stamp is almost certainly a plant to confuse issues. It's too good to be true.
Do passports survive close-proximity explosions? Just asking.
They can yes. Lots of paperwork can where there is a lack of actual flame.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Isn't France one of the countries where you have to keep "your papers" on you?
Does the law apply to suicide bombers as well ?
I guess if they were stopped by security before they wanted to carry out the attack they needed something to show them.
Day/days before, maybe. Day of the attack, I'd have thought that if stopped that the suicide belt and assault rifle would have trumped the passport.
Hillary is never going to be President ; she is too divisive and polarising ...she is just too retro ...the country doesn't want a Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty Marco Rubio has got her number ..he has a sunny affable disposition , like Bill Clinton and Reagan ,is a slick operator , is young , dynamic and Kennedy-esque; what's more he is in the zeitgeist and an obvious winner
That'll be why he's currently third in the polls for the nomination with the support of less than one Republican in eight?
Trump and carson are not serious candidates ; Trump is an ego manic and publicity hound who just loves the limelight , while Carson is a Christian nut who looks and talks like he is zonked out on pot ..he is just in the race to promote his books catch c Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
The voters decide who the serious candidates are. As it happens, I agree about Carson, but Trump has staying power as he has already demonstrated. Rubio is only third in the New Hampshire polls too.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Believe it's fairly standard: they *want* to be identified
As what - Syrian, French, British, Iraqi? The passport may not be as genuine as it looks, especially one in the name of Charles Calthrop.
Was Edward Fox's fingerprints found ?
I think this plethora of passports is suggestive of another diversionary tactic on ISIL's part. Sow confusion ? Suicide belt which they did blow up and passports to identify themselves ? Let's wait for the video-shoots to emerge.
One passport with Leros entry stamp is almost certainly a plant to confuse issues. It's too good to be true.
Do passports survive close-proximity explosions? Just asking.
They can yes. Lots of paperwork can where there is a lack of actual flame.
The no-fly zone which Erdogan wanted seems to be the only sensible solution left. Erdogan may have his own agenda but for the EU that is the only possible one.
Create a safe haven, build good quality temporary shelter at UN expense. Use it as a base against ISIL
But it has to have the cooperation of Russia and Assad. I don't think Assad will have a problem with a stronger Kurdish presence but Turkey won't like it.
Otherwise, I cannot see how the refugee tide can be stemmed. Why should Turkey house all these people just like Europe ?
Hillary is never going to be President ; she is too divisive and polarising ...she is just too retro ...the country doesn't want a Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty Marco Rubio has got her number ..he has a sunny affable disposition , like Bill Clinton and Reagan ,is a slick operator , is young , dynamic and Kennedy-esque; what's more he is in the zeitgeist and an obvious winner
That'll be why he's currently third in the polls for the nomination with the support of less than one Republican in eight?
Trump and carson are not serious candidates ; Trump is an ego manic and publicity hound who just loves the limelight , while Carson is a Christian nut who looks and talks like he is zonked out on pot ..he is just in the race to promote his books catch c Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
People said the same about Corbyn, in the end he still won. Rubio is not even in the top 2 in most polling for the nomination and with GOP activists in an anti establishment mood the momentum remains with Trump
RRRRUBISH ...there is no comparison ; Corbyn was a dedicated politician for over 30 yrs , while trump is a celebrity and Carson just a religious nut and author
Trump is completely unsuited to politics by temperament and education ; he would be horrified if he were actually offered the Presidency ....if you think otherwise then you simply do not know how to read between the lines
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Isn't France one of the countries where you have to keep "your papers" on you?
Does the law apply to suicide bombers as well ?
I guess if they were stopped by security before they wanted to carry out the attack they needed something to show them.
Day/days before, maybe. Day of the attack, I'd have thought that if stopped that the suicide belt and assault rifle would have trumped the passport.
Not if they'd not reached the target yet. Besides if one went off early because they didn't have the passports etc and so exploded instead that could jeopardise the other attacks that were timed to go off pretty much simultaneously. It just makes sense to take everything you need with you to not arouse suspicion until it's too late.
Mr. Jessop, there's a suggestion a couple may have escaped.
There is definitely a discrepancy between the figures - 7 stated by the authorities, 8 by ISIL.
The French authorities are not 100% that they have actual perpetrators to pursue. The situation is confusing because:
1. They may not have names e.g. non French, non watch list 2. They have now identified more than the one local, the French guy who was killed, as having been not at home, but that doesn't make them trigger men or indeed involved at all.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Isn't France one of the countries where you have to keep "your papers" on you?
Does the law apply to suicide bombers as well ?
I guess if they were stopped by security before they wanted to carry out the attack they needed something to show them.
Day/days before, maybe. Day of the attack, I'd have thought that if stopped that the suicide belt and assault rifle would have trumped the passport.
Unless they were in the boot hidden from sight obviously.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Believe it's fairly standard: they *want* to be identified
As what - Syrian, French, British, Iraqi? The passport may not be as genuine as it looks, especially one in the name of Charles Calthrop.
Was Edward Fox's fingerprints found ?
I think this plethora of passports is suggestive of another diversionary tactic on ISIL's part. Sow confusion ? Suicide belt which they did blow up and passports to identify themselves ? Let's wait for the video-shoots to emerge.
One passport with Leros entry stamp is almost certainly a plant to confuse issues. It's too good to be true.
Do passports survive close-proximity explosions? Just asking.
They can yes. Lots of paperwork can where there is a lack of actual flame.
RUBIO is not only the obvious winner of the primaries , but he's also going to crush Hillary next November
1/ It's rare for a political party to win more than two terms , especially when the incumbent is less than 50% approval ratings
2/ Rubio is a republican Obama and Obama defeated Hillary ; he's young , handsome , minority and Kennedy-esque and offers a near perfect contrast to the aging establishment figure with an Olympic sense of entitlement
3/ Rubio , like Reagan and Bill Clinton has an affable sunny disposition that sells well in American politics ....an optimism that is part of the American psyche ...indeed , it will always be ''Morning in America ''!
