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Max Coutinho
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Soldiers by Béla Uitz |
On the 22nd of July, Norway suffered a terrorist attack.
This hideous crime reminded the world of two things:
- There is terror beyond Islamists.
- The permissiveness of the Left Wing awoke the Monster.
A few years ago, I heard a European political sciences professional (in a party) telling me that she correlated “terrorism” to Muslims. I was disappointed to learn that an individual that was supposed to be proficient in the political language could be so narrow minded, bigoted and thick. Being a Muslim doesn’t necessarily equal to being a terrorist.
There is terrorism beyond radical Islam: ETA (Basque terrorists – Spain), IRA (Catholic terrorists – Northern Ireland), Hamas (political terrorists – future state of Palestine), FARC (communist terrorists – Colombia), PKK (Kurdish terrorists – Turkey), The Patriots (far right terrorists – USA), etc. Islamists are an evil seed, however the Intelligence World got so focused upon them that it became oblivious to the other dormant evil seeds; giving them, thus, time and space to sprout and thrive.
Although the role of the Left Wing, in democracy, is important it really needs to admit its abysmal mistakes (mainly, ultra-generous re-distribution of national wealth, that leads to idleness, therefore to low productivity, thus to poverty and ultimately to recession; plus, relaxed positions towards illegal immigration) and re-structure its speech and stance.
The socialist permissiveness and emotional politics led Europe to the chaos in which it presently finds itself, and unfortunately it woke up the Monster. History has already taught us that economic, social and cultural discontentment is the perfect fertilizer to grow far right extremists, so I can’t understand how the Left has failed to grasp the painful lessons of the past, and allowed evil to resurface.
The Norwegian security forces have admitted to the increase of far right wing activity last year; however they also suggested that the movement was feeble, that it lacked a charismatic leader and it showed modest growth potential. It seems like they were quite mistaken.
The apparent disorganization may be intended to deflect attention, as it seems to have been the case: security units were too relaxed about the “pseudo-disorganisation” of far right radicals and allowed a very dangerous extremist young man to murder 77 human beings.
Jens Stoltenberg, the Norwegian PM, has stated that Norway “has not lost its innocence”, but for Norway’s sake I hope it has, for innocence and naïveté do not keep a nation safe.
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Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday.
Terrorism is such an awful state of the world. It puts everyone on edge and innocent lives are taken due to extremism. It has certainly made everyone wake up.
"History has already taught us that economic, social and cultural discontentment is the perfect fertilizer to grow far right extremists..."
Brilliant.
"...innocence and naïveté do not keep a nation safe."
Very well said.
Definitely something to think about.
Waking Up Cheers!
Hi Lady A :D!
ReplyDelete"Happy Tuesday."
Happy Tuesday, darling!
"Terrorism is such an awful state of the world. It puts everyone on edge and innocent lives are taken due to extremism. It has certainly made everyone wake up."
It is, indeed. It made everybody wake up and yield to constant state of fear and paranoia...
"["History has already taught us that economic, social and cultural discontentment is the perfect fertilizer to grow far right extremists..."]
Brilliant."
Thank you so much *bowing*.
"["...innocence and naïveté do not keep a nation safe."] Very well said."
Thank you :D.
"Definitely something to think about."
This is just the intro; the thinking material is up next week.
Lady A, thank you ever so much for your comment :D.
Anti-Extremism Cheers
One of my greatest fears is home-grown terrorists, and no country is safe them. My thoughts now go to their motives and possible reasons for their behaviour.
ReplyDeleteIs it their militant beliefs, religious or political, that urge them on to rid their presence of anyone who doesn't conform?
Are they just mentally unstable?
Is their sole purpose in life just to target the innocent in an attempt to gain some form of reward, be it monitory or power or whatever through injury or death?
These examples are just the tip of the iceberg I'm afraid.
