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Why It Wasn’t Unreasonable to Suspect Muslim Terrorism in Norway

07/23/2011 Leave a comment

By Aaron Goldstein – “In light of the fact that the man responsible for two heinous acts of terrorism which have thus far resulted in the deaths of 87 people is a native born, non-Muslim Norwegian, John Tabin asks if large segments of the media (including bloggers like him and me) were wrong to speculate that this was an act of Islamic radicals.

For his part, Tabin plans to answer that question in depth at a later date. So allow me to give my thoughts. I would like to make the case that it was not at all unreasonable to speculate that Muslims were involved in this attack.

First, it was only a year ago that Norwegian authorities thwarted an al Qaeda plot to attack Norway.

Second, today’s attacks were nearly simultaneous. An al Qaeda calling card.

Third, it was only last week that that Norwegian authorities indicted Mullah Krekar, founder of the Ansar al-Islam, for threats against Norwegian politicians.

Fourth, a Muslim organization called Ansar al-Jihad al-Alami claimed responsibility for the attack. This is the most notable point of all. I mean what kind of people brag about murdering innocent civilians they did not kill?

Finally, consider all the acts of terrorism which have occurred since September 11, 2001 – Bali, Madrid, London, Mumbai, Fort Hood not to mention all those suicide bombings in Israel. All of those attacks were carried out by Muslim entities. Frankly, it would have been irresponsible to discount the possibility of yet another Muslim terrorist attack.” Read more.

Categories: Man-Made Disasters, Wars and Rumors of War Tags: , ,

Norway: Multiple Fatalities and Injuries After Massive Vehicle Bomb in Oslo

07/22/2011 2 comments

Some news reports are talking about the possibility that this was the work of Islamists.

Update 1: NRK has reported that an Islamist group calling itself ‘Helpers of the Global Jihad’ have now posted a message stating that this is only the beginning of the reaction to Norwegian papers publishing cartoons of Mohammed …

Update 2: Islamist group ‘Helpers of the Global Jihad’ are now denying any involvement in today’s attack.  So far there does not appear to be any solid Islamist connection. Suspect may have acted alone.  No word yet on motive or how he could have single-handedly produced such a powerful explosion if this was all perpetrated by a single homegrown terrorist.

“A huge explosion wrecked government buildings in central Oslo on Friday including

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg’s office, killing at least one person and injuring several others.

Norwegian broadcaster NRK said one person was confirmed dead in the explosion.

The cause of the blast was unknown but the tangled wreckage of a car was outside one building and the damage appeared consistent to witnesses with that from car bombs. Police and fire officials declined comment on the cause.

The blast blew out most windows on the 17-story building housing Stoltenberg’s office, as well as nearby ministries including the oil ministry, which was on fire.

Heavy debris littered the streets and a tall plume of brown smoke over the city center.

A Reuters correspondent counted at least eight injured people. Norwegian news agency NTB said that Stoltenberg was safe in the blast, which happened around 3:30 p.m. (1330 GMT).” Read more.


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Categories: Man-Made Disasters, Wars and Rumors of War Tags: , , ,