4/ American politics is increasingly intertwined with Hollywood and Rubio casts an impressive shadow across the stage as a young , slick smooth operator , while Hillary is increasing looking like an aged actress who just cannot except that she's not wanted anymore
5/ Rubio is a ''Hawk '' and well versed in History and international politics ; he's exactly the type of leader that would rise to the top in an increasingly volatile world with threats of terrorism from the M E
6/ Hillary is so divisive and just so yesterday ..the electorate don't care for anymore from the Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty
1 Rare, but not impossible, Bush Snr won a third term in 1988, FDR in 1940. Obama's ratings are also still 10% higher than Bush W's was at this stage
2 In 2008 Obama was a fresh face who had opposed the Iraq War in a country which wanted a change of direction. In 2016 a change of direction to the inexperienced largely passive Obama would be more provided by the experienced Hillary Clinton or even Trump (with his more aggressive rhetoric) than the inexperienced Rubio with his liberal line on immigration
3 Rubio is not as charismatic or articulate as either Reagan or Bill Clinton and even if he were the GOP is in an angry mood at the moment, not for a candidate with a 'sunny disposition' but a candidate who represents their anger
4 See above
5 Rubio is very inexperienced in terms of foreign policy and a liberal on borders compared to say Trump or Cruz and the GOP base will notice
6 Bill Clinton left office with a far higher approval rating than either the Bushes or Obama, the Clinton brand still has traction
Hillary is never going to be President ; she is too divisive and polarising ...she is just too retro ...the country doesn't want a Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty Marco Rubio has got her number ..he has a sunny affable disposition , like Bill Clinton and Reagan ,is a slick operator , is young , dynamic and Kennedy-esque; what's more he is in the zeitgeist and an obvious winner
That'll be why he's currently third in the polls for the nomination with the support of less than one Republican in eight?
Trump and carson are not serious candidates ; Trump is an ego manic and publicity hound who just loves the limelight , while Carson is a Christian nut who looks and talks like he is zonked out on pot ..he is just in the race to promote his books catch c Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
People said the same about Corbyn, in the end he still won. Rubio is not even in the top 2 in most polling for the nomination and with GOP activists in an anti establishment mood the momentum remains with Trump
RRRRUBISH ...there is no comparison ; Corbyn was a dedicated politician for over 30 yrs , while trump is a celebrity and Carson just a religious nut and author
Trump is completely unsuited to politics by temperament and education ; he would be horrified if he were actually offered the Presidency ....if you think otherwise then you simply do not know how to read between the lines
The other difference is that Corbyn was elected safe in the comfort of knowing the next election is in five years and in all likelihood he could be forced out or step down before then. The GOP nominee will contest the upcoming Presidential election.
By the way, what do we think of these people seemingly being found with their passports? I don't get it. Wouldn't be something I'd take with me on my way to commit a terrorist atrocity. Or would it? Odd.
Believe it's fairly standard: they *want* to be identified
As what - Syrian, French, British, Iraqi? The passport may not be as genuine as it looks, especially one in the name of Charles Calthrop.
Was Edward Fox's fingerprints found ?
I think this plethora of passports is suggestive of another diversionary tactic on ISIL's part. Sow confusion ? Suicide belt which they did blow up and passports to identify themselves ? Let's wait for the video-shoots to emerge.
One passport with Leros entry stamp is almost certainly a plant to confuse issues. It's too good to be true.
Do passports survive close-proximity explosions? Just asking.
Hillary is never going to be President ; she is too divisive and polarising ...she is just too retro ...the country doesn't want a Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty Marco Rubio has got her number ..he has a sunny affable disposition , like Bill Clinton and Reagan ,is a slick operator , is young , dynamic and Kennedy-esque; what's more he is in the zeitgeist and an obvious winner
That'll be why he's currently third in the polls for the nomination with the support of less than one Republican in eight?
Trump and carson are not serious candidates ; Trump is an ego manic and publicity hound who just loves the limelight , while Carson is a Christian nut who looks and talks like he is zonked out on pot ..he is just in the race to promote his books catch c Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
People said the same about Corbyn, in the end he still won. Rubio is not even in the top 2 in most polling for the nomination and with GOP activists in an anti establishment mood the momentum remains with Trump
RRRRUBISH ...there is no comparison ; Corbyn was a dedicated politician for over 30 yrs , while trump is a celebrity and Carson just a religious nut and author
Trump is completely unsuited to politics by temperament and education ; he would be horrified if he were actually offered the Presidency ....if you think otherwise then you simply do not know how to read between the lines
So what, celebrities can win nominations eg IKE and Reagan. Regardless of whether you like him or not the GOP in its present mood seems more ready for Trump than Rubio
Hillary is never going to be President ; she is too divisive and polarising ...she is just too retro ...the country doesn't want a Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty Marco Rubio has got her number ..he has a sunny affable disposition , like Bill Clinton and Reagan ,is a slick operator , is young , dynamic and Kennedy-esque; what's more he is in the zeitgeist and an obvious winner
That'll be why he's currently third in the polls for the nomination with the support of less than one Republican in eight?
Trump and carson are not serious candidates ; Trump is an ego manic and publicity hound who just loves the limelight , while Carson is a Christian nut who looks and talks like he is zonked out on pot ..he is just in the race to promote his books catch c Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
People said the same about Corbyn, in the end he still won. Rubio is not even in the top 2 in most polling for the nomination and with GOP activists in an anti establishment mood the momentum remains with Trump
RRRRUBISH ...there is no comparison ; Corbyn was a dedicated politician for over 30 yrs , while trump is a celebrity and Carson just a religious nut and author
Trump is completely unsuited to politics by temperament and education ; he would be horrified if he were actually offered the Presidency ....if you think otherwise then you simply do not know how to read between the lines
Since when would an "ego manic"[sic] - your description - be horrified to be offered the presidency?!
