'To Hell with Their Culture' - Richard Dawkins in Extraordinary Blast at Muslims

EXPRESS: TOP academic and atheist Richard Dawkins has attacked western society's relaxed attitude to radical Islam in an extraordinary outburst.

The British scientist was appearing on a live TV chat show in the United States when he blasted "to hell with their culture" when referring to some practices in Islam, such as women being made to wear burkhas.

Dawkins was appearing on the Bill Maher's HBO show and the pair were debating regressive liberals and, in particular, universities banning those with extreme views from giving lectures.

The conversation turned to Islam when Dawkins criticised those afraid to confront the religion on some of its extreme practices, saying the religion was being given a "free pass".

The 74-year-old said: "There's this notion Islam and Muslims are this protected species.

"That if we talk about them at all or criticise at all, it's somehow hurting or humiliating Muslims. It's a ridiculous idea."

Host Maher then added liberals should protect those who are being repressed regardless of who it offends.

He went on to say this includes women forced to wear religious clothing, which led to Dawkins extraordinary comment.

Maher said: "We're on the side of the women's movement and poor and minorities and whatever. Gay people, the disabled, the abused, whatever Caitlyn (Jenner) is up to. We're all for it.

"And they (liberals) applaud that but if you say something about a woman being forced to wear a beekeeper suit in the hot sun all day…"

Dawkins then took over saying: "But that's 'their culture' and you have to accept it. It's the one exception. Liberal about everything but this one exception, 'it's their culture'.

"Well, to hell with their culture." Read on and comment » | John Worthing | Friday, November 27, 2015

Switzerland Overwhelmingly Votes for Burqa Ban with £6,500 Fine for Muslim Women Who Rebel

EXPRESS: WOMEN wearing a burqa in Switzerland will now be fined a whopping £6,500 after an overwhelming number voted to bring in ban.

Muslim women can no longer wear the full-body garment in shops, restaurants or public buildings and anyone caught flouting the ban could be struck with a £6,500 fine.

The local government of Ticino approved the referendum after the Swiss Parliament ruled that the ban did not violate the country's federal law.

Two in three voters in the canton backed the move in an overwhelming result for a referendum, in the wake of heightened terrorist alerts across Europe.

The law which MPs voted for only applies to veils which covers the body from head to foot worn by the 40,000 Muslim women in Switzerland and also applies to all tourists visiting the area.

Other face coverings such as masks, balaclavas or crash helmets are still permitted. » | Oli Smith | Friday, November 27, 2015

Germany: 'Turkey Must Pay' for Death of Su-24 Pilot, Say Protesters in Berlin

Protesters rallied in front of the Turkish embassy in Berlin, Friday, over the downing of Russian Su-24 warplane by NATO member Turkey, claiming that the country should be responsible for the death of the Russian pilot.

‪Turkish Police Use Pepper Spray to Disperse Protesters in Ankara‬

Minor clashes broke out with police using pepper spray to push back protesters that gathered outside the Cumhuriyet newspaper offices in Ankara, to show solidarity with two of the daily's journalists who have been jailed on terror and espionage charges for publishing reports that accuse the government of arms smuggling into Syria.

Russia Imposes Sanctions on Turkey over Downed Plane

A protester at a rally in Moscow on Wednesday holds a placard
reading 'Don't go to Turkey'.

THE GUARDIAN: Russian prime minister says punitive steps could include halting joint economic projects, restricting financial transactions and changing customs duties

Russia has announced that it will impose import sanctions on Turkey and cancel major investment projects as the spat between the two countries over the downed Su-24 fighter jet continues.

The Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, said broad punitive steps could include halting joint economic projects, restricting financial and trade transactions and changing customs duties. There were calls to ban imports of all Turkish produce, while in the city of Krasnodar, dozens of Turkish workers were rounded up and arrested for visa violations.

Already, the country’s tourist board has suspended all tours to Turkey, a move that it estimated would cost the Turkish economy $10bn (£6.6bn). Russia also said it was suspending all military cooperation with Turkey, including closing down an emergency hotline to share information on Russian airstrikes in Syria. » | Shaun Walker in Moscow | Thursday, November 26, 2015

Saudi Arabia Executions: Kingdom to Behead 50 Men Convicted of Terrorism Offences despite Threat of Shia Revolt

THE INDEPENDENT: Impervious to international opinion, the desert kingdom is poised to execute more than 50 people, three of whom were under 18 when their alleged crime took place. All because of a power struggle within the ruling family

Saudi authorities appear set in the next few days to carry out a series of beheadings across the country of more than 50 men convicted of terrorism offences. Among those facing execution are three young men who were juveniles when they were arrested.

The publication earlier this week of an article in the newspaper Okaz, which has close links to the Saudi Ministry of the Interior, has convinced families of the accused and concerned human-rights organisations that the executions are imminent.

Sources have said that the plan is to behead the men in several cities across the kingdom, most likely after Friday prayers. » | Bill Law | Thursday, November 26, 2015

LIVE: Putin and Hollande Give a Joint Press Conference Following Their Meeting - English Audio

Russian president Vladimir Putin and French President Francois Hollande will hold a joint press conference following their meeting in Moscow on Thursday, November 26.

French President Francois Hollande is scheduled to travel to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss French and Russian actions in combating terrorism as well as the Syrian Crisis on Thursday, November 26.

Russia, which already launched its bombing campaign against militants in Syria on September 30, will negotiate with France for an international anti-terrorism operation in Syria. Hollande called for a broad coalition including the USA after the so-called Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) militant group claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris last week, that killed 130 people and left hundreds injured.

David Cameron Accused of Failing to Pressure Gulf States over Isis Funding due to Tory Links to Wealthy Saudis

David Cameron was also accused of shelving a report into
the Muslim Brotherhood because it would be 'unhelpful'
to the Saudis

THE INDEPENDENT: Former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown suggests Cameron had failed to exert pressure on Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stop its 'rich businessmen' from funding jihadists because of the 'closeness' between the Tories and wealthy Arab individuals

David Cameron has been accused of failing to tell Gulf states to crack down on the flow of funds to Isis because of the Conservative party’s links to rich Arab individuals.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown suggested that the Prime Minister had not put enough pressure on countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stop its “rich businessmen” funding the Salafists and the Wahhabists and had also failed to do enough to persuade them from joining the bombing of Isis in Syria.

This could be explained by the “closeness” between Gulf donors and the Tory party in the UK, Lord Ashdown alleged.

He also accused the Prime Minister of shelving a report on the funding of the Muslim Brotherhood in Britain because it came up with findings that were “unhelpful” to the Saudis. » | Matt Dathan, Adam Withnall Online political reporter | Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Islamisierung in Deutschland - Buschkowsky - 9.11.2015

Heinz Buschkowsky spricht über die bereits vorhanden Probleme mit islamischen Parallelgesellschaften und mögliche Auswirkungen von den weiteren Millionen "Flüchtlingen" auf Gesellschaft und Politik.

