An alternative view is that the only way these sorts of atrocities can be halted is by exposing the sources of these grievances among the hard-of-thinking here in the UK as manipulation by bloodthirsty megalomaniacs who see the imposition of a brutal medieval theocracy across the ME as their way to absolute power and who will kill anyone, man, woman or child, who gets in their way. Of course that’s far from the whole truth. But maybe no further than the idea that all would be well if the west just stood back and let the locals fight it out amongst themselves.
Sadly that’s right. The ones who are actually established in power (Iran, Saudi) only seem to be vile in parts though. And might, just possibly, be susceptible to being reformed. Most of the rest seem to be vile in every possible way and to be moving further away from civilisation rather than further towards it.
Iran do seem to be coming round slowly. I doubt anyone has dared asked the Saudis to consider some reform yet. But those two are where the work needs to be done.
Given long enough Iran might work its way back to where it was in 1953 before the US, with the UK’s help, did it so much political damage. If/when the world’s dependence on oil finally lessens, the Saudi regime’s recalcitrance will have to soften.
Given that it would appear this bomber was supported by Al Qaeda in Lybia it is worth taking a moment to consider what it is we are up against;
"On March 11, 2005, Al-Quds Al-Arabi published extracts from Saif al-Adel’s document “Al Qaeda’s Strategy to the Year 2020”.[95][96] Abdel Bari Atwan summarizes this strategy as comprising five stages to rid the Ummah from all forms of oppression:
Provoke the United States and the West into invading a Muslim country by staging a massive attack or string of attacks on US soil that results in massive civilian casualties.
Incite local resistance to occupying forces.
Expand the conflict to neighboring countries, and engage the US and its allies in a long war of attrition.
Convert al-Qaeda into an ideology and set of operating principles that can be loosely franchised in other countries without requiring direct command and control, and via these franchises incite attacks against the US and countries allied with the US until they withdraw from the conflict, as happened with the 2004 Madrid train bombings, but which did not have the same effect with the July 7, 2005 London bombings.
5.The US economy will finally collapse by the year 2020, under the strain of multiple engagements in numerous places, making the worldwide economic system, which is dependent on the US, also collapse, leading to global political instability, which in turn leads to a global jihad led by al-Qaeda, and a Wahhabi Caliphate will then be installed across the world, following the collapse of the US and the rest of the Western world countries."
They do not represent or reflect a popular notion of war against the West among the general population in the Middle East. They are a militant Sunnis Islamist organisation funded by wealthy supporters. They attack anyone necessary to further their aims and they do not negotiate.
People in the Middle East are no different to us, they want peace, an opportunity to flourish and nurture their families. Al Qaeda does not offer this and does not have popular support. It attract and exploits young people, mainly men, to do its work. Think of it as the EDL with guns, expertise and money. They would continue their attacks regardless of our actions in the Middle East. They certainly do not attack this country in retaliation for Saudi’s involvement in Yemen, they have their own agenda.
The notion that payback is the driving philosophy of either Al Qaeda or ISIS is ill founded.
The difference is that we do not deliberately target children with suicide bombers, where we are involved militarily we do try our hardest to avoid civilian deaths, they do not. It really is that simple.
As an example, when their was a real chance of peace in the middle east back in the 80s, it was these self same Sunni Islamist groups that destroyed it with the assassination of Anwar Sadat. They do not want peace, they seek nothing but conflict.
True. But they use the pictures of victims of the Saudi bombing to motivate third-party mules like the Manchester bomber. If those pictures didn’t exist Al Qaeda’s job would be harder.
The Saudi’s support and continued funding of Wahhabism (Taliban loosely and simply translates to “Students”) needs to desist. The championing of it is in itself a great threat. This is where radicalism is nurtured and schooled.
The argument one man’s terrorist is another mans freedom fighter seems to capture the western / Wahabist perspectives.
Dealing with individuals and beliefs that are powerful enough the convince humans to blow themselves up is highly extreme, the will to live (survival instinct) is powerful indeed. Our meddling for oil has resulted in deep resentment and given birth to the ultimate expression of resentment. I have no faith that trump / May or any current western leader has the skill to politically navigate and negotiate lasting peace. Green alternatives, sanctions and the cessation of invading and bombing such countries may be worth consideration for starters.
Lovely to see the smiles of the children at the Manchester Childrens Hospital when being visited by the Queen today. She’s not getting any younger, her visit appears to have been greatly appreciated by the children and their families. Well done Lizzy, I suppose it was frugal that Phil the Greek did not attend