Hillary is never going to be President ; she is too divisive and polarising ...she is just too retro ...the country doesn't want a Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty Marco Rubio has got her number ..he has a sunny affable disposition , like Bill Clinton and Reagan ,is a slick operator , is young , dynamic and Kennedy-esque; what's more he is in the zeitgeist and an obvious winner
That'll be why he's currently third in the polls for the nomination with the support of less than one Republican in eight?
Trump and carson are not serious candidates ; Trump is an ego manic and publicity hound who just loves the limelight , while Carson is a Christian nut who looks and talks like he is zonked out on pot ..he is just in the race to promote his books catch c Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
People said the same about Corbyn, in the end he still won. Rubio is not even in the top 2 in most polling for the nomination and with GOP activists in an anti establishment mood the momentum remains with Trump
RRRRUBISH ...there is no comparison ; Corbyn was a dedicated politician for over 30 yrs , while trump is a celebrity and Carson just a religious nut and author
Trump is completely unsuited to politics by temperament and education ; he would be horrified if he were actually offered the Presidency ....if you think otherwise then you simply do not know how to read between the lines
The other difference is that Corbyn was elected safe in the comfort of knowing the next election is in five years and in all likelihood he could be forced out or step down before then. The GOP nominee will contest the upcoming Presidential election.
That focuses minds a bit more.
Even if Corbyn is forced out it would only likely be in favour of another relative leftwinger like Hilary Benn, at least for this parliament anyway. Radical candidates can win presidential nominations eg Goldwater and McGovern and the GOP base in its present mood is as unwilling to compromise as Labour activists
"Yet it is not, as many suppose, just a handful of imams who are to blame for this radicalism. There is a whole industry of activists – sometimes in the guise of advocacy groups and campaigners for human rights – who travel round mosques, universities, colleges and even community centres filling the heads of young Muslims with hateful ideology."
Among his other coy evasions, President Obama described tonight's events as "an attack not just on Paris, it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share".
But that's not true, is it? He's right that it's an attack not just on Paris or France. What it is is an attack on the west, on the civilization that built the modern world - an attack on one portion of "humanity" by those who claim to speak for another portion of "humanity". And these are not "universal values" but values that spring from a relatively narrow segment of humanity. They were kinda sorta "universal" when the great powers were willing to enforce them around the world and the colonial subjects of ramshackle backwaters such as Aden, Sudan and the North-West Frontier Province were at least obliged to pay lip service to them. But the European empires retreated from the world, and those "universal values" are utterly alien to large parts of the map today.
Perhaps, to echo Putin, the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century was not the break up of the Soviet Union, but the collapse of the British Empire.
If you are on the left, you much appear to be anti racist. Therefore all Muslims are good. But the terrorists are bad. Therefore they are not Muslims.....
The simple fact is that the Paris terrorists were Muslims. They thought they were Muslims, and probably all their families and friends (who are probably all Muslims) thought they were Muslims as well.
That isn't a left-wing position. A left-wing position (shared by plenty who are not left-wing) is that people should be judged as individuals, not harassed because of their religion, race, gender, etc.
It's therefore fine from a left-wing viewpoint to condemn terrorists for being terrorists, and if they're Muslims that isn't any kind of excuse. If they object to Western policies on this or that, there are plenty of decent ways to do it, and killing people isn't one of them, as the Muslim Council of Britain has said in trenchant terms.
What we'd disagree with is the reverse false association: because the terrorists are Muslims, we must close all mosques, ban halal food, and require Muslims to recant or be deported (all things suggested on PB in the last couple of days). It's quite obviously unfair, and incidentally counter-productive, since we'd be saying to millions of British citizens, "We're fighting a war on terror and we've decided you're part of the enemy", which really isn't a useful way to isolate terrorists. We should be absolutely fine with law-abiding people with religious views that we don't share.
Among his other coy evasions, President Obama described tonight's events as "an attack not just on Paris, it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share".
But that's not true, is it? He's right that it's an attack not just on Paris or France. What it is is an attack on the west, on the civilization that built the modern world - an attack on one portion of "humanity" by those who claim to speak for another portion of "humanity". And these are not "universal values" but values that spring from a relatively narrow segment of humanity. They were kinda sorta "universal" when the great powers were willing to enforce them around the world and the colonial subjects of ramshackle backwaters such as Aden, Sudan and the North-West Frontier Province were at least obliged to pay lip service to them. But the European empires retreated from the world, and those "universal values" are utterly alien to large parts of the map today.
Perhaps, to echo Putin, the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century was not the break up of the Soviet Union, but the collapse of the British Empire.
You cannot go on ruling people who do not want to be ruled, there were plenty of radical Islamic attacks under the British Empire too, from the Mahdi of Sudan onwards
Otherwise, perhaps consider the idea that Kuffar pronouncing on true islam dim, misleading, and irrelevant.
Or perhaps you should try Gulen, who has a massive movement of millions behind him?
Recalling that Islam attaches the utmost regard to the sanctity of human life and citing the verse of the Quran that states “killing an innocent person unjustly is like killing all of mankind,” Gülen remarked that the protection of human life is one of the fundamental values in Islam. “A true Muslim can never be a terrorist and a terrorist can never be a true Muslim,” he said, reiterating the famous remarks he made right after the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, by the al-Qaeda terrorist group. According to the Islamic scholar, it is impossible for a Muslim who has fully learned and understood Islam to become a terrorist, and a real Muslim would never intentionally commit an act of terrorism and a terrorist cannot be considered a real Muslim.
