Explosion heard in London - political part

[Patroklos]

I doubt these attacks have changed a single mind here in poly about the Iraq war. I doubt they will change minds anywhere else.

Yeah, because that is such a common event here at Apolyton....

[Panda]

Like many others here I don't think the political fall-out from this is going have much effect. UK political will behind the war on terror will be unaffected, and I doubt the methodology of our counter-terrorist organisations will be radicalised in the same way as that of the Americans after 9/11, e.g. indefinate "detainment" without trial, extradiction to countries who practise torture. The UK went down that path from 1969 and got severely burned.

The more interesting quesiton is will it galvanise our European allies to work together? The European arrest warrant should go through on the nod if other EU countries are targeted.

[Agathon]

It will make it easier for Blair to remove people's civil rights.

But it's just the usual hypocrisy again. The terrorists are "evil" and "barbaric" from a man who is conducting an illegal war and supported appalling sanctions against Iraq. As usual, ordinary people get caught in the middle and have their deaths used to further a cause which exposes their fellows to further risk.

At least the IRA were more decent, they actually tried to off the woman responsible.

Britain's actions speak for themselves. As a country it can have no complaint when others retaliate.

[Agathon]

And the whole reaction is so irrational

In 2002 3,431 people were killed on Britain's roads, and 35,976 were seriously injured.

You are at least 100 times more likely to die in a car crash than a terrorist attack. Even if there were ten of these attacks a year, it would still pale in comparison to auto deaths.

People need to grow up and get real.

[C0ckney]

see this is why it's a good thing people like aggie don't matter.

[molly bloom]

Originally posted by C0ckney


ken livingstone has always been cosy with terrorists, from the IRA in 80s, to the guy who endorsed suicide bombings in israel last year. yeah he made a good speech, but as they say, actions speak louder than words.

And Margaret Thatcher endorsed mujahedin terrorists who indiscriminately killed Afghani civilians.

They're politicians, not moralists.


That said, I could think of areas of London to bomb that might have far fewer Muslims living or working nearby- Edgware Road is very popular with people from North Africa and the Middle East, and Aldgate Station is a short walk from the East End's Bangla Town community.

[FrustratedPoet]

Originally posted by Agathon
And the whole reaction is so irrational

What reaction is that? From what I've seen the majority reaction seems to be "It's not that big a deal, we'll get on with life as normal and not let this change how we live".

Doesn't exactly sound like people are freaking out to me.

[molly bloom]

Originally posted by Agathon
And the whole reaction is so irrational

In 2002 3,431 people were killed on Britain's roads, and 35,976 were seriously injured.

You are at least 100 times more likely to die in a car crash than a terrorist attack. Even if there were ten of these attacks a year, it would still pale in comparison to auto deaths.

People need to grow up and get real.

Unfortunately people tend not to act on logic- which is why lotteries and casinos make so much money.

However I can assure you there weren't any headless chickens in the crowds of London commuters today- and don't judge the British public by what media outlets say or do.

[Dauphin]

The media said that many people had shattered confidence in using the tube and transport in general today, which is why it was so empty.

I surmise that it is in fact largely due to the opportunity to take a day off work without claiming a sickie or holiday.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by molly bloom



And Margaret Thatcher endorsed mujahedin terrorists who indiscriminately killed Afghani civilians.

evidence on deliberate killing of Afghani civilians by people that Thatcher explicityly endorsed? Something comparable to the bus bombings, pizza parlor bombings that Hamas has engaged in?

[Lawrence of Arabia]

Norway shocked by 'al-Qaeda' threat

so the answer is still zero right?

[molly bloom]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


evidence on deliberate killing of Afghani civilians by people that Thatcher explicityly endorsed? Something comparable to the bus bombings, pizza parlor bombings that Hamas has engaged in?

I'll find it for you for tomorrow. Have to go and cook now.

[FrustratedPoet]

Originally posted by Dauphin

I summise that it is in fact largely due to the opportunity to take a day off work without claiming a sickie or holiday.

"The only thing to fear is losing a day's leave"

[Tingkai]

I'm a bit pissed so I haven't readthis whole thread, but I'd say that it is time for all countries to hunt down Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. The Yanks are bogged down in IRaq and seem to have forgotten that enemy #1 is bin Laden. We, and I mean all countries that can, need to capture this bastard.

What this means is not invading some country, but instead old fashion police work. Hunt him down and get him. IF the US helps, great, if not we need to do it ourselves. For too long, too many people have been sayting why doesn't the US go after him. It's time for everypone to take responsibility to capture him.

[GePap]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


evidence on deliberate killing of Afghani civilians by people that Thatcher explicityly endorsed? Something comparable to the bus bombings, pizza parlor bombings that Hamas has engaged in?

Well, the people of Kabul might have thought the destruction of their city in '92 was actually a very bad event.... Probably extremely comparable.

But hey, those guys were freedom fighters.