Das Ende Europas - Flüchtlingswelle bedroht Abendland

Diese Einwanderunsgwelle wird Europa "erschlagen". Nicht nur, dass Hunderttausende von nicht registrierten Einwanderern aus Syrien und Irak (dem Wirkungskreis des Islamischen Staates) hier sind, also es hier Tausende von IS-Schläfern gibt. Die Millionen von "Flüchtlingen" wollen auch ihre Familien nachholen und haben hohe Ansprüche (Auto, Haus, Frau, usw.).

Wird das System aufgrund des nicht endenwollenden Menschen-Stroms kollabieren, werden die "Flüchtlinge", die überall im Land gut verteilt sind, hungern und frieren. Dann bricht hier die Hölle los.

‘Cameron’s Claims on Anti-ISIS Airstrikes Are Deceit’: Former Ambassador to Syria

Prime Minister David Cameron has made his case for extending UK airstrikes against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) from Iraq into Syria. He has ruled out using British ground troops and claims disagreements with Russia are 'narrowing.'

Happy Thanksgiving!

I should like to take this opportunity to wish our American visitors, followers, and Twitter followers VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

EU Politicians Blast Turkey’s Links to ISIS, Call Erdogan’s Policies Dangerous

Turkey's attack on the Russian bomber is the first such incident between a NATO country and Moscow in half a century. Across the media, there are concerns that relations between the Alliance and Russia could worsen and see a return to Cold War times.

David Cameron: Syrian Bombing Must Not Wait - But Involvement Could Last 'Many Years' - Live

Prime Minister hints at prolonged Syria bombing campaign in 36-page plan as he seeks to win over Tory rebels and Labour MPs ahead of Commons vote

Collapse of 'Comatose' Schengen Will Wreck Euro, Admits Jean-Claude Juncker

Jean-Claude Juncker

THE TELEGRAPH: Jean-Claude Juncker issues bleakest assessment yet of state of Schengen free-travel zone

The Schengen zone is “partially comatose”, Jean-Claude Juncker conceded on Wednesday, as he warned that its collapse would take down the eurozone.

The single currency cannot survive if the free movement of people granted by the passport-free travel zone ends, the president of the European Commission said, in the starkest warning yet.

Mr Juncker could only watch this summer after state after state reintroduced border controls in a desperate attempt to halt the influx of hundreds of thousands of migrants. The Paris terrorist attacks led France to announce indefinite border checks.

"We have to safeguard the spirit behind Schengen,” Mr Juncker told the European Parliament. “Yes, the Schengen system is partially comatose.” » | Matthew Holehouse, Brussels | Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Downing of Russian Jet by Turkey Could Push Us Back to 'Darkest Hour' of Cold War: Expert

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: London: The shooting down of a Russian fighter jet on the Turkey-Syria border is a grave development that could push the world back towards the darkest hour of the Cold War, a foreign policy expert has warned.

There are early signs that Russia will respond to the incident aggressively, rather than diplomatically, warned analyst Lukasz Kulesa. (+ video) » | Nick Miller | Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Germany: Salafists on the Rapid Increase

ARUTZ SHEVA: Salafist fundamentalist Islam is rising strongly in Germany, according to German security services.

Salafism – a form of fundamentalist Islam – is on the rise in Germany, according to a survey commissioned by German security services.

Clarion Project - which is committed to "challenging extremism [and] promoting dialogue," according to its website - says the reports shows that over the first half of 2015, the number of German Muslims identifying themselves as Salafists has risen 25%. In the past, this number has risen approximately 3% over six-month periods.

Though the numbers are still small, the rapid growth is attracting interest. In June of this year, 7,900 people are estimated to be Salafists, as opposed to 6,300 in January.

Salafism is a form of Islam that itself is roughly divided into three groups: Those who don't get involved in politics, those who do, and Jihadist Salafists. All three seek to return the practice of Islam to its original form as delineated by Muhammed 14 centuries ago. They are also all in favor of a global caliphate and sharia (Islamic) law.

Clarion notes that Salafists believe that democracy must be eradicated. ISIS (the Islamic State), al-Qaeda and most of the world’s Islamist terror organizations practice Salafist Islam. » | Hillel Fendel | Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Tunisia: At least 12 Dead as Blast Targets Bus Carrying Presidential Guards

A bus carrying the Tunisian presidential guards was hit by an explosion leaving at least 12 dead and around 16 injured in central Tunis, Tuesday.

According to security sources, the guards were boarding the bus at Mohamed V Avenue near the Interior Ministry to be taken to the presidential place in the suburbs of Tunisia's capital when the explosion occurred. It is not clear at the moment whether the explosion was caused by bomb or an explosive fired at the bus.

Teenage Austrian 'Poster Girl for the Islamic State' Killed by Group for Trying to Escape

Austrian teenager Sabra Kesinovic

THE TELEGRAPH: Sabra Kesinovic, 17, was reportedly murdered after she was caught attempting to escape from Raqqa, Syria

An Austrian teenager who became a poster girl for the Islamic State has reportedly been beaten to death by the group after she was caught trying to leave Syria.

Sabra Kesinovic, 17, was murdered after she was caught attempting to escape from Raqqa, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant's (Isil) de facto capital in Syria, according to reports in two Austrian newspapers.

She appeared extensively in Isil propaganda material after leaving her native Vienna to join the group together with Sabina Selimovic, a 16-year-old friend.

The two teenagers were shown wearing Islamic headbands and brandishing Kalashnikov rifles, surrounded by masked male jihadists.

They were also shown wearing full Islamic veils and pointing towards heaven.

The Austrian government refused to comment on reports in Österreich and Kronen Zeitung newspapers that Kesinovic had been beaten to death. » | Justin Huggler in Berlin | Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Obama & Hollande Speeches, Press Conference after ISIL Talks

U.S. president, Barack Obama, speaks after talks with Francois Hollande, the President of France, to discuss strategy against ISIL in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. The talks took place at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Hollande-Obama : les principales déclarations

LE POINT: Après Mohammed VI et David Cameron, le président français a rencontré son homologue américain pour obtenir un renforcement de la lutte contre Daech.

Voici les principales déclarations faites par François Hollande et Barack Obama au terme de la rencontre qui a eu lieu ce mardi entre les deux chefs d'État.

« Nous sommes tous français »

« Nous sommes tous français », a lancé, en français, le président américain Barack Obama aux côtés de son homologue français François Hollande, lors d'une conférence de presse conjointe mardi à la Maison-Blanche. Onze jours après les pires attentats jamais perpétrés en France, le président Obama a affirmé que les États-Unis et la France étaient « unis » et « totalement solidaires » dans la lutte contre le terrorisme. « Nous aimons les Français », a encore lancé Barack Obama, rappelant que Paris était traditionnellement le « plus ancien allié de l'Amérique », en allusion à la Révolution américaine de la fin du XVIIIe siècle appuyée par des Français et que la France s'était tenue aux côtés des États-Unis lors des attentats du 11 Septembre 2001 avec le fameux « Nous sommes tous américains ». Le président des États-Unis a également assuré que les Américains ne se laisseront « pas terroriser » par les menaces terroristes, au lendemain d'une alerte mondiale lancée par le département d'État sur les risques de voyager à l'étranger pour ses ressortissants. À cet égard, le président Obama a exhorté l'Union européenne à partager avec les États-Unis les informations relatives aux passagers du transport aérien. » | Le Point.fr (avec AFP) | mardi 24 novembre 2015

Les visites compliquées de François Hollande à Washington et Moscou

LE MONDE: François Hollande est arrivé aux Etats-Unis, mardi 24 novembre dans l’après-midi, pour une rencontre avec le président Barack Obama, destinée à accentuer la mobilisation contre l’Etat islamique (EI). La veille, M. Hollande a reçu le soutien du premier ministre britannique, David Cameron, accueilli à l’Elysée.