Firstly Rubio still has a mountain to climb to even be nominee. He is presently in third place in the Republican primary polls, third in New Hampshire and tied with Cruz for third in Iowa. In the general election Clinton still has a very small lead over Rubio, hardly a Rubio landslide http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/ia/iowa_republican_presidential_caucus-3194.html ========================================= Rubio is the real front runner as Trump and Carson are not serious candidates ...there is nearly 3 months before Iowa , long enough for both Trump and Carson to crash and burn
The fact that Hillary has only a small lead over the republican field in disarray speaks volumes about her WEAKNESS ...once the Reps get themselves unified behind a single candidate then Hillary will lose her lead
The ISIS intellectual position and their recruiting slogan is that there is a war between Islam and the West (with the West consisting of everyone who doesn't subscribe to their apocalyptic death cult vision of the future).
But it is hard to pitch that idea internationally, every day that goes past with Muslims living peacfully in the west is a day that erodes the ISIS recruitment message. ISIS want a black and white world where either you are with the "crusaders" or you are with "Islam". Their attacks in Europe are designed to make the West act in a more Black and White way than they currently do.
''The Tory print media will have a field day with Khan and his Islamic connections Londoners are pretty tolerant but they are not gormless enough to elect a Muslim mayor in a craven attempt at appeasing Muslims ..''
And of course there's no way the vast majority of moderate muslims in London will support a mayor with radical connections.....ahem.....
Boris and Lynton have already shown through their ''donut strategy'' that the suburbs will outvote the centre , that the Labour strongholds in the city centre can be defeated by the Tory /centrist voters in the perimeter
The Tory print media will spook those suburban voters to the polls with fear of an unholy alliance between the Corbyn left and Islam
Yes, Khan is vulnerable to attack, but I haven't as yet seen much evidence of Goldsmith enthusing ordinary Londoners. They're both rather weak candidates in my view. I'm not sure how it'll go, but at this stage I'd make Khan the slight favourite (and fwiw, I won't be voting for either of them).
Interestingly several of immigrant relatives and friends already have an opinion on Khan. Which is that he belongs to the shouty section of UK political Islam and has dubious friendships/relationships with the full on nut brigade. That opinion includes several Muslims (from Thailand).
Firstly Rubio still has a mountain to climb to even be nominee. He is presently in third place in the Republican primary polls, third in New Hampshire and tied with Cruz for third in Iowa. In the general election Clinton still has a very small lead over Rubio, hardly a Rubio landslide http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/ia/iowa_republican_presidential_caucus-3194.html ========================================= Rubio is the real front runner as Trump and Carson are not serious candidates ...there is nearly 3 months before Iowa , long enough for both Trump and Carson to crash and burn
The fact that Hillary has only a small lead over the republican field in disarray speaks volumes about her WEAKNESS ...once the Reps get themselves unified behind a single candidate then Hillary will lose her lead
I think that rather depends who the GOP candidate is.
Firstly Rubio still has a mountain to climb to even be nominee. He is presently in third place in the Republican primary polls, third in New Hampshire and tied with Cruz for third in Iowa. In the general election Clinton still has a very small lead over Rubio, hardly a Rubio landslide http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/ia/iowa_republican_presidential_caucus-3194.html ========================================= Rubio is the real front runner as Trump and Carson are not serious candidates ...there is nearly 3 months before Iowa , long enough for both Trump and Carson to crash and burn
The fact that Hillary has only a small lead over the republican field in disarray speaks volumes about her WEAKNESS ...once the Reps get themselves unified behind a single candidate then Hillary will lose her lead
Many said in the summer Corbyn was not a serious candidate when he was leading the polls of Labour activists and yet he still won so I would certainly not guarantee Trump and Carson will crash and burn.
Carson actually leads Hillary, even Sanders leads Trump so there are no guarantees there either
Somebody down thread was saying why would you obey the law and take your documents with you even on the night of the attack...Seems like casually disobeying parking restrictions has ultimately done in 3 of the attackers.
"After the discovery of that parking ticket, it did not take long for the Belgian prosecutor’s office to open an anti-terrorist investigation, nor for the French border with Belgium to be tightened. Within hours, a car used in the Paris attacks, registered to a French citizen, was stopped there. The three people inside, seemingly returning to Molenbeek, were detained."
Otherwise, perhaps consider the idea that Kuffar pronouncing on true islam dim, misleading, and irrelevant.
Or perhaps you should try Gulen, who has a massive movement of millions behind him?
Recalling that Islam attaches the utmost regard to the sanctity of human life and citing the verse of the Quran that states “killing an innocent person unjustly is like killing all of mankind,” Gülen remarked that the protection of human life is one of the fundamental values in Islam. “A true Muslim can never be a terrorist and a terrorist can never be a true Muslim,” he said, reiterating the famous remarks he made right after the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, by the al-Qaeda terrorist group. According to the Islamic scholar, it is impossible for a Muslim who has fully learned and understood Islam to become a terrorist, and a real Muslim would never intentionally commit an act of terrorism and a terrorist cannot be considered a real Muslim.
I still haven't got a handle on Gulen. He's either the biggest charlatan in existence or a potential moderate way forward for Islam.
I've heard of him, and from what little I know he seems alright. But if we're playing Islamic top trumps, I think my guy wins, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_el-Tayeb Influence 9 vs Influence 6
Can you prove to him, with Koranic sources, that he's wrong about the jews? (edited because I messed up formatting)
Among his other coy evasions, President Obama described tonight's events as "an attack not just on Paris, it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share".
But that's not true, is it? He's right that it's an attack not just on Paris or France. What it is is an attack on the west, on the civilization that built the modern world - an attack on one portion of "humanity" by those who claim to speak for another portion of "humanity". And these are not "universal values" but values that spring from a relatively narrow segment of humanity. They were kinda sorta "universal" when the great powers were willing to enforce them around the world and the colonial subjects of ramshackle backwaters such as Aden, Sudan and the North-West Frontier Province were at least obliged to pay lip service to them. But the European empires retreated from the world, and those "universal values" are utterly alien to large parts of the map today.
