The list I'm referring to is the one published by UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. It includes some 22 people who would be denied entry to the UK on the grounds of fostering hatred and extremism. She is the official who earlier this year denied entry to Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders, who wanted to attend a viewing of his film Fitna in the UK House of Lords.
Only 16 of the names were released. About half of them are Muslim radicals. The remaining ones include white supremacists, a militant Israeli settler, anti-homosexual activists, and American Michael Savage, the host of the nationally-syndicated “Savage Nation” talk show.
According to Smith, Savage is "considered to be engaging in unacceptable behavior by seeking to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred which might lead to inter-community violence." Savage has called the Koran a 'book of hate' and a 'document of slavery and chattel.'
Just how the list was generated is unclear: the two Russian skinheads are in jail, so presumably aren't planning to visit the UK. Savage, who said he had no plans either, is threatening to sue Smith for defamation for lumping him in with mass murderers. As UK libel laws notoriously favor the plaintiff, it will be interesting to see what happens if he does file suit.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Smith might lose her job, for other reasons, if the Labour Party does poorly in the elections on June 4. (Thanks to CNS News.)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Must read
Former Dutch parliamentarian Ayaan Hirsi Ali, as usual, goes directly to the heart of the problem, probing the loyalties of Muslims living in Europe. (Thanks to Jihad Watch.)
In 2006, she asked Tariq Ramadan, considered by many to be the face of moderate Islam in Europe, what he would do if he had to choose which of the countries (Egypt and Switzerland) whose nationality he holds he would fight for. He huffed and puffed, then refused to answer the question.
Hirsi Ali she suggests that many other Muslims would be hard put to decide in favor of the European country where they are living. This is due partly to their idea of loyalty to Islam, and partly to the conditions under which they have been granted various European citizenships. As she says: "... what European countries have done is give citizenship to individuals who feel no obligation to share in their societies for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer and in the event of a catastrophe, sacrifice themselves." You kinda get what you ask for.
In 2006, she asked Tariq Ramadan, considered by many to be the face of moderate Islam in Europe, what he would do if he had to choose which of the countries (Egypt and Switzerland) whose nationality he holds he would fight for. He huffed and puffed, then refused to answer the question.
Hirsi Ali she suggests that many other Muslims would be hard put to decide in favor of the European country where they are living. This is due partly to their idea of loyalty to Islam, and partly to the conditions under which they have been granted various European citizenships. As she says: "... what European countries have done is give citizenship to individuals who feel no obligation to share in their societies for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer and in the event of a catastrophe, sacrifice themselves." You kinda get what you ask for.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The DHS 'lexicon'
Another document prepared by the Department of Homeland Security is making waves: the "Domestic Extremism Lexicon." In some 12 pages, it defines terms like 'alternative media,' 'Jewish extremism,' and 'radicalization' but, according to its preface, does not address Muslim extremism. I assume a companion piece defines the terms of art connected to that threat, but so far no information about it.
From the horse's mouth
In this MEMRI video, Sultan Abu Al-Einen, a Fatah leader in Lebanon, describes with admiration how Yasser Arafat condemned suicide bombers while financing them. Just think - that was back in the good ole days when we had a Mideast peace process.
A two-state solution
One wonders if Secretary of State Clinton or special envoy George Mitchell will query Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas about this recent statement, in which he refuses to acknowledge the existence of a Jewish state of Israel - to applause from a youthful audience. Frankly, I doubt it. I also doubt that the EU would be up to the task either, based on their latest brou-haha. (Thanks to Jihad Watch.)
Wrong answer
Let me see: you're an Iraqi living in Denmark and Danish intelligence suspects you are the premier recruiter in Northern Europe for suicide bombers in Iraq. So what does the Danish government do: (1) send you back to Iraq; or (2) keep you in Denmark on humanitarian grounds, because you might be harmed if you were sent back to Iraq.
The Danes are not alone in picking option (2); for years, the British have been trying in vain to deport Abu Qatada, an even more notorious figure. Human rights advocates can always turn to the European Court on Human Rights to back them up; embattled national security officials lack a patron in the broader European sphere. (Thanks to Jihad Watch.)
The Danes are not alone in picking option (2); for years, the British have been trying in vain to deport Abu Qatada, an even more notorious figure. Human rights advocates can always turn to the European Court on Human Rights to back them up; embattled national security officials lack a patron in the broader European sphere. (Thanks to Jihad Watch.)
Monday, May 4, 2009
The real Dubai
Here's an appalling description of Dubai, the fairy-tale, bigger-higher-better-more luxurious super-modern city in the Persian Gulf. Which, it turns out, has been built on slave labor, and with tremendous environmental damage. In the current downturn, construction has stopped and the city is empty. (Thanks to Joe.)
If you haven't been to Dubai or seen any pictures of it, check this out.
If you haven't been to Dubai or seen any pictures of it, check this out.
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