Countries, groups and individuals who have a history of providing assistance and defending others, no matter what faith or religion - inside and outside of their own borders – be it through armed conflict or ensuring democratic rights and freedom by peaceful political manoeuvring, are targets for these sick individuals and groups - who cower away after their evil acts, and then if caught, proclaim their innocence or protest it was their lawful right.
Is it any wonder the world is at war and countries are beefing up home security to defend themselves from this evil we call terrorism.
More of a statement than a comment really. Sorry about that.
Take Care,
Peter
I live in a country and in an area which has had more terrorist activities in the recent decades than any other country in the world. Our neighbour, Pakistan, harbours, patronises, trains and exports terrorists and terror. It is not an accident that it is an Islamic country. To our South, a great omission on your part, the LTTE, Tamil Christians funded, trained and supported by South America based Christian leftists killed one of our Prime Ministers in an act of suicide bombing. To our North we have Maoist Communists from Nepal, joining hands with our home grown extreme leftists in constant terror, ideologically called by them as warfare with our State. Innoncence? I have lost people I knew or children of friends and relatives to acts of terror. Backlash in the form of Hindu Right Extreme terror has now reared its head in our country.
ReplyDeleteI have no sympathy for any kind of terror but, notice one thing in common among all the terrorists that you have listed and I have added to. Their acts of terror are aimed to get their message across. If we would only set up mechanisms to let such voices be heard and action taken on their legitimate complaints, perhaps we can get rid of this scourge from the face of our earth.
Terrorism is a fact of life these days........more so now than in the past. Terrorism has always been an effective weapon of radicals, fanatics and the weak. However, today, with the concept of "instant worldwide news (instant fame and recognition)", thanks to the Internet, cell phones with cameras, YouTube, Facebook, and such, a new type of terrorist has arrived........the sick individual looking for that 15 minutes of fame.
ReplyDeleteBasically, we have to be far more aware of our surroundings. This applies to both law enforcement and us as individuals.
Unfortunately, this can give rise to vigilanteism, especially if we feel that law enforcement is lacking.
We are all in a a very difficult situation. We are not about to take away the individual's right to be an asshole, of take away the ever increasing availability to "instant fame" for being an asshole.
I am sad for the future......not only do we have to deal with radical terrorism and homegrown terrorism, but we will have to deal with increasing "random acts of terrorism".
Max, I and sorry for taking you discussion in a different direction.......but you have a knack of opening up my thought process and exploring ideas that I may not have thought of before. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
Max, unfortunately the reaction of that "political sciences professional" to Muslims is more common than we think - specially in people who do not go beyond their basic education/training.
ReplyDeleteYes, before radical Islam took over the terror scene we had already learned about so many other terrorist groups: FUP (Portuguese terrorist group after the revolution of '74), Brigate Rosse (Italy), RAF (West Germany), CFF (Cambodia), Tamil Tigers (Sri Lanka) etc etc...they come in all shapes and forms.
So, Hamas is a political terrorist group and not an Islamist group?
It is interesting to see that left wing policies give rise to fascist groups (mainly based on the defence of national traditions) and right wing policies give rise to either radical religious groups (based on twisted interpretations of Religious texts) or to left extremists (based on communism and anti-moral values views).
Socialists can be permissive, but the right wing can either be too strict or stifling. In both cases, there can exist lack of objectivity.
Politicians (both right and left) should think of all the possible consequences of their policies decisions. This takes us back to action/reaction, cause/effect.
I agree that the disorganisation presented by the Norwegian far right may be elucive intended to deviate attentions. How come didn't they follow up on the alert given for Breivik's purchase of huge amounts of fertiliser?
Hi Peter :D!
ReplyDelete"One of my greatest fears is home-grown terrorists, and no country is safe them."
Home-grown terrorists can be more dangerous than foreign ones, as they know the territory, the behaviour of people & their customs much better than strangers; know what I mean?
"My thoughts now go to their motives and possible reasons for their behaviour. Is it their militant beliefs, religious or political, that urge them on to rid their presence of anyone who doesn't conform?"