La partie s’annonce plus compliquée pour le président français à Washington puis, ensuite, à Moscou, jeudi. Avec Barack Obama, les relations ont toujours été tendues sur la Syrie, depuis le revirement d’août 2013, lorsque la Maison Blanche a renoncé à frapper le régime de Bachar Al-Assad qui venait pourtant de franchir une « ligne rouge » édictée par M. Obama en utilisant des armes chimiques contre sa population. » | Par Yves-Michel Riols | mardi 24 novembre 2015

Rolle der Frau: Wirbel um Aussagen eines Islam-Vertreters

DIE PRESSE: Der Vorsitzende der islamischen Religionsgemeinde Oberösterreichs sprach in einem Interview über die Rolle der Frau - und verärgert ÖVP und Grüne.

Aussagen des Vorsitzenden der islamischen Religionsgemeinde in Oberösterreich und islamischen Religionslehrers Murat Baser im "Neuen Volksblatt" zur Rolle der Frauen haben am Dienstag für Wirbel gesorgt. Weibliche ÖVP-Abgeordnete sind "entsetzt", wie sie in einer Presseaussendung feststellten. Für die Grünen sind die Aussagen "inakzeptabel".

Baser hatte im Interview auf die Frage nach der Bedeutung einzelner Suren im Koran unter anderem erklärt, Gott habe Verantwortung an die Männer gegeben. Im Islam sei der Mann verantwortlich für die Unterkunft, er müsse arbeiten für seine Frau und seine Kinder, also Geld herholen, Arbeit finden und versorgen. Gleichberechtigung gebe es sowieso, keine Frage - aber jemand müsse dann letztendlich entscheiden. Wenn eine Firma gegründet wird, dann habe irgendwer 51 Prozent, also niemals 50:50. Und in der Familie sei es genau dasselbe. » | APA | Dienstag, 24. November 2015

NACHRICHTEN.AT: Frauen sind schwach: Empörung über Murat Baser » | nachrichten.at | Dienstag, 24. November 2015

NEUES VOLKSBLATT: Ein Muslim zwischen den Glaubensfronten: Oberösterreichs Muslime-Vorsitzender Murat Baser über Islamisten-Terror, die Rolle der Frau und seine Angst vor Kritik an Saudi-Arabien » | Dienstag, 24. November 2015

Swedish Asylum Policy Fuels Support for Far-right Nationalist Party

THE GUARDIAN: The Sweden Democrats’ anti-migrant stance is proving popular among those who oppose the entry of 190,000 refugees into the country this year

Growing frustration in Sweden with an asylum policy that will allow up to 190,000 refugees into the country this year is driving Europe’s self-declared “humanitarian superpower” into the arms of radical nationalism.

The Sweden Democrats (SD), a nationalist party that emerged from the neo-Nazi movement and has been shunned by Sweden’s mainstream parties because of its far-right immigration policies, is now the country’s third-largest party with 49 representatives in parliament.

An opinion poll conducted after the Paris attacks by polling firm Sifo found the SD would receive 17.6% of the public vote, marking a 4.6 point rise in support since the 2014 elections. This is one of the more conservative estimates of SD popularity, with several pollsters putting it as the largest single party in Sweden.

Anti-fascist groups have warned that, against a backdrop of Islamic State terror attacks and a refugee crisis, the far-right is rapidly gaining political legitimacy across Europe through the success of parties including the SD, Austria’s Freedom party , the Finns party in Finland, France’s Front National and the UK Independence party.

“They are a force to be reckoned with. As far as I see it, radical nationalism is not just one of the strongest growing political forces but ideologies in Europe,” Daniel Poohl, editor-in-chief of Expo, a pressure group that charts fascist activity in Sweden, told the Guardian.

“I think we have to be aware that the far-right didn’t disappear from Europe, it just had an enormous backlash after 1945. At that time democracy was the ID that destroyed society; today it’s multiculturalism that destroys the nation.” (+ video) » | Phoebe Greenwood in Trollhättan | Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Früherer Bundeskanzler: Helmut Schmidt in Hamburg beigesetzt

Das Grab von Loki und Helmut Schmidt

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Einen Tag nach dem Staatsakt ist Helmut Schmidt neben seiner Frau Loki in Hamburg bestattet worden. Die Urne wurde im Familiengrab auf dem Ohlsdorfer Friedhof beigesetzt.

Zwei Wochen nach seinem Tod ist der frühere Bundeskanzler Helmut Schmidt am Dienstag in Hamburg in aller Stille bestattet worden. Seine Urne wurde am Vormittag im Familiengrab auf dem Hamburger Friedhof Ohlsdorf beigesetzt, wo auch seine Frau Loki und seine Eltern begraben sind. Auf dem Grab lag ein Kranz aus Sonnenblumen mit dem letzten Gruß von Schmidts Tochter Susanne und deren Ehemann. Der Kranz hatte am Vortag beim Staatsakt im Michel vor dem Sarg gelegen.

Bei dem Staatsakt im Hamburger Michel hatten Trauergäste aus dem In- und Ausland Abschied von dem Staatsmann, SPD-Politiker und Publizisten genommen, der am 10. November im Alter von 96 Jahren gestorben war. Auf der Fahrt zum Friedhof hatten Tausende Menschen die Straßen gesäumt, Blumen gestreut und geklatscht, als der Konvoi vorbeikam. » | Quelle: jutr./dpa | Dienstag, 24. November 2015

How the US Fights ISIS: What Does the Real Picture Look Like?

US President Barack Obama has ordered an inquiry into whether US intelligence draws a brighter picture of the US battle against ISIS than perhaps reflects the true story. RT’s Gayane Chichakyan went to the State Dept. briefing to get more information.

Ankara Backs Not Only Daesh But Offers Also Logistical Support - Pepe Escobar

A Russian warplane has gone down near the Turkish-Syrian border after an apparent attack. Turkish and Russian sources have given conflicting reports about the incident, which has the potential to escalate the tension between Russia and NATO member Turkey.

‪Putin: Downing of Russian Jet over Syria Stab in the Back by Terrorist Accomplices‬

The Russian President is making a statement on the Russian Su-24 warplane recently downed over Syria after meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah in Moscow.