Perhaps, to echo Putin, the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century was not the break up of the Soviet Union, but the collapse of the British Empire.
You cannot go on ruling people who do not want to be ruled, there were plenty of radical Islamic attacks under the British Empire too, from the Mahdi of Sudan onwards
The French 'had' what is modern-day Syria after the First World War.
Among his other coy evasions, President Obama described tonight's events as "an attack not just on Paris, it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share".
But that's not true, is it? He's right that it's an attack not just on Paris or France. What it is is an attack on the west, on the civilization that built the modern world - an attack on one portion of "humanity" by those who claim to speak for another portion of "humanity". And these are not "universal values" but values that spring from a relatively narrow segment of humanity. They were kinda sorta "universal" when the great powers were willing to enforce them around the world and the colonial subjects of ramshackle backwaters such as Aden, Sudan and the North-West Frontier Province were at least obliged to pay lip service to them. But the European empires retreated from the world, and those "universal values" are utterly alien to large parts of the map today.
Perhaps, to echo Putin, the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century was not the break up of the Soviet Union, but the collapse of the British Empire.
You cannot go on ruling people who do not want to be ruled, there were plenty of radical Islamic attacks under the British Empire too, from the Mahdi of Sudan onwards
The French 'had' what is modern-day Syria after the First World War.
Indeed but the French Empire also had attacks, look at Algeria
The ISIS intellectual position and their recruiting slogan is that there is a war between Islam and the West (with the West consisting of everyone who doesn't subscribe to their apocalyptic death cult vision of the future).
But it is hard to pitch that idea internationally, every day that goes past with Muslims living peacfully in the west is a day that erodes the ISIS recruitment message. ISIS want a black and white world where either you are with the "crusaders" or you are with "Islam". Their attacks in Europe are designed to make the West act in a more Black and White way than they currently do.
Spot on. It's quite simple really: we can like Muslims, while hating Islamists.
Leaders Family photo released at the 2 day meeting of the G20 in Turkey which begins today, first summit for new Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and new Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull. Hollande understandably staying in France https://twitter.com/G20Turkey2015?lang=en-gb
''The Tory print media will have a field day with Khan and his Islamic connections Londoners are pretty tolerant but they are not gormless enough to elect a Muslim mayor in a craven attempt at appeasing Muslims ..''
And of course there's no way the vast majority of moderate muslims in London will support a mayor with radical connections.....ahem.....
Boris and Lynton have already shown through their ''donut strategy'' that the suburbs will outvote the centre , that the Labour strongholds in the city centre can be defeated by the Tory /centrist voters in the perimeter
The Tory print media will spook those suburban voters to the polls with fear of an unholy alliance between the Corbyn left and Islam
Yes, Khan is vulnerable to attack, but I haven't as yet seen much evidence of Goldsmith enthusing ordinary Londoners. They're both rather weak candidates in my view. I'm not sure how it'll go, but at this stage I'd make Khan the slight favourite (and fwiw, I won't be voting for either of them).
Interestingly several of immigrant relatives and friends already have an opinion on Khan. Which is that he belongs to the shouty section of UK political Islam and has dubious friendships/relationships with the full on nut brigade. That opinion includes several Muslims (from Thailand).
Interesting, but they only constitute 5% of Thailand's population of 67 mill.
If you are on the left, you much appear to be anti racist. Therefore all Muslims are good. But the terrorists are bad. Therefore they are not Muslims.....
The simple fact is that the Paris terrorists were Muslims. They thought they were Muslims, and probably all their families and friends (who are probably all Muslims) thought they were Muslims as well.
That isn't a left-wing position. A left-wing position (shared by plenty who are not left-wing) is that people should be judged as individuals, not harassed because of their religion, race, gender, etc.
It's therefore fine from a left-wing viewpoint to condemn terrorists for being terrorists, and if they're Muslims that isn't any kind of excuse. If they object to Western policies on this or that, there are plenty of decent ways to do it, and killing people isn't one of them, as the Muslim Council of Britain has said in trenchant terms.
What we'd disagree with is the reverse false association: because the terrorists are Muslims, we must close all mosques, ban halal food, and require Muslims to recant or be deported (all things suggested on PB in the last couple of days). It's quite obviously unfair, and incidentally counter-productive, since we'd be saying to millions of British citizens, "We're fighting a war on terror and we've decided you're part of the enemy", which really isn't a useful way to isolate terrorists. We should be absolutely fine with law-abiding people with religious views that we don't share.
Excellent post. About four posters (of which I am one) would agree with you
If you are on the left, you much appear to be anti racist. Therefore all Muslims are good. But the terrorists are bad. Therefore they are not Muslims.....
The simple fact is that the Paris terrorists were Muslims. They thought they were Muslims, and probably all their families and friends (who are probably all Muslims) thought they were Muslims as well.
That isn't a left-wing position. A left-wing position (shared by plenty who are not left-wing) is that people should be judged as individuals, not harassed because of their religion, race, gender, etc.
It's therefore fine from a left-wing viewpoint to condemn terrorists for being terrorists, and if they're Muslims that isn't any kind of excuse. If they object to Western policies on this or that, there are plenty of decent ways to do it, and killing people isn't one of them, as the Muslim Council of Britain has said in trenchant terms.
What we'd disagree with is the reverse false association: because the terrorists are Muslims, we must close all mosques, ban halal food, and require Muslims to recant or be deported (all things suggested on PB in the last couple of days). It's quite obviously unfair, and incidentally counter-productive, since we'd be saying to millions of British citizens, "We're fighting a war on terror and we've decided you're part of the enemy", which really isn't a useful way to isolate terrorists. We should be absolutely fine with law-abiding people with religious views that we don't share.