Excellent question. It depends on the group, really. There are some who are motivated by militant and political beliefs (usually Far Left groups), then there are those who are motivated by religious and political beliefs (usually Far Right groups); and then there are those whose beliefs fall upon none of the above although they make use of them as a front cover of their operations (pseudo-apolitical groups, because it is impossible to be apolitical).
A few years ago it was easier to label these groups; but there has been an evolution in crime as well, so each terrorist group has its own psychology and politics (if you will).
"Are they just mentally unstable?"
No, in fact, from what I have read so far the master minds of terrorism are quite rational and logical - otherwise their ideology wouldn't stick and spread. Nevertheless, when before a court of law they may plead "insanity" to walk - look at how Breivik is subtly trying to pass as an insane man...it is all part of his defense.
I think we need to pay attention to the new generation of Western terrorists: they are educated, cultivated and knowledgeable in several fields; thus broadening their opportunities to spread their message and instructions.
"Is their sole purpose in life just to target the innocent in an attempt to gain some form of reward, be it monitory or power or whatever through injury or death?"
It is all about power, in my view.
"Is it any wonder the world is at war and countries are beefing up home security to defend themselves from this evil we call terrorism."
No, it is no wonder at all...
"More of a statement than a comment really. Sorry about that."
Do not apologise: I am super glad your shared your statement with us - it is a great form of comment, mate!
Peter, outstanding comment for which I thank you a million times :D. Always a pleasure...
Cheers
Hi Mel :D!
ReplyDelete"Terrorism is a fact of life these days........more so now than in the past. Terrorism has always been an effective weapon of radicals, fanatics and the weak. However, today, with the concept of "instant worldwide news (instant fame and recognition)", thanks to the Internet, cell phones with cameras, YouTube, Facebook, and such, a new type of terrorist has arrived........the sick individual looking for that 15 minutes of fame."
Indeed, indeed. I would like to stress, though, they these radicals aren't mentally sick (cause that is their defense), they are Evil.
"Basically, we have to be far more aware of our surroundings. This applies to both law enforcement and us as individuals."
I totally agree with you, but in a fashion that doesn't agress our basic human rights.
"Unfortunately, this can give rise to vigilanteism, especially if we feel that law enforcement is lacking."
Exactly. And vigilanteism leads to chaos, which can open the door to Extremist Governments (with the excuse that they must control the situation. Next thing we know, our civil rights are being trampled).
"We are all in a a very difficult situation. We are not about to take away the individual's right to be an asshole, of take away the ever increasing availability to "instant fame" for being an asshole."
LOL "right to be an asshole" LOL true, true. This leads to the question (that I have tackled already) "is the defense of Freedom of Expression killing us?"...
"I am sad for the future......not only do we have to deal with radical terrorism and homegrown terrorism, but we will have to deal with increasing "random acts of terrorism"."
I am a bit more positive than you, I confess. I think that if we stay alert (and mainly do not get used to fight against one single form of terrorism/foe) we will be fine, come what may. Random acts of terrorism...I am not sure they exist.
"Max, I and sorry for taking you discussion in a different direction.......but you have a knack of opening up my thought process and exploring ideas that I may not have thought of before. THANK YOU FOR THAT."
Never apologise, man! The MAX Experience motto is Free Expression - you know that ;D.
Aaahh, too generous....! Either way, you are welcome, my friend *bowing*.
Mel, outstanding comment for which I thank you a billion times :D. You were missed!
Cheers
Hi Ana :D!
ReplyDelete"Max, unfortunately the reaction of that "political sciences professional" to Muslims is more common than we think - specially in people who do not go beyond their basic education/training."
You are right. My mother would call that the Format of the Mind: the brain is voluntarily divided into sectors to store the planned information and then it just can't connect those sectors, and process and sequence the information in them *nodding*.
"Yes, before radical Islam took over the terror scene we had already learned about so many other terrorist groups: FUP (Portuguese terrorist group after the revolution of '74), Brigate Rosse (Italy), RAF (West Germany), CFF (Cambodia), Tamil Tigers (Sri Lanka) etc etc...they come in all shapes and forms."
