Terrorist attacks inside Brussels airport and metro

[Maciamo]

The news just announced that a bomb exploded in Brussels Airport, killing and wounding many people. Apparently it was close to the American Airlines check-in area.

I am pretty sure that was a terrorist attack conducted by IS to show that Salah Abdeslam was not the only active terrorist in Belgium and that his arrest won't change anything. No surprising when we know that there are hundreds of thousands of disgruntled, poor, and terror-supporting Muslims in Brussels alone, and millions in Western Europe.

By my own reckoning 5 years ago, I estimated that between 20% and 40% of unemployed Muslims in Belgium are members of terrorist organisations (i.e. between 10,000 and 20,000 people) and between 40% and 100% of these unemployed immigrants passively supported terrorist organisations by donating money. Employment status seems to be an important factor in determining whether Muslim immigrants support terrorism or not. That was long before the Paris attacks. I am surprised that almost nobody reacted to my posts on the subject.

It was only after the Paris attack last November, when the police managed to make the link with the Molenbeek Muslim neighbourhood of north-west Brussels, that the authorities and journalists started to worry about that terrorist nest in Brussels. Maybe it's time they checked Eupedia a bit more often and listened to my warnings. If tough measures are not taken to expel from Europe* the most dangerous bunch of the unemployed Maghrebi Muslims, more terrorist attacks will happen, at an increasingly frequent pace, and it won't be limited to Belgium and France. It's time that the authorities woke up. For years they have been asleep, complacent and hoping nothing would happen. For the last few months they have made some rustle through the media, which mostly scared tourists away and had a negative impact of the economy. That's self-mutilation. The half measures they have taken so far are not what I call 'waking up'. This is lucid dreaming at most! They just realised that they had been dreaming, but don't know how to take control of their mind and body yet.


* I say 'expel from Europe' because incarcerating them won't be possible without proofs of wrongdoings, which may not happen until it's too late. Besides, prison are notorious breeding grounds for terrorist organisations. They are places that turn disgruntled men into true terrorists and facilitate recruitment for terrorist organisations. Another possibility would be to create a completely new type of prison where all prisoners are in complete isolation from one another, with no common area, no chance of socialising and no Internet/phone or other form of outside contact.

Of course expelling potential terrorists only works if:
- they are DNA tested
- they have their eyes scanned for future iris recognition programmes
- they are listed by Interpol with all the biometrics data and prevented from ever re-entering the EU or other Western countries.

Another reason why expelling potential terrorists is the better solution is that it costs far less than incarceration or constant monitoring of free suspects.

[Goga]

True, I do agree with you that deportation is the best solution. Deportation of Muslims (Northern Africans) already happened in Europe, Spain. "Expulsion of the Moriscos": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_the_Moriscos . But This is not that simple. What about their relatives? If uneducated and unemployed Muslim with radical ideas and hatred toward the West is married and has little children who are born in Europe, should they also be deported? But I don't agree with you that ONLY unemployment should be the only criteria. Lacking of any education and a criminal record would be a much better criteria together with unemployment. If someone is unemployed, has no education and has a criminal record, he/she has not really a very bright future right? To survive he would make more radical, extreme and outlaw choices. Such people should be deported. But then again, what about their parents or children. The best solution should be if someone wants to denounce Islam. Everyone who doesn't want to abandon Islam should be deported. Why? Because Islam is the enemy of the Western Values!

[Maciamo]

True, I do agree with you that deportation is the best solution. Deportation of Muslims (Northern Africans) already happened in Europe, Spain. "Expulsion of the Moriscos": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_the_Moriscos . But This is not that simple. What about their relatives? If uneducated and unemployed Muslim with radical ideas and hatred toward the West is married and has little children who are born in Europe, should they also be deported? But I don't agree with you that ONLY unemployment should be the only criteria. Lacking of any education and a criminal record would be a much better criteria together with unemployment. If someone is unemployed, has no education and has a criminal record, he/she has not really a very bright future right? To survive he would make more radical, extreme and outlaw choices. Such people should be deported. But then again, what about their parents or children. The best solution should be if someone wants to denounce Islam. Everyone who doesn't want to abandon Islam should be deported. Why? Because Islam is the enemy of the Western Values!