George Bush senior won a Third Republican term because Reagan was riding high in the polls and would likely of won a third term if it were legal for him to run
After his statesmanship and leadership in the Gulf war he well deserved another term , unfortunately he was undermined by a young , slick operator by the name of Bill Clinton who unknowingly set a precedent of sorts .....I E. that in post modern America, youth and charisma can beat experience and gravitas ...Obama reinforced that fact by beating an aging , experienced war horse like Mccain in 2008 and that's also why a young , slick Hollywood-esque Rubio will defeat the aging experienced Hillary
Obama's approval rating are about 45-47% and are sure to fall lower over the final year of his Presidency , especially if there is a security crises in the M E or an economic recession at home ...he needs to be in the high 50s for Hillary to have a real shot at the Presidency
The ISIS intellectual position and their recruiting slogan is that there is a war between Islam and the West (with the West consisting of everyone who doesn't subscribe to their apocalyptic death cult vision of the future).
But it is hard to pitch that idea internationally, every day that goes past with Muslims living peacfully in the west is a day that erodes the ISIS recruitment message. ISIS want a black and white world where either you are with the "crusaders" or you are with "Islam". Their attacks in Europe are designed to make the West act in a more Black and White way than they currently do.
Spot on. It's quite simple really: we can like Muslims, while hating Islamists.
You don't even have to like Muslims - just not fall into ISIS's trap of dividing the world into implacably opposed 'for' and 'against' groupings.
Coverage of a Jeb Bush townhall in Iowa now on BBC Parliament at Coca Cola Company, including meeting a Pearl Harbour vet, fair to say he is not exactly radiating charisma
Somebody down thread was saying why would you obey the law and take your documents with you even on the night of the attack...Seems like casually disobeying parking restrictions has ultimately done in 3 of the attackers.
"After the discovery of that parking ticket, it did not take long for the Belgian prosecutor’s office to open an anti-terrorist investigation, nor for the French border with Belgium to be tightened. Within hours, a car used in the Paris attacks, registered to a French citizen, was stopped there. The three people inside, seemingly returning to Molenbeek, were detained."
Score one for the Surveillance State. I remember in more innocent times some hilarity about a British movie where the villains try to get away in a stolen car, and dutifully indicate like good citizens that they wish to change lanes. Clearly ISIS needs to start training people to handle those evil western traffic wardens.
Every Syrian refugee coming to Britain will be screened twice before entry, Theresa May has said amid fears those behind the Paris terror attacks pretended they were fleeing war.
The Home Secretary said both the United Nations and officials at her department were checking the backgrounds of those seeking asylum to ensure they are not terrorists.
If you are on the left, you much appear to be anti racist. Therefore all Muslims are good. But the terrorists are bad. Therefore they are not Muslims.....
The simple fact is that the Paris terrorists were Muslims. They thought they were Muslims, and probably all their families and friends (who are probably all Muslims) thought they were Muslims as well.
That isn't a left-wing position. A left-wing position (shared by plenty who are not left-wing) is that people should be judged as individuals, not harassed because of their religion, race, gender, etc.
It's therefore fine from a left-wing viewpoint to condemn terrorists for being terrorists, and if they're Muslims that isn't any kind of excuse. If they object to Western policies on this or that, there are plenty of decent ways to do it, and killing people isn't one of them, as the Muslim Council of Britain has said in trenchant terms.
What we'd disagree with is the reverse false association: because the terrorists are Muslims, we must close all mosques, ban halal food, and require Muslims to recant or be deported (all things suggested on PB in the last couple of days). It's quite obviously unfair, and incidentally counter-productive, since we'd be saying to millions of British citizens, "We're fighting a war on terror and we've decided you're part of the enemy", which really isn't a useful way to isolate terrorists. We should be absolutely fine with law-abiding people with religious views that we don't share.
Nick, I am surprised on your stance regarding Halal food. Given that you make your living promoting animal welfare I should have thought you would be against the slaughter method with might have been seen as humane 1400 years ago but is not now regarded as best practice.
We have very strict rules in this country about the treatment of animals, they should in my view be enforced more rigorously than sometimes they are and, perhaps even tightened further both in terms of animal experiments and the importation of animal products from countries with lower standards). Why we should make exception for the sake of two religious minorities is quite beyond me,
George Bush senior won a Third Republican term because Reagan was riding high in the polls and would likely of won a third term if it were legal for him to run
After his statesmanship and leadership in the Gulf war he well deserved another term , unfortunately he was undermined by a young , slick operator by the name of Bill Clinton who unknowingly set a precedent of sorts .....I E. that in post modern America, youth and charisma can beat experience and gravitas ...Obama reinforced that fact by beating an aging , experienced war horse like Mccain in 2008 and that's also why a young , slick Hollywood-esque Rubio will defeat the aging experienced Hillary
Obama's approval rating are about 45-47% and are sure to fall lower over the final year of his Presidency , especially if there is a security crises in the M E or an economic recession at home ...he needs to be in the high 50s for Hillary to have a real shot at the Presidency
He won because his opponent was the liberal Michael Dukakis. You are also jumping straight to the general election and ignoring the nomination battle, Rubio has to win that first and Rubio is backed by the GOP establishment at a time the GOP base seems to be in the mood for a Goldwater.
47% certainly is not fatal for a Democratic candidate, especially as the Clinton brand is seperate from the Obama brand after their 2008 battle and Bill Clinton left office with a 60% plus approval rating
George Bush senior won a Third Republican term because Reagan was riding high in the polls and would likely of won a third term if it were legal for him to run
After his statesmanship and leadership in the Gulf war he well deserved another term , unfortunately he was undermined by a young , slick operator by the name of Bill Clinton who unknowingly set a precedent of sorts .....I E. that in post modern America, youth and charisma can beat experience and gravitas ...Obama reinforced that fact by beating an aging , experienced war horse like Mccain in 2008 and that's also why a young , slick Hollywood-esque Rubio will defeat the aging experienced Hillary
Your argument broke down when you introduced McCain who was clearly a liability with poor judgement. The better example would have been Obama's primary win against Hillary, which incidentally will have given her a lot of pointers of how to run against another younger central-casting type candidate in Rubio. And Rubio is no Obama.