Aah, it had to be you! You mentioned the FUP! Thank you for complementing the list of terrorist groups, darling.
I agree: terror groups come in all sizes and shapes.
"So, Hamas is a political terrorist group and not an Islamist group?"
Oh come on; you don't seriously believe that they are an Islamist group, do you? They are more political than anything. If they were Islamists, they'd have to be religious, if so they'd want a land (even if Gaza only) to implement their Sharia law (since they claim to be shias), but instead they play politics like no man's business. Look at their union agreement with Fatah...where did it go? And why did it occur in the first place?
"It is interesting to see that left wing policies give rise to fascist groups (mainly based on the defence of national traditions) and right wing policies give rise to either radical religious groups (based on twisted interpretations of Religious texts) or to left extremists (based on communism and anti-moral values views)."
Generally speaking, I agree with you; but there are exceptions. I have learned that things are not always linear. The unexpected should be expected, always.
For example, in Portugal (in the Guterres era - i.e. Lefty government) there was the resurfacing of Far Left Groups who wanted to bring Guterres down (to tell you that truth they confused me; because they looked like Skinheads only with the communist symbol on their chests...very odd), of course we never heard of them again...but the thing is, sometimes Left Wing policies can give birth to Far Left Activity.
"Socialists can be permissive, but the right wing can either be too strict or stifling. In both cases, there can exist lack of objectivity.
Politicians (both right and left) should think of all the possible consequences of their policies decisions. This takes us back to action/reaction, cause/effect."
There should be a Balance, yes. When both political tendencies yield to extremism (of any kind), they can rest assured that the opposite force will sprout. I agree: cause/effect.
"How come didn't they follow up on the alert given for Breivik's purchase of huge amounts of fertiliser?"
Aaah, I could answer that now...but I won't. You see, I answer that question on Part II lol ;):
However, I can say that Breivik represents a new generation of terrorists and we should all be attentive to folks of his kind. We must always keep in mind that appearances deceive; but even an appearance hints at something....
Ana, outstanding comment for which I thank you ever so much :D.
Cheers
I live in a country and in an area which has had more terrorist activities in the recent decades than any other country in the world. Our neighbour, Pakistan, harbours, patronises, trains and exports terrorists and terror. It is not an accident that it is an Islamic country. To our South, a great omission on your part, the LTTE, Tamil Christians funded, trained and supported by South America based Christian leftists killed one of our Prime Ministers in an act of suicide bombing. To our North we have Maoist Communists from Nepal, joining hands with our home grown extreme leftists in constant terror, ideologically called by them as warfare with our State. Innoncence? I have lost people I knew or children of friends and relatives to acts of terror. Backlash in the form of Hindu Right Extreme terror has now reared its head in our country.
ReplyDeleteI have no sympathy for any kind of terror but, notice one thing in common among all the terrorists that you have listed and I have added to. Their acts of terror are aimed to get their message across. If we would only set up mechanisms to let such voices be heard and action taken on their legitimate complaints, perhaps we can get rid of this scourge from the face of our earth.
Hi Rummy :D!
ReplyDelete"Our neighbour, Pakistan, harbours, patronises, trains and exports terrorists and terror. It is not an accident that it is an Islamic country."
Their mask has dropped (with the Bin Laden incident), I'm affraid. They pretended to be an ally, while at the same time they were harbouring the most wanted criminal (at international level).
"To our South, a great omission on your part, the LTTE, Tamil Christians funded, trained and supported by South America based Christian leftists killed one of our Prime Ministers in an act of suicide bombing. To our North we have Maoist Communists from Nepal, joining hands with our home grown extreme leftists in constant terror, ideologically called by them as warfare with our State. Innoncence? I have lost people I knew or children of friends and relatives to acts of terror. Backlash in the form of Hindu Right Extreme terror has now reared its head in our country."