‘Turkey Wants to Drag NATO in a Kind of Collision Course with Russia’ – Ali Rizk

A Russian warplane has gone down near the Turkish-Syrian border after an apparent attack. Turkish and Russian sources have given conflicting reports about the incident, which has the potential to escalate the tension between Russia and NATO member Turkey. Ali Rizk, expert on Middle East affairs, talks to RT

German Council of Jews Calls for Limit on Migrant Influx Because They Come from ‘Islamic Cultures Where Hatred of Jews and Intolerance Are an Integral Part’

MAIL ONLINE: Central Council of Jews says Germany should limit number of migrants / Add many come from cultures where Jewish religion is not tolerated / They fear a growing risk of anti-Semitism from Middle Eastern migrants / But human rights activists have criticised their comments on migration

A Jewish organisation in Germany has called for a limit to be placed on migrants saying they often come from cultures where there is a hatred of Jews.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany warned of growing anti-Semitism explaining many migrants come from Islamic countries where there is an intolerance to the Jewish religion.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has opened the doors to asylum seekers fleeing conflict in Syria, and arrivals from the war-torn country and other trouble spots are expected to reach one million this year.

And the council's president Josef Schuster told Die Welt daily: 'Sooner or later we won't have a choice but to set an upper limit. » | Jennifer Newton for Mail Online | Monday, November 23, 2015

Geert Wilders: “We Should Not Have to Pay for the Stupidity of Angela Merkel"

Some Liberals Are Really So Stupid! Maher Has Got It Right! Maher Criticizes Liberal Support of Islam: Muslims Sharing All Your Values Is ‘Bullshit’

During his panel discussion on tonight’s Real Time, Bill Maher addressed how liberals rush to defend Syrian refugees and Muslims without acknowledging that many embrace a value set that is not shared with most Americans.

Deep Anxiety Pervades Brussels as Lockdown Continues

THE GUARDIAN: With no end in sight to the unprecedented crackdown in the Belgian capital, its economic, social and political costs are rising


Dusk is gathering but the pale wintry sunshine keeps temperatures above zero for a final hour. Annelise Augustyns is on her way to a playground near the Gare du Midi with her two children, aged three and five. All three are wrapped against the wind scything across the bleak concrete plaza outside the station.

It is the third day of lockdown in the Belgian capital and the Augustyns have spent three days confined to their small apartment. The 35-year-old government worker’s office in the centre of the city has been shut. So too, on Monday, were the children’s schools.

“You have to live after all, despite all this tension. The kids are going crazy and no one knows how long this is going to last,” Augustyns said.

On Monday night the Belgian government promised to ease the unprecedented crackdown put in place by the Belgian government as security services hunt a network of local Islamic militants linked to the Paris attacks and suspected of planning a similar operation in Brussels. However the threat, prime minister Charles Michel stressed remained “serious and imminent”. » | Jason Burke in Brussels | Monday, November 23, 2015

Gingrich: Obama May Be 'Most Dangerous' President in History

Nov. 16, 2015 - 11:29 - Former House speaker reacts to the terror attacks in Paris on 'Hannity'

Exclusive: Rush Limbaugh Talks Terror Attack, Refugee Crisis

Nov. 22, 2015 - 10:53 - King of conservative talk radio on 'Fox News Sunday'

Media Coverage Empowering ISIS?

Nov. 23, 2015 - 6:47 - President Obama says the press 'needs to help' by keeping coverage in perspective

Spiegel TV Magazin: Das Asyl-Chaos in Deutschland (20.10.2015)

Selbst das Flaggschiff des verordneten Mainstreams, der Spiegel, berichtet in seinem TV Magazin vom heillosen Chaos in der Flüchtlingskrise.

PEGIDA Dresden – Abendspaziergang (23.11.2015)

Abendspaziergang PEGIDA Dresden live vom Theaterplatz Dresden

Anti-Muslim Sentiment Spreading across US, EU after Paris Attacks

In the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks which killed 130 people, anti-Islamic sentiment has increased all over the world, especially in Germany where far-right protestors demanded the closure of all mosques.

‘Mini Schengen’? 5 European Countries Seek Stricter Border Control

European leaders are now in Brussels to discuss tighter border controls....It's likely they'll be eager to introduce more radical security measures in light of recent terror attacks. In the context of the severe terrorist crisis, we want provisions made to strengthen border controls. This should include the considerable reinforcement of the EU's external borders.

Interview: ‘All the Terrorists Are Migrants’

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on the balcony of his office
at the Hungarian Parliament, November 19.

POLITICO: Viktor Orbán on how to protect Europe from terror, save Schengen, and get along with Putin’s Russia.

BUDAPEST — “Of course it’s not accepted, but the factual point is that all the terrorists are basically migrants,” says Viktor Orbán. “The question is when they migrated to the European Union.”

In his office at the Hungarian parliament, the prime minister points toward the flowing Danube. In another era, an aide notes, the Turks followed this river into the heart of Europe. Behind Orbán hang two maps: One shows a short stretch of Hungary’s border with Croatia and another gives a panoramic view of the Balkans toward Turkey, from where hundreds of thousands of migrants have made their way north this year.

In a wide-ranging 90-minute interview a week after the Paris terrorist attacks, Orbán lays out his prescriptions for Europe’s ailments: An impenetrable external border to boost security and save the Schengen treaty on passport-less travel within the EU; a new EU constitutional convention that strengthens the power of nation states and weakens Brussels; and normalized relations with Russia.

Thinking of Paris and its aftermath, the Hungarian leader posits an “overwhelming logical” connection between terrorism and the movement of Muslims into Europe — in the last few months as well as over recent decades — that to him and many Europeans is “an obvious fact,” whether “you like it or not.”

“The majority of our leaders in the West deny the fact,” he adds. That denial of the “obvious” — which the Hungarian leader blames on political correctness run amok — destabilizes European politics by increasing “the gap between the leaders and the people.” Read on and comment » | Matthew Kaminski | Monday, November 23, 2015

France: Cameron Offers France RAF's Akrotiri Base in Fight against IS

French President Francois Hollande welcomed British Prime Minister David Cameron to the Elysee Palace in Paris, Monday, as part of a series of diplomatic meetings in an attempt by Hollande to forge a broad coalition against the so-called Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) militant group.

Brussels Lockdown: Belgian Capital on Top Alert, Key Suspect Slips Past Police Raids

Belgian police are still searching for Salah Abdeslam, one of the participants in the Paris terror attacks on November 13. He was not among 16 people arrested during raids on Sunday and the authorities fear he could be planning another attack.

Germany: Merkel and Kissinger Bid Farewell to Former-Chancellor Helmut Schmidt

The state funeral for the former chancellor, Helmut Schmidt, took place at the Saint Michael's church in his hometown Hamburg, Monday. Schmidt died on November 10 at the age of 96-years-old.

Hamburg: "Helmut Schmidt wird uns allen fehlen"

Angela Merkel im Hamburger Michel beim Staatsakt für
Helmut Schmidt

ZEIT ONLINE: Im Hamburger Michel haben Freunde und Weggefährten Abschied von Helmut Schmidt genommen. Hamburgs Bürgermeister Olaf Scholz sagte: "Wir haben einen Giganten verloren".

