Posted on 11/03/2005 12:51:02 PM PST by NorthOf45
Canada seen as having 'soft belly,' terror expert says: 'Very worthy target'
National Post
Peter Goodspeed
November 3, 2005
One of the world's top counter-terrorism experts has warned Canada to brace itself for a major terrorist attack -- possibly using weapons of mass destruction.
Boaz Ganor, founder of the International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism in Israel, told a Toronto luncheon yesterday Islamic radicals like Osama bin laden consider Canada "a very soft belly."
"Canada, given its diversity and sense of neutrality, is, if not a primary target, a very worthy target," Dr. Ganor said. "From [the terrorists'] point of view, Canada is one of the pillars of Western society. Canada is regarded as a close ally of the United States. Canada has played an active role in Afghanistan and in the coalition against terrorism."
"Canada is one of the few countries mentioned by bin Laden in his videos [after the Sept.11, 2001, terror attacks] as a potential target," he added. "I think it is the only one" that has not experienced an actual attack.
Canadians are much more aware of the terrorist threat and are better prepared to deal with it than in the past, Dr. Ganor said. But the country still remains vulnerable.
"My feeling is that it is a soft belly. If it is harder to attack in the United States, it is not inconceivable, from the point of view of these guys, to attack Canada."
The threat facing countries like Canada from weapons of mass destruction is even greater than at the height of the Cold War, Dr. Ganor said.
The main aim of terrorism is not to kill or destroy but to maximize anxiety and to put pressure on governments to yield on policy. As a result, radical Islamic terrorists won't hesitate to threaten to use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.
"When asked in an interview years ago if he would ever use non-conventional weapons in his attacks, bin Laden replied that he would regard it as a sin not to use every means at his disposal to, as he put it, defend Muslims from infidels," Dr. Ganor said.
The very diversity Canadians take such pride in may actually leave the country vulnerable to a suicide attack using a second-generation immigrant, the counter-terrorism expert predicted.
"Bin Laden is enamoured with suicide attacks -- the ultimate smart bomb -- which can maximize casualties and damage," he said.
"You can see the appeal of second-generation immigrants -- people who are supposed to be very well blended into the society."
But it is the huge gulf in understanding between modern terrorists and their potential victims that is most dangerous.
"In the Cold War, the antagonists could communicate, but here they couldn't care less. When you have two enemies who operate with a different rationality, you cannot communicate. You cannot threaten. You cannot persuade. You cannot even make concessions, because everything you do will be perceived differently."
Modern Islamic radicals make the most dangerous terrorists because they are driven by a sense of mission.
"When you believe God is sending you on a mission, when what you believe is a divine command, you actually paint the world with two colours -- black and white," he said.
"It is either with us or against us. There is no in-between and there is no room for concessions or negotiations."
What else should be expect from a country run by ultra liberals?
to go with their square heads.
/started watching deadwood last night.
Is the square head slur some comment on the norwiegian (sp) roots of people from Minnesota and points north? those folks on the show sure had square heads.
Not to mention that Canada basically welcomes with open arms people who fit the terrorist profile.
"Canada, given its diversity and sense of neutrality, is, if not a primary target, a very worthy target,"
But they're neutral, they are not involved. When they are attacked, I'm sure they will say it is all Bush's fault.
Canada needs to look at France and tremble.
Page in memory, let see how close I get:
Some 70% of Canada is almost uninhabitable due to cold and snow. So 90% of its people live on the US Canada border. I think if they hit the border most would say they were attacking the US and just missed.
Doesn't take a genius or terror expert to figure that one out - hell, Canada is laying on it's back like a turtle begging to be attacked with their loose immigration policies....
soft belly = no balls = Liberalism
This story is crap: Everyone knows if you appease the terrorists they will lave you alone.
It's really just a matter of time before other countries are hit (some, again) and we're hit (again) and the world, and half of America will still blame the USA and not the Terrorists.
I don't understand the mentality, but to me, the "appeaser attitude" is one of the most important things we have working against us (ALL of us) in the WOT.
One of the funniest things I've seen posted on FR.
And you didn't know Canada had Navy:-)
One terrorist attack will turn a whole bunch of Canadian liberals into Canadian conservatives.
I have forwarded the link to my son
who is an officer in the Canadian Naval Reserve.
I'm sure he'll like it.
Believe it or not
he knows how to fire a machine gun
and throw grenades.
Yeah the Canadian Freepers hate it whenever I put that up.
Canada Ping!
Please FReepmail me to get on or off this ping list.
so many taxicabs too...
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