My omission was intended for the readers to contribute to the list, as you have done (I didn't include a Portuguese group, hoping that someone would) - thank you *bowing*.
Yes, I have read about the Tamil Tigers and the Maoist Communists (in fact, the latter inspired a Portuguese group in the 70's. I even believe EU President, Durão Barroso, was a Maoist Communist in his youth).
Warfare with your State? Are they fighting Soldiers...no, they murder innocent people, civillians.
I am so sorry for the many losses in your life, Rummy.
"I have no sympathy for any kind of terror but, notice one thing in common among all the terrorists that you have listed and I have added to. Their acts of terror are aimed to get their message across. If we would only set up mechanisms to let such voices be heard and action taken on their legitimate complaints, perhaps we can get rid of this scourge from the face of our earth."
I do not appreciate terror either. I see what you mean, but I don't think that their message gets across at all; because their violence only muffles their message. Terrorism is an ineffective. Protesters must find non-violent creative ways to push their message and get what they want - does it take more time? Perhaps. It is more effective? Without a doubt.
Rummy, outstanding comment: thank you ever so much :D.
Cheers
I fear that random acts of terrorism will grow, as the mentally ill and evil people begin to realize more and more that the more heinous the act the more people, will know about in instantly.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I fear for the future.
Columbine, was a random act of terrorism. I am sure if I did more research, I could come up with more.
"Exactly. And vigilanteism leads to chaos, which can open the door to Extremist Governments (with the excuse that they must control the situation. Next thing we know, our civil rights are being trampled)."
Excellent point! More fear for the future.
I am not usually a fatalist..... but your post brought it out in me.
This was one topic which I can almost write on and on having being born in a state where left politics ruled for 3 decades but I think the aura of the Left wing/communist politics has already faded and is only going downhill, so its better not to add much salt to their already battered senseless EGOS. Now their only source of survival is paying some lip service by criticizing the West and trying to take kind of upperhand when something bad happens in liberal economies, but as time has shown the people has already seen their masked faces who only hold on to power through the uses of autocratic means. Their very idea of giving more power to people and equality stops when it comes to choosing their governments where people has almost no say in them and are forced to stay out of it.
ReplyDelete"... for innocence and naïveté do not keep a nation safe."
ReplyDeleteAmen to that.
Mel,
ReplyDelete"I fear that random acts of terrorism will grow, as the mentally ill and evil people begin to realize more and more that the more heinous the act the more people, will know about in instantly. This is why I fear for the future."
I see what you mean...
"Columbine, was a random act of terrorism. I am sure if I did more research, I could come up with more."
Do you really believe it was a random act?
"Excellent point! More fear for the future."
Thank you *bowing*. I would say that we must not yield to fear (and you were one of the people who taught me this), instead we are to stop and reflect upon where we are and where things are going...
"I am not usually a fatalist..... but your post brought it out in me."
LOL oh, now it's my fault! lol...
Hi Kalyan :D!
ReplyDelete"This was one topic which I can almost write on and on having being born in a state where left politics ruled for 3 decades but I think the aura of the Left wing/communist politics has already faded and is only going downhill, so its better not to add much salt to their already battered senseless EGOS."
LOL "senseless ego" indeed. I agree with you: everywhere, in the world, the Left wing/communist politics is fading and going downhill (since they insist upon the same old rhetoric).
"Now their only source of survival is paying some lip service by criticizing the West and trying to take kind of upperhand when something bad happens in liberal economies, but as time has shown the people has already seen their masked faces who only hold on to power through the uses of autocratic means."
Like I said, the same old tactis *nodding*...
You are right: the people is beginning to see their real colours.
"Their very idea of giving more power to people and equality stops when it comes to choosing their governments where people has almost no say in them and are forced to stay out of it."
Absolutely...
Kalyan, outstanding input: thank you so much, mate :D.
Cheers
Hi Looney :D!
ReplyDelete"["... for innocence and naïveté do not keep a nation safe."] Amen to that."
Amen!
Looney, thank you so much for your input :D.
Cheers