Bewegender Abschied von Helmut Schmidt: Im Hamburger Michel haben Freunde und politische Weggefährten dem ehemaligen Bundeskanzler und ZEIT-Herausgeber die letzte Ehre erwiesen. Der SPD-Politiker und Publizist war am 10. November im Alter von 96 Jahren gestorben. Etwa 1.800 Trauergäste verfolgten den Staatsakt, darunter Bundespräsident Joachim Gauck, Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU), Frankreichs Ex-Präsident Valérie Giscard d'Estaing und der ehemalige US-Außenminister Henry Kissinger. » | Quelle: ZEIT ONLINE, dpa, sk | Montag, 23. November 2015

Raymond Ibrahim: Obama’s Love for Jihadis and Hate for Christians

JIHAD WATCH: Obama recently lashed out against the idea of giving preference to Christian refugees, describing it as “shameful”: “That’s not American. That’s not who we are. We don’t have religious tests to our compassion,” loftily added the American president.

Accordingly, the administration is still determined to accept 10,000 more Syrian refugees, almost all of whom will be Muslim, despite the fact that some are ISIS operatives, while many share the ISIS worldview (as explained below).

Yet right as Obama was grandstanding about “who we are,” statistics were released indicating that “the current [refugee] system overwhelmingly favors Muslim refugees. Of the 2,184 Syrian refugees admitted to the United States so far, only 53 are Christians while 2,098 are Muslim.”

Aside from the obvious—or to use Obama’s own word, “shameful”—pro-Muslim, anti-Christian bias evident in these statistics, there are a number of other troubling factors as well. » | Raymond Ibrahim | Monday, November 23, 2015

Archbishop of Canterbury: The Way Islamic State Distorts Islam “One of the Most Desperate Aspects of Our World Today”

JIHAD WATCH: The possibility that they’re not distorting it at all, but carrying out Qur’anic commands to “kill the idolaters wherever you find them” (9:5) and the like, doesn’t enter his mind. Indeed, in an increasing number of Christian churches, anyone who raises such a possibility is silenced and ostracized: the idea that Islam is a Religion of Peace is the dogma that much of Christianity is most determined to inculcate in its people. Read on and comment » | Robert Spencer | Sunday, November 22, 2015

Drought Led to Rise in Terror: Prince Charles Blames Climate Change for War in Syria

EXPRESS: PRINCE Charles has blamed climate change as being one of the root causes for war in Syria.

The drought that ravaged the country for more than five years has led to conflict and terrorism, he said.

The Prince claimed that unless urgent action was taken over environmental issues, the world faced catastrophe. In an interview with Sky News, recorded before the Paris atrocities, he said: “We’re seeing a classic case of not dealing with the problem.

“It sounds awful to say, but some of us were saying 20 something years ago that if we didn’t tackle these issues you would see ever greater conflict over scarce resources and ever greater difficulties over drought.

“There’s very good evidence indeed that one of the major reasons for this horror in Syria was a drought that lasted for about five or six years, which meant that huge numbers of people in the end had to leave the land.” » | Helene Perkins | Monday, November 23, 2015

Decade in Power: Angela Merkel Marks 10 Years as Chancellor of Germany

RT looks at Angela Merkel’s legacy as the third longest serving German chancellor since World War II, as she marks 10 years at the helm.

Terrorangst in Brüssel: Eine gelähmte Stadt

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: In Belgiens Hauptstadt Brüssel gilt weiterhin die höchste Terrorwarnstufe. Schulen und Universitäten bleiben geschlossen, die U-Bahn fährt nicht. Fieberhaft sucht die Polizei nach möglichen Attentätern. Gefahndet wird nicht nur nach Salah Abdeslam.

Sonntag ist in Brüssel Markttag - normalerweise. Doch an diesem kühlen Novembertag ist in der belgischen Hauptstadt nichts normal. Am Südbahnhof, wo sich Sonntag für Sonntag Hunderte Händler und Zehntausende von Kunden aus aller Herren Länder tummeln, herrscht gespenstische Ruhe. Gepanzerte Armeefahrzeuge, bis auf die Zähne bewaffnete Polizisten und Fallschirmjäger bestimmen nicht nur dort das Straßenbild. Auch der Markt auf dem 15 Gehminuten vom Südbahnhof entfernten Hauptplatz des Stadtteils Molenbeek-Saint-Jean fällt aus. » | Michael Stabenow, Brüssel | Sonntag, 22. November 2015

Marine Le Pen Speaks with CNN's Hala Gorani about Europe's Immigration Challenges after the Paris Attacks

Spain: Far-right Activists Mark 40th Anniversary of General Franco's Death

Around 300 far-right supporters gathered on Orient Square in Madrid, Sunday, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of dictator General Francisco Franco. The former Spanish leader died on November 20, 1975, in hospital after suffering from a prolonged illness.

Tollwütige Hunde und Klapperschlangen

TAGES ANZEIGER: Nach dem Massenmord von Paris werden die USA von einer Welle der Islamfeindlichkeit überrollt. Syrische Flüchtlinge werden mit «tollwütigen Hunden» verglichen.

Nach den Terroranschlägen in Paris wird die Kontroverse über die Aufnahme syrischer Flüchtlinge in den USA von einer zusehends radikaleren Sprache sowie Forderungen nach einer amerikanischen Abschottung gegenüber Muslimen geprägt. In der vergangenen Woche wurden syrische Flüchtlinge von amerikanischen Politikern unter anderem mit «Klapperschlangen» und «tollwütigen Hunden» verglichen. Derzeit halten sich rund 2000 Flüchtlinge aus Syrien im Land auf, doch plant Präsident Obama 2016 die Einreise von weiteren 10'000 Flüchtlingen. » | Martin Kilian, Korrespondent | Sonntag, 22. November 2015

France: Police Clash with Protesters at Banned Pro-refugee Rally in Paris

Minor clashes broke out in Paris, Sunday, after pro-refugee protesters defied a ban on demonstrations in the French capital, marching from the Bastille to the Place de la Republique. Riot police used their batons and pepper spray to push the protesters back.

Brussels 'Very Dangerous' as Several Terror Suspects Remain At Large

THE GUARDIAN: Soldiers and armoured vehicles could stay on Belgian capital’s streets into next week amid fears of imminent Paris-style attack in the heart of the EU


Several terrorists remain at large in Brussels and threaten to commit a “very dangerous act”, a senior official has said, as the Belgian capital enters its second day with soldiers and armoured vehicles continuing to keep the city in lockdown.

The mayor of one of Brussels’ municipalities said the area was still facing a grave threat, adding that suspects linked to the Paris terror attack that killed more than 130 last week remain on the run.

Schaerbeek’s mayor, Bernard Clerfayt, said on Sunday: “There are two terrorists in the Brussels region that could commit very dangerous acts.” The Belgian interior minister, Jan Jambon, added “several suspects” tied to the Paris attacks could be at large in the country.