Comments
In his mind, it was only a valid to be a suicide bomber if you actually *had* to die. If he'd had to remain with the van to get it into position, it was a combat death. If he'd got the van into position and remained with it, it was 'just' suicide, which was against Islam.
It was an interesting distinction, and I wonder how widespread it was/is.
I'd love to know if I've remember this correctly.
The Tory print media will spook those suburban voters to the polls with fear of an unholy alliance between the Corbyn left and Islam
To be honest, its a brave politicians who trots out that line now. I think we are beyond it.
I wonder if has more to do with making clear that, as promised, ISIS have used the wave of migrants into Europe to smuggle in their operatives. That would have the effect of
(i) showing they were not lying
(ii) proving they had delivered on their strategy
(iii) suggesting untold hundreds of others have successfully made the same trek
(iv) feeding the paranoia about Islamists and
(v) worrying the population that maybe they are coming to my town next......
It's what I would do if I were ISIS. I'd also next hit some sleepy little market town. Greater chance of getting away - and making the point that NO-ONE IS SAFE.
In the driving rain.
"Clearly Brendan has met Roger or at least seen his ludicrous postings on PB."
Strawmen from start to finish and pretty illiogical. Did you read it? Knowing your penchent for precision and truth I'm surprised you found much to like
I also discovered, a few days ago, that the hound does not approve of hailstorms.
Waking up in DC this morning, I've only just caught up with Stop the War's vile Tweet. Not a surprise, of course. What a disgusting organisation. And it has a fast track into the Labour leadership. This is one of the reasons why a few of us thought putting Corbyn in charge would not only be electorally catastrophic for Labour, but also morally repugnant. He associates with and applauds apologists for terrorism. Repulsive.
Mr. G, aye, but look on the bright side: she's inadvertently made a lot of people smile with her daftness.
Rubio is the real front runner and that's why he is the favourite with the bookies and most professional political pundits
Rubio is going to win New Hampshire primary and then catch alight and win the nomination
I think this plethora of passports is suggestive of another diversionary tactic on ISIL's part. Sow confusion ? Suicide belt which they did blow up and passports to identify themselves ?
Let's wait for the video-shoots to emerge.
One passport with Leros entry stamp is almost certainly a plant to confuse issues. It's too good to be true.
One of the attacks that shows that al Qaeda and ISIS's jihad is nothing to do with Afghanistan or the Iraq war. It's a hatred of western civilisation.
As such, there can be no bargaining with them.
Strange sense of right and wrong.
"Mr. Roger, some people really do hold the views you mentioned about video games."
I realise i've just abused a sacred cow! I have to admit I've never played one and i've never thought them influential or dangerous. It was the image of Kalashnikov carrying juveniles standing in a theatre spraying bullets that conjured up the image
Just as Obama offered a more contemplative, less aggressive presidency than George W Bush so now voters may want a tougher, more interventonist policy after the relative inaction of Obama
- M. H. Thatcher after the Warrenpoint and Mullaghmore bombings, 1979.
I agree with you entirely. Whilst the odd idiot might 'copy' a violent videogame, the same happens with films (cf Batman), books and so on.
RUBIO is not only the obvious winner of the primaries , but he's also going to crush Hillary next November
1/ It's rare for a political party to win more than two terms , especially when the incumbent is less than 50% approval ratings
2/ Rubio is a republican Obama and Obama defeated Hillary ; he's young , handsome , minority and Kennedy-esque and offers a near perfect contrast to the aging establishment figure with an Olympic sense of entitlement
3/ Rubio , like Reagan and Bill Clinton has an affable sunny disposition that sells well in American politics ....an optimism that is part of the American psyche ...indeed , it will always be ''Morning in America ''!
4/ American politics is increasingly intertwined with Hollywood and Rubio casts an impressive shadow across the stage as a young , slick smooth operator , while Hillary is increasing looking like an aged actress who just cannot except that she's not wanted anymore
5/ Rubio is a ''Hawk '' and well versed in History and international politics ; he's exactly the type of leader that would rise to the top in an increasingly volatile world with threats of terrorism from the M E
6/ Hillary is so divisive and just so yesterday ..the electorate don't care for anymore from the Bush dynasty or a Clinton dynasty
"Paris reaps whirlwind of western support for extremist violence in Middle East
Without decades of intervention by the US and its allies there would have been no 'war on terror' and no terrorist attacks in Paris."
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:UGy6WqTARkAJ:stopwar.org.uk/index.php/news/paris-reaps-the-whirlwind-of-western-support-for-extremist-violence-in-the-middle-east+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk
If the ISIL statement post-Friday is indeed correct where the claim responsibility, they also suggest that France will remain top of the list still.
Turkey, Russia, France...............
Is this a hint to other countries ?
Day/days before, maybe.
Day of the attack, I'd have thought that if stopped that the suicide belt and assault rifle would have trumped the passport.
Create a safe haven, build good quality temporary shelter at UN expense. Use it as a base against ISIL
But it has to have the cooperation of Russia and Assad. I don't think Assad will have a problem with a stronger Kurdish presence but Turkey won't like it.
Otherwise, I cannot see how the refugee tide can be stemmed. Why should Turkey house all these people just like Europe ?
