A Civil War on Terrorism: How much of a threat does Islamic radicalism pose to western Europe?

The Economist ^ | November 25, 2004 | Unattributed

[quidnunc]

Geert Wilders should be feeling good. This week the Dutch MP launched a new political party — demanding a halt to non-western immigration to the Netherlands for five years and a tougher line against Islamic radicalism. Some national opinion polls already put his party in second place. But Mr Wilders admits he is not sleeping well. His life has been threatened by the Islamic radicals he excoriates and it is no longer safe for him to live at home. Instead he moves between safe houses, and can travel only in an armoured car, surrounded by bodyguards. “It's like being trapped in a B-movie,” he says.

The Dutch security services are taking no chances because three weeks ago Theo Van Gogh, a prominent Dutch film-maker who had made a movie attacking Islam's attitude to women, was murdered on the streets of Amsterdam. And this was not any old street killing. Mr Van Gogh was dragged from his bike, shot six times and his head was nearly sliced off by an Islamic radical, who then impaled a five-page letter attacking the enemies of Islam on the chest of his dying victim. Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Dutch politician of Somali Muslim origin who was repeatedly threatened in the letter, is also in hiding and, unlike Mr Wilders, has not re-appeared in parliament. Other prominent politicians and even some journalists now have permanent armed protection. “You're nobody as a columnist unless you have an armed guard,” jokes one eminent Amsterdamer.

-snip-

[Oatka]

"The Dutch secret service reckons there are only about 150 Islamic radicals on the fringes of terrorism in the country. This suggests the problem could ultimately be treated as a law-enforcement issue, as with the Baader-Meinhof gang that terrorised Germany in the 1970s."

Shades of John Kerry! The writer makes no distinction between political terrorists with an agenda and religious zealots who glorify and seek death.

[konaice]

It looks increasingly apparent that—as with the 9/11 hijackers—the problem is not lack of integration or opportunity, but a vicious ideology.

Well DUH!

Are they FINALLY wakeing up to the Religion of Peace?

[Pelham]

Just remember who dubbed it "a religion of peace". We're not necessarily any better served.

[konaice]

True, but that was a political necessity.

I believe if you asked in private (under sodium penathal) even HE would admit it was but a canard to prevent whole scale lynchings.

I keep waiting for even the most feeble voice of Condemnation from the Muslim community for what is being done in their name.

I keep waiting....

[Route101]

You brought this "world of hurt" on yourselves. Take a look in the mirror for the blame. To many Muslim immigrants are now your enemy within....Good Luck!

[Seaplaner]

... “There is no way you can appease Muslim radicalism...”

But appease they will, and like appeasing any bully, they will only worsen the threats and increase cultural giveaways.

Interestingly, I think it's quite possible that the most severe Muslim radicalism problems will manifest in France. France is the perceived, de facto spokes-nation of the EU, and potentially the most desirable target for any cult or nation seeking hegemony.

(And, it's not like France is known for putting up a fight or anything.)

[Pelham]

I'm not so sure. 'He' had been working with Grover Norquist to recruit the Religion of Peace faction as a GOP voting block. The RoP had been complaining that they were being watched by the FBI and they wanted it to stop. 'He' had been scheduled to sign an order to that effect, and in fact was going to meet with the RoP in the rose garden on the afternoon of September 11, 2001. But then something intervened. However, 'he' did meet with them shortly afterwards in a photo op where 'he' made some statment about them being... A Religion of Peace. He at least wasn't worried about them until he got a lesson only Norquist has managed to ignore.

[Pelham]

You might find this interesting:

http://www.vdare.com/sailer/rove_means.htm