Belgium’s national crisis centre on Saturday raised the threat alert in the Brussels region to level four, which indicates a “serious and immediate threat”. Clerfayt said it was necessary to try to anticipate and prevent any such acts and their consequences. He said: “As long as this threat is present, we must be very attentive.” » | Jason Burke and Ian Traynor in Brussels | Sunday, November 22, 2015

Brussels Faces Week On Lockdown as Hunt for Terror Cell Intensifies

A police officer and soldiers on security duty inside the
Galerie de la Reine in Brussels on Sunday.

THE GUARDIAN: Belgian officials say they are looking for at least two individuals, including one man suspected of playing role in Paris attacks last week

Europe’s unofficial capital faces an unprecedented security lockdown this week after Belgian authorities imposed a slew of safety-first measures to prevent a “serious and imminent” terrorist attack.

Charles Michel, the Belgian prime minister, said schools and universities would be shut on Monday while the Metro in the city, which had been expected to partially open after being suspended over the weekend, will not run.

Belgian counter-terrorist agencies are continuing their search for a network of Islamic militants as soldiers patrol the streets with armoured vehicles outside main stations and in public spaces.

“We still fear attacks here like those that occurred in Paris, involving several individuals striking simultaneously in several places,” Michel told a tense press conference, adding that there were “indications” that transport systems, commercial centres, shopping streets and busy places were targets.

Local media described the measures, particularly the closure of schools, as unprecedented and historic, and predicted mass disruption. It remained unclear how the lockdown would affect Europe’s political executive, the European commission. » | Jason Burke in Brussels | Sunday, November 22, 2015

On the Murder March with ISIS: Terror Expert Tells of the Slave Markets, Summary Executions and 'Morality' Police of the Jihadi Group - Who Have $2trillion in the Bank

MAIL ON SUNDAY: The terror group started off as a version of Al Qaeda but split off by 2011 / Only came to forefront in 2014 when they took control of three Iraqi cities / Now boast about 33,000 fighters, many having joined from overseas / Here, Michael Burleigh takes a closer look at this medieval death cult

It is a force the like of which the world has never seen before: a medieval death cult with a territory roughly the size of England.

Its tentacles of power stretch out across Iraq and Syria, whose border it has erased. Syrian Raqqa is the de facto capital, Iraqi Mosul its most populous centre. Within its brutal control lies a huge population of eight million – and it has assets estimated at $2 trillion.

This is the Islamic State, sometimes called ISIS, a terrorist movement with the destructive power of an army possessed by a terrifying vision of the world to come. Read on and comment » | Michael Burleigh for the Mail On Sunday | Sunday, November 21, 2015

Sweden Is On Fire & Europe Will Follow If Our Politicians Don’t Stop This Madness

Austria: Anti-refugee Protesters Rally against Government in Vienna

Anti-refugee protesters staged a rally in Vienna, Saturday, to decry the Austrian government's policy on refugees and migrants and to demand tougher border controls.

Germany: 'Merkel Must Go' - Anti-refugee AfD Rally Hits Mainz

Around 400 supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) marched through Mainz to demonstrate against the asylum policy of the Germany, Saturday.

Germany: More Than 100 Arrested as Clashes Erupt over NPD Conference in Weinheim

More than 100 people were arrested after left-wing protesters clashed with police in Weinheim, Saturday, during a demonstration against the party conference of the far-right National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) being held in the German town.

Germany: Far-right Activists Commemorate Nazi Soldiers Killed in WWII

Around 100 far-right activists gathered in the German town of Remagen, Saturday, to commemorate the Nazi soldiers who died in Allied prisoner of war camps at the end of WWII.

Ban Bathtubs, Says Sweden's 'Green King'

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

THE TELEGRAPH: King Carl XVI Gustaf, once better known as a lothario, describes how he was shocked recently to find himself having to bathe, not shower

The king of Sweden wants to ban all bath-tubs in an effort to save water.

King Carl XVI Gustaf, who in recent years has put past scandals relating to his reputation as a lothario behind him to become better known as a dedicated environmentalist, has given a frank interview to describe his determination to turn the royal palace in Stockholm green.

He also suggested that having given up taking baths himself his people should follow where he has led.

“We should ban all baths, imagine that,” he said when asked about his suggestions for everyday energy saving.

The question arose when he confessed he had recently been forced to run himself a bath when staying somewhere that lacked showers. “That’s when it hit me how much water and energy it used," he said. "I thought ‘I can’t believe I’m having to do this’. I felt quite ashamed.”

The comment about a bath ban appeared to be in jest, but he added: “There’s truth in it though. It’s the small details that have an enormous effect.” » | Lisa Kjellsson | Saturday, November 21, 2015

My comment:

Doesn't this king have more important things to worry about? I would have thought that the Islamisation of his country would be uppermost in his mind. – © Mark

Saudi Arabia and ISIS; Islam and Islamism

“Essentially, Islamism is a doctrine which provides a reason to hate and kill everyone who does not subscribe to it.” – Charles Moore

This one sentence encapsulates the West’s problem! The West has fabricated a term––Islamism––to get around a problem which it has introduced into our Judaeo-Christian civilization. The problem, of course, is Islam.

There is no such thing as ‘Islamism’. Islamism is a figment of the Westerner’s imagination. No self-respecting Muslim would recognize the term. What liberal Westerners perceive as Islamism is merely the practice of Islam as it should be practised. An Islamist is a devout Muslim!

Of course, there are many peace-loving Muslims: the people that Western politicians refer to as ‘moderate’. But these people are people who do not practice their faith to the letter of Sharia law, to the letter of the Koran, to the letter of the Hadiths. They are not properly living in accordance with the Sunnah, or way of, the Prophet.

The ‘Islamic State’ is carrying out the practices of their Prophet, as does indeed Saudi Arabia. What goes on in the so-called Islamic State is not much different from what goes on in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace and home of Islam.

Saudi Arabia puts people to death for apostasy. Saudi Arabia stones women to death for adultery. Saudi Arabia beheads people in the public square. Saudi Arabia amputates people’s hands (and feet!) for theft. Etc. All these atrocities we turn a blind eye to for commercial reasons. In Saudi Arabia these punishments are state-sponsored, whereas in the Islamic State, because as yet it is only a quasi state, they are not.

We are never going to be able to defeat the “enemy within”, or without, for that matter, until intelligent people come to the realization that our enemy is not Islamism, but Islam itself. Our forefathers understood the dangers of Islam. Why can’t we?

The fact is simple: Islam is out to defeat its long-time enemy. This is a Holy War, otherwise known as the Jihad. For as long as we refuse to come to terms with this reality, the West will be in danger; and its survival will also be in danger. – © Mark Alexander

All Rights Reserved

A version of this also appeared here

Op-Ed: Saudi Arabia, an ISIS That Has Made It

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Black Daesh, white Daesh. The former slits throats, kills, stones, cuts off hands, destroys humanity’s common heritage and despises archaeology, women and non-Muslims. The latter is better dressed and neater but does the same things. The Islamic State; Saudi Arabia. In its struggle against terrorism, the West wages war on one, but shakes hands with the other. This is a mechanism of denial, and denial has a price: preserving the famous strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia at the risk of forgetting that the kingdom also relies on an alliance with a religious clergy that produces, legitimizes, spreads, preaches and defends Wahhabism, the ultra-puritanical form of Islam that Daesh feeds on.