Trump is completely unsuited to politics by temperament and education ; he would be horrified if he were actually offered the Presidency ....if you think otherwise then you simply do not know how to read between the lines
1. They may not have names e.g. non French, non watch list
2. They have now identified more than the one local, the French guy who was killed, as having been not at home, but that doesn't make them trigger men or indeed involved at all.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_el-Tayeb
He is the founder of "Sunni Islam’s most prestigious university"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Azhar_University
So off you go, explain to him what true islam is, and he'll be able to spread the word.
You could perhaps start with this
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_el-Tayeb#Statements_on_Jews
Otherwise, perhaps consider the idea that Kuffar pronouncing on true islam dim, misleading, and irrelevant.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/ia/iowa_republican_presidential_caucus-3194.html
1 Rare, but not impossible, Bush Snr won a third term in 1988, FDR in 1940. Obama's ratings are also still 10% higher than Bush W's was at this stage
2 In 2008 Obama was a fresh face who had opposed the Iraq War in a country which wanted a change of direction. In 2016 a change of direction to the inexperienced largely passive Obama would be more provided by the experienced Hillary Clinton or even Trump (with his more aggressive rhetoric) than the inexperienced Rubio with his liberal line on immigration
3 Rubio is not as charismatic or articulate as either Reagan or Bill Clinton and even if he were the GOP is in an angry mood at the moment, not for a candidate with a 'sunny disposition' but a candidate who represents their anger
4 See above
5 Rubio is very inexperienced in terms of foreign policy and a liberal on borders compared to say Trump or Cruz and the GOP base will notice
6 Bill Clinton left office with a far higher approval rating than either the Bushes or Obama, the Clinton brand still has traction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PDmZnG8KsM
That focuses minds a bit more.
By the way, they are certainly not all kids.
"Yet it is not, as many suppose, just a handful of imams who are to blame for this radicalism. There is a whole industry of activists – sometimes in the guise of advocacy groups and campaigners for human rights – who travel round mosques, universities, colleges and even community centres filling the heads of young Muslims with hateful ideology."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-3319063/Root-radicals-schools-jails-says-counter-extremism-expert-MAAJID-NAWAZ.html
It's therefore fine from a left-wing viewpoint to condemn terrorists for being terrorists, and if they're Muslims that isn't any kind of excuse. If they object to Western policies on this or that, there are plenty of decent ways to do it, and killing people isn't one of them, as the Muslim Council of Britain has said in trenchant terms.
What we'd disagree with is the reverse false association: because the terrorists are Muslims, we must close all mosques, ban halal food, and require Muslims to recant or be deported (all things suggested on PB in the last couple of days). It's quite obviously unfair, and incidentally counter-productive, since we'd be saying to millions of British citizens, "We're fighting a war on terror and we've decided you're part of the enemy", which really isn't a useful way to isolate terrorists. We should be absolutely fine with law-abiding people with religious views that we don't share.
I still haven't got a handle on Gulen. He's either the biggest charlatan in existence or a potential moderate way forward for Islam.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/ia/iowa_republican_presidential_caucus-3194.html
=========================================
Rubio is the real front runner as Trump and Carson are not serious candidates ...there is nearly 3 months before Iowa , long enough for both Trump and Carson to crash and burn
The fact that Hillary has only a small lead over the republican field in disarray speaks volumes about her WEAKNESS ...once the Reps get themselves unified behind a single candidate then Hillary will lose her lead
But it is hard to pitch that idea internationally, every day that goes past with Muslims living peacfully in the west is a day that erodes the ISIS recruitment message. ISIS want a black and white world where either you are with the "crusaders" or you are with "Islam". Their attacks in Europe are designed to make the West act in a more Black and White way than they currently do.
Carson actually leads Hillary, even Sanders leads Trump so there are no guarantees there either
Drone operators target people who have chosen to fight.
People watching football matches are non-combatants.
"After the discovery of that parking ticket, it did not take long for the Belgian prosecutor’s office to open an anti-terrorist investigation, nor for the French border with Belgium to be tightened. Within hours, a car used in the Paris attacks, registered to a French citizen, was stopped there. The three people inside, seemingly returning to Molenbeek, were detained."
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/15/parking-ticket-paris-attacks-police-belgium-molenbeek
I still haven't got a handle on Gulen. He's either the biggest charlatan in existence or a potential moderate way forward for Islam.
I've heard of him, and from what little I know he seems alright.
But if we're playing Islamic top trumps, I think my guy wins,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_el-Tayeb
Influence 9 vs Influence 6
Can you prove to him, with Koranic sources, that he's wrong about the jews?
(edited because I messed up formatting)
Both sides use drones.
Our ones fly; the ISIS ones wear suicide vests.
The difference is that we don't deliberately target civilians.
https://twitter.com/G20Turkey2015?lang=en-gb
Excellent post. About four posters (of which I am one) would agree with you
After his statesmanship and leadership in the Gulf war he well deserved another term , unfortunately he was undermined by a young , slick operator by the name of Bill Clinton who unknowingly set a precedent of sorts .....I E. that in post modern America, youth and charisma can beat experience and gravitas ...Obama reinforced that fact by beating an aging , experienced war horse like Mccain in 2008 and that's also why a young , slick Hollywood-esque Rubio will defeat the aging experienced Hillary
Obama's approval rating are about 45-47% and are sure to fall lower over the final year of his Presidency , especially if there is a security crises in the M E or an economic recession at home ...he needs to be in the high 50s for Hillary to have a real shot at the Presidency
"He will make an excellent Drone!" - Sgt. Maj. Data
We have very strict rules in this country about the treatment of animals, they should in my view be enforced more rigorously than sometimes they are and, perhaps even tightened further both in terms of animal experiments and the importation of animal products from countries with lower standards). Why we should make exception for the sake of two religious minorities is quite beyond me,
47% certainly is not fatal for a Democratic candidate, especially as the Clinton brand is seperate from the Obama brand after their 2008 battle and Bill Clinton left office with a 60% plus approval rating