I didn't say that unemployment was the only factor. Just one that tend to correlate. Obviously it is not as simple as deporting all the unemployed. That wouldn't be fair.

As for the relatives, they could be given the choice to stay or to leave with the deported person. That's a personal decision.

[Maciamo]

UPDATE: an explosion also hit Maalbeek metro station at the heart of the EU neighbourhood. (Maalbeek sounds like Molenbeek but they are completely unrelated. Maalbeek is a station name, not a neighbourhood and not close to Molenbeek).

So far 13 people are reported dead and at least 35 wounded at Zaventem airport, and 15 dead at Maalbeek station.

"The Belga news agency reports that shots were fired and shouts in Arabic were heard before the two explosions. Some reports say it was a suicide attack."

[Goga]

This is terrible. On twitter I read much more reported dead people. For how long will the EU tolerate this madness? Allcountries within the EU should act together and raise 1 voice against thecommon enemy.

Gather some courage, grow some balls and do what you need to do, NOW!

[Maciamo]

Regardless of the number of casualties, I think that this terrorist attack is psychologically worse than the Paris attack because it struck at the heart of the European neighbourhood during the morning rush hour for EU workers, which means that the whole EU is affected. It also means that it is the European Union who cannot defend itself, not just Belgium. It's high time EU-wide (FBI style) police and homeland security forces were established.

I live in Brussels and frequently go to the EU neighbourhood where the explosion happened. For those of you who aren't in Brussels, you should know that since the Paris attacks 4 months ago, Belgian soldiers have already been posted at practically all important metro stations as well as in Brussels-Zaventem Airport. It did not deter terrorists at all. That is visibly not the solution. These are half-measures that attempted to reassure the population. Now, even that won't reassure anybody.

[Alan]

Three days ago, Erdogan who was angered by the fact that Kurds were allowed to protest against him said this about Brussel.

"There is no reason why a bomb like in Ankara couldn't go up in Brussel"

Advise/Warning or threatning? I have my doubts about the Istanbul bombing also, since most of the victims were either foreigners, Jews, westerners or unliked shias.

https://www.facebook.com/Hinter.d.Kulissen/videos/995369040556954/?fref=nf


condolense to the familys of the victims

[bicicleur]

True, I do agree with you that deportation is the best solution. Deportation of Muslims (Northern Africans) already happened in Europe, Spain. "Expulsion of the Moriscos": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_the_Moriscos . But This is not that simple. What about their relatives? If uneducated and unemployed Muslim with radical ideas and hatred toward the West is married and has little children who are born in Europe, should they also be deported? But I don't agree with you that ONLY unemployment should be the only criteria. Lacking of any education and a criminal record would be a much better criteria together with unemployment. If someone is unemployed, has no education and has a criminal record, he/she has not really a very bright future right? To survive he would make more radical, extreme and outlaw choices. Such people should be deported. But then again, what about their parents or children. The best solution should be if someone wants to denounce Islam. Everyone who doesn't want to abandon Islam should be deported. Why? Because Islam is the enemy of the Western Values!

you don't know these Maghrebi people that live in the Brussels suburbs
they form their own ghetto and don't want to integrate
they should have been sent back 30 years ago

[bicicleur]

Three days ago, Erdogan who was angered by the fact that Kurds were allowed to protest against him said this about Brussel.

"There is no reason why a bomb like in Ankara couldn't go up in Brussel"

Advise/Warning or threatning? I have my doubts about the Istanbul bombing also, since most of the victims were either foreigners, Jews, westerners or unliked shias.

https://www.facebook.com/Hinter.d.Kulissen/videos/995369040556954/?fref=nf


condolense to the familys of the victims

it was not a Kurdish attack, it was ISIS
it was not Erdogan's enemy, it was his friends who attacked

[bicicleur]

IMO ISIS was preparing a big attack in several European cities this spring.