Wahhabism, a messianic radicalism that arose in the 18th century, hopes to restore a fantasized caliphate centered on a desert, a sacred book, and two holy sites, Mecca and Medina. Born in massacre and blood, it manifests itself in a surreal relationship with women, a prohibition against non-Muslims treading on sacred territory, and ferocious religious laws. That translates into an obsessive hatred of imagery and representation and therefore art, but also of the body, nakedness and freedom. Saudi Arabia is a Daesh that has made it.

The West’s denial regarding Saudi Arabia is striking: It salutes the theocracy as its ally but pretends not to notice that it is the world’s chief ideological sponsor of Islamist culture. The younger generations of radicals in the so-called Arab world were not born jihadists. They were suckled in the bosom of Fatwa Valley, a kind of Islamist Vatican with a vast industry that produces theologians, religious laws, books, and aggressive editorial policies and media campaigns.

One might counter: Isn’t Saudi Arabia itself a possible target of Daesh? Yes, but to focus on that would be to overlook the strength of the ties between the reigning family and the clergy that accounts for its stability — and also, increasingly, for its precariousness. The Saudi royals are caught in a perfect trap: Weakened by succession laws that encourage turnover, they cling to ancestral ties between king and preacher. The Saudi clergy produces Islamism, which both threatens the country and gives legitimacy to the regime. » | Kamel Daoud * | Friday, November 20, 2015

* Kamel Daoud, a columnist for Quotidien d’Oran, is the author of “The Meursault Investigation.” This essay was translated by John Cullen from the French.

Dans Bruxelles en alerte

Face а une menace «imminente», la Belgique a relevй son niveau d'alerte terroriste au maximum. Ce samedi, les rues sont quasi dйsertes et la population respectent les consignes de sйcuritй.

Army Chaplains to Lose Christian Motto Because It Might Offend Muslims

BREITBART.COM: The Royal Australian Army Chaplains’ Department is to lose their traditional motto held since 1913, because it is offensive to Muslims.

The cap badge and motto of the Australian army chaplains is presently identical to those held by the British army, a legacy and tradition dating back to the founding days of the Australian nation as it established itself as a Dominion independent of Great Britain. Emblazoned on a Maltese cross and wreath in purple and gold, the motto ‘In This Sign Conquer’ is thought to be a reference to the crusades.

Now just five months after a Muslim Imam joined the Australian forces religious advisory committee, that history is to be swept away, reports Australia’s Daily Telegraph. Despite the sudden push for change, there is not thought to presently be a single Australian Muslim chaplain in the army. » | Oliver Lane | Saturday, November 21, 2015

Medical Issues Causing Hillary Clinton’s Confusion, Dizziness?

Nov. 17, 2015 - 4:14 - ‘Unlikeable’ author Ed Klein on reports of Hillary Clinton’s health problems.

When Did Belgium Become a Terror Breeding Ground?

Nov. 17, 2015 - 4:02 - Zuhdi Jasser weighs in

Un-Welcome? Europeans Change Stance on Refugees after Paris Attacks

One of the key clues in the Paris attacks probe is a Syrian passport found next to the body of one of the suicide bombers. The question being asked now is whether one of the terrorists could have entered Europe as a refugee.

Canada’s New HEAVYWEIGHT PM: Behind-the-scenes of Justin Trudeau's First Day as Prime Minister

Belgium: Brussels on Lockdown Over Terror Alert, Soldiers Deployed

Public areas of Brussels including metro stations were closed on Saturday after the Belgian authorities raised the ‘terror’ alert status in the capital to its highest level. People have been advised to avoid crowded areas because of a "serious and imminent threat," according to a government spokesperson.

Brussels in Lockdown after Terror Threat Level Is Raised to Maximum

Military vehicles commonly sighted in Brussels on Saturday
as city moves to maximum terror alert level.

THE GUARDIAN: Shops close, football is cancelled and people are urged to stay home as army patrols streets in face of ‘serious and imminent threat’ of Paris-style attack

Brussels has been blanketed with security after the Belgian government raised alert levels on terrorist threats to the maximum, warning of the “serious and imminent” possibility of a Paris-style attack involving firearms and explosives.

The city’s metro system was closed down on Saturday until Sunday afternoon at the earliest as shops shut, shopping malls were partly shuttered, professional football was cancelled, concerts were called off and music venues, museums, and galleries closed their doors for the weekend.

The heightened alert level followed meetings of the national security and counter-terror services late on Friday, which concluded, on the basis of undisclosed evidence, that a major attack was being planned in Brussels. The rest of the country was put on a level three alert, one level short of the maximum. » | Ian Traynor in Brussels | Saturday, November 21, 2015

Brussels on Highest Alert as Belgian Officials Warn of ‘Serious and Imminent’ Threat

THE WASHINGTON POST: BRUSSELS — The government abruptly shut down the metro system, canceled sporting events and warned residents to avoid crowded places as Belgium placed the capital on maximum alert early Saturday, citing a “serious and imminent” threat of attack.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said Saturday morning that officials had identified shopping centers, public transportation and major events as targets of a possible attack, involving multiple assailants at multiple locations, similar to the deadly assault that struck Paris on Nov. 13.

Searches of homes overnight by police in the immigrant quarter of Molenbeek and other neighborhoods in Brussels uncovered explosives and weapons, the prime minister said. Belgian security officials said it appeared that suspects were planning simultaneous attacks and that this was the reason for raising the threat to its highest level early Saturday. The U.S. Embassy in Brussels also issued a security alert warning U.S. citizens here “to shelter in place and remain at home.” Late Friday, an additional Belgian citizen was charged as an accomplice in connection with the Paris attacks and participation in a terrorist organization. Authorities declined to release his name.

Armed troops stood guard in front of hotels and at major intersections. Movie theaters, pools and department stores were shuttered. A concert by well-known Belgian singer Johnny Hallyday planned for Saturday night at a major concert venue was canceled, as well. » | William Booth, Anthony Faiola and Emily Badger | Saturday, November 21, 2015

Turkey Threatens Russia Over Bid to Obliterate Sick Islamic State Terrorists

EXPRESS: RUSSIA and Turkey are in deadlock after the latter threatened Moscow with “serious consequences” if it continues its bomb assault on Syria.

Officials in the capital Ankara warned Russia to “immediately end its operation” after war planes hit Syrian ground “very close” to the Turkish border.

Turkey sees the Turkmen population that inhabits villages near the border as natural allies in the struggle against President Assad’s brutal regime.

Ahmet Davutoglu, the Turkish prime minister, said that "if civilians fleeing massacre and cluster bombs head to Turkey, and a new refugee influx emerges, everyone concerned will be held accountable."

The Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov was called in for crisis talks as tensions between the two sides escalate over their different of opinion on the Syrian conflict. » | Jack Fenwick | Saturday, November 21, 2015

'Five Bombings Planned' in Germany According to French Intelligence Dossier

THE TELEGRAPH: Last-minute cancellation of Germany-Netherlands football match was prompted by detailed information about five bomb attacks planned for Hannover, German newspaper claims

A plot to carry out a series of five bombings was behind Germany’s dramatic decision to cancel a high-profile football match at the last minute earlier this week, according to new claims.

A newspaper claims to have seen a copy of a detailed dossier on the planned attacks in Hannover that was passed to the German authorities by French intelligence just two hours before kick-off.

It was the contents of this dossier that prompted the Germans to order the immediate evacuation of the stadium half an hour later, Hannoverische Allgemeine Zeitung claims.

The dossier gives details of a plan by a five-member terror cell led by a German citizen to target the football match in a series of coordinated bomb attacks.

There have been no arrests in connection with the threat to the match, suggesting members of the cell may still be at large. » | Justin Huggler, Berlin | Friday, November 20, 2015

Ben Carson: Screen Syrian Refugees Like They're Rabid Dogs

Republican presidential hopeful Ben Carson says in Alabama on Thursday that stopping militants posing as Syrian refugees from entering the US was like handling rabid dogs. Carson is among the GOP hopefuls who have called for the US to close to its borders to Syrian refugees in the wake of last week’s attacks in Paris in which 129 people died

THE GUARDIAN: Ben Carson: screen Syrian refugees like they might be rabid dogs: Republican presidential hopeful condemned after suggesting US needs to ‘determine who the mad dogs are’ so they can’t ‘run around the neighborhood’ » | Associated Press in Mobile | Friday, November 20, 2015

Nach Anschlägen in Paris: Houellebecq pöbelt gegen Frankreichs Politiker

Bestsellerautor Michel Houellebecq ist aufgrund seiner
provokanten Äußerungen und Romane nicht unumstritten

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Präsident Hollande ein "unbedeutender Opportunist", Premier Manuel Valls ein "Geistesschwacher": Der umstrittene Bestsellerautor Michel Houellebecq pöbelt in einem Gastkommentar gegen Frankreichs Politiker.

Nach den Anschlägen von Paris wurden schnell auch Stimmen laut, die Frankreichs Regierung und Geheimdiensten vorwarfen, im Vorfeld der terroristischen Attentate versagt zu haben. Der aufgrund provokanter Äußerungen umstrittene Bestsellerautor Michel Houellebecq übt in einem Gastkommentar, der am Donnerstag zunächst in der italienischen Zeitung "Corriere della Sera" und einen Tag später auch in der "New York Times" erschienen ist, ebenfalls harsche Kritik an Frankreichs Regierung. » | mod | Freitag, 20. November 2015

Frankreichs Armee nach Anschlägen im Rekrutierungshoch

Oswald Sigg: «Franzosen sind am Schwinden»

Verwandt »

«In der Banlieue grüsst man sich nicht»

SCHWEIZER RADIO UND FERNSEHEN: In den Pariser Vorstädten, wo die Integration oft versagt und sich Parallelgesellschaften bilden, lassen sich offenbar besonders gut IS-Kämpfer rekrutieren. Der Soziologe und frühere Bundesratssprecher Oswald Sigg hat zwei Monate in der Banlieue gelebt, um sich selbst ein Bild zu machen. » | srf/eglc;heis | Freitag, 20. November 2015

Europa muss mit Senfgas-Angriffen durch IS rechnen

DIE WELT: Dass die Terrormiliz IS über erbeutete chemische Waffen verfügt, gilt als wahrscheinlich. Die Frage ist, ob er sie inzwischen selbst herstellen kann – und wann sie in Europa zum Einsatz kommen.

Experten vermuten schon seit geraumer Zeit, dass die Terrormiliz Islamischer Staat (IS) an der Produktion von Chemiewaffen arbeitet. Nun bestätigte eine Untersuchungskommission des irakischen Parlaments diesen Verdacht. Die Terroristen sollen dazu Wissenschaftler des gestürzten Saddam-Hussein-Regimes, aber auch aus Syrien und Jordanien verpflichtet haben. "Der IS arbeitet sehr ernsthaft daran, chemische Kampfstoffe produzieren zu können", sagte Hakim al-Zamili, der Vorsitzende der Kommission für Sicherheit und Verteidigung des irakischen Parlaments. "Das würde nicht nur den Irak, sondern die ganze Welt gefährden." » | Von Alfred Hackensberger, Korrespondent | Freitag, 20. November 2015

France Is Trying to Create a Coalition to Destroy Isil, But President Obama Isn't Interested

THE TELEGRAPH: Will the leader of the free world please stand up?

Tell me: What’s a suicide bomber doing with a passport? He’s not going anywhere. And, though I’m not a religious scholar, I doubt that a passport is required in paradise for a martyr to access his 72 black-eyed virgins.

A Syrian passport was found near the body of one of the terrorists. Why was it there? Undoubtedly, to back up the Islamic State boast that it is infiltrating operatives amid the refugees flooding Europe. The passport may have been fake, but the terrorist’s fingerprints were not. They match those of a man who just a month earlier had come through Greece on his way to kill Frenchmen in Paris.

If the other goal of the Paris massacre was to frighten France out of the air campaign in Syria -- the way Spain withdrew from the Iraq War after the terror attack on its trains in 2004 -- they picked the wrong country. France is a serious post-colonial power, as demonstrated in Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic and Mali, which France saved from an Islamist takeover in 2013.

Indeed, socialist President Francois Hollande has responded furiously to his country’s 9/11 with an intensified air campaign, hundreds of raids on suspected domestic terrorists, a state of emergency and proposed changes in the constitution to make France less hospitable to jihad.

Meanwhile, Barack Obama, titular head of the free world, has responded to Paris with weariness and annoyance. His news conference in Turkey was marked by a stunning tone of passivity, detachment and lassitude, compounded by impatience and irritability at the very suggestion that his Syria strategy might be failing.

The only time he showed any passion was in denouncing Republicans for hardheartedness toward Muslim refugees. One hundred and twenty-nine innocents lie dead but it takes the GOP to kindle Obama’s ire. » | Charles Krauthammer | Friday, November 20, 2015

Sophie & Co: ‘This Is the Apocalypse’ - Bataclan Concert Hall Survivor

The terrorist attacks on France have shaken the whole Western world. More than a hundred innocents were killed, and the worst took place at the Bataclan concert hall, where people just gathered to listen to music...but instead faced death at the hands of jihadists. What was happening there, when the concert turned into a bloodbath? We speak to a man who faced death and survived, a man who was inside the Bataclan hall when it all happened. Pierre Janaszak, a survivor of the jihadist attack on Paris, is on Sophie&Co today.

Österreich: HC Strache: Kampf dem islamistischen Terror gegen Europa!

FPÖ-Obmann HC Strache hat in einer Videobotschaft zum schrecklichen Terror des Islamischen Staats gegen Europa Stellung bezogen. HC Strache prangert darin die Fehler und Versäumnisse der Politik in den letzten Jahrzehnten bis hinauf in die Gegenwart an und fordert konkrete Maßnahmen, um der Lage Herr zu werden.