They caught Saleh Abdeslam yesterday and found weapons and detonators in the house, but not explosives, so it was clear something was underway.

I think though it was a setback for ISIS which crossed their big plan.
They now executed plan B with far less casualties than their plan A.

But of course more attacks may follow.

[Alan]

it was not a Kurdish attack, it was ISIS
it was not Erdogan's enemy, it was his friends who attacked

I know, neither was the attacks in Ankara (where hundred of Kurds and leftists died) or Istanbul(where Jews, Westerners and Shias died), they were allegedly ISIS, I was just pointing out the obvious. Erdogan "warned" the EU the same could happen in Brussel three days ago, because he was furious that Kurds were allowed to demonstrate there.

[Angela]

In response to this horror, I hear the usual drivel on CNN. Widening the security circle around airports is not really the solution. Yes, you can stop cars on the way to the airport, but that will make air travel so inconvenient that it will have a huge, negative effect on the economy. In addition, the long line of stalled cars is just another target. Plus, what are you going to do at train stations, subway stations, bus stations?

What is needed is intelligence. That's why the shutting down of groups like the New York City one that was focused on infiltrating mosques and Islamic groups was so incredibly stupid.

Donald Trump has already weighed in, of course, saying he would have had this detainee water boarded. First of all, although it may be likely that he had knowledge of this, we don't know it yet. Then, that is now specifically against the law in the U.S., and some military leaders and counter-terrorism people have already gone on record that they wouldn't follow an order to commit war crimes. So, again, it will get him votes, without any chance that it will happen as things stand now.

In terms of Europe, the establishment of an EU wide counter-terrorism organization would seem absolutely essential. The police forces of these smaller countries, in particular, don't seem to have the resources or the expertise, and there has to be a central organization where all the information is gathered.

One other thing I would say is that I think it's a good idea that the media have censored themselves in terms of broadcasting about the things that law enforcement is doing. It seems to escape people that bad guys watch television, and use the information to their benefit.

As to expelling people, and putting it in American terms, it's one thing to expel illegal immigrants or refugees; it's entirely another thing to expel American citizens without a trial and conviction for terrorist activity. That would involve a shredding of the American constitution. I don't think it will ever happen, but if it does, I hope I'm not alive to see it.

[bicicleur]

I won't listen to the media any more today, to avoid hearing the same things 20 more times.

Of course Trump will benefit, because there are so many things that should have been said and done before the attack that never were said and done.
They have presented him an open goal in which he can score.
Trump should never have made it this far as a candidate.
But it is because so many things remained untold.

I agree it is very hard to expell people once they are in. They shouldn't be allowed in that easy. We should be very critical about those coming in, and those who we let in should not get a permit for permanent stay. It should be conditional with a trial period of a couple of years whiole they are monitored. Those who are not integrated and can't support themselves after that trial period should be sent back again.

[Fire Haired14]

Waiting for Obama to give another "They're not real Muslims. They're a tiny minority. We need to let in Syrian refugees" speech. However, when crazy people in America shoot schools, there's something wrong with American society according to Obama.

As arrogant and racist and unprepared people say Trump is, one thing he will do is protect us.

[Alan]

you don't know these Maghrebi people that live in the Brussels suburbs
they form their own ghetto and don't want to integrate
they should have been sent back 30 years ago

Were the bombers third generation Maghrebis? I heard this kind of rumors.

[Alan]

Waiting for Obama to give another "They're not real Muslims. They're a tiny minority. We need to let in Syrian refugees" speech. However, when crazy people in America shoot schools, there's something wrong with American society according to Obama.

As arrogant and racist and unprepared people say Trump is, one thing he will do is protect us.

However as far as I have learned these guys were not refugees but third generation immigrants who have been living there for long. In Belgium they have build literally their own Ghettos.

[Yetos]

After the minute of silence and respect,
Let the dead find peace at the underworls island of hapiness,
may their sleep awake the Gods,

[Maciamo]

In response to this horror, I hear the usual drivel on CNN. Widening the security circle around airports is not really the solution. Yes, you can stop cars on the way to the airport, but that will make air travel so inconvenient that it will have a huge, negative effect on the economy. In addition, the long line of stalled cars is just another target. Plus, what are you going to do at train stations, subway stations, bus stations?

What is needed is intelligence. That's why the shutting down of groups like the New York City one that was focused on infiltrating mosques and Islamic groups was so incredibly stupid.

Donald Trump has already weighed in, of course, saying he would have had this detainee water boarded. First of all, although it may be likely that he had knowledge of this, we don't know it yet. Then, that is now specifically against the law in the U.S., and some military leaders and counter-terrorism people have already gone on record that they wouldn't follow an order to commit war crimes. So, again, it will get him votes, without any chance that it will happen as things stand now.

In terms of Europe, the establishment of an EU wide counter-terrorism organization would seem absolutely essential. The police forces of these smaller countries, in particular, don't seem to have the resources or the expertise, and there has to be a central organization where all the information is gathered.

One other thing I would say is that I think it's a good idea that the media have censored themselves in terms of broadcasting about the things that law enforcement is doing. It seems to escape people that bad guys watch television, and use the information to their benefit.

I agree with everything you said.

As to expelling people, and putting it in American terms, it's one thing to expel illegal immigrants or refugees; it's entirely another thing to expel American citizens without a trial and conviction for terrorist activity. That would involve a shredding of the American constitution. I don't think it will ever happen, but if it does, I hope I'm not alive to see it.

The Muslims ghettoes in Brussels are mostly composed of Moroccans. Many of them still have Moroccan nationality even if they are third-generation migrants, as Belgium does not automatically grant citizenship to people born in the country like in the US. It's actually not very difficult to get Belgian citizenship, but many of these immigrants don't bother doing it. Until a few years ago Belgium didn't allow dual citizenship, so becoming Belgian meant giving up their nationality.

For those who already have Belgian (or other EU) citizenship, the easiest thing to do would be to pass a law to strip Muslims of their citizenship if:
- they have a criminal record
- belong to organisations supporting terrorism (including making donations or attending meetings)
- are caught expressing views in support of religious extremism, terrorism, or the like.

It's just a matter of political will. This kind of law could be passed almost immediately as citizenship law is not inscribed in the constitution (nothing like the Fourteenth Amendment here).

[bicicleur]

However as far as I have learned these guys were not refugees but third generation immigrants who have been living there for long. In Belgium they have build literally their own Ghettos.

Most of Belgian Syria fighters are 3rd generation Maghrebi. Belgium has the highest number per capita of Syria fighters in Europe.
And yes these bombers came back from Syria. Just like the Maghrebi new year eve rapists in Köln they came back to Europe with false Syrian pasports and mixed among Syrian refugees.

It is the only community of foreigners that stay in such ghettos and don't integrate at all.
They don't get a job and many live on drug traficking and small crimes.
In France there are such ghettos too, as France had many colonies in Northern Africa.

Pointing a finger at them was considered racism.

And yes, they are Muslims and they are not a tiny minority.

[bicicleur]

For those who already have Belgian (or other EU) citizenship, the easiest thing to do would be to pass a law to strip Muslims of their citizenship if:
- they have a criminal record
- belong to organisations supporting terrorism (including making donations or attending meetings)
- are caught expressing views in support of religious extremism, terrorism, or the like.

I'm afraid the Brussels suburbs will become half depopulated.

[gyms]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbINrdyAXlE

Victor Orban gives historic speech and appears to be putting Hungary on a war footing.(03.15.2016.)

[LeBrok]

It is terrible to wake up to the news like this. My heart goes to all Belgians.

IMO ISIS was preparing a big attack in several European cities this spring.

They caught Saleh Abdeslam yesterday and found weapons and detonators in the house, but not explosives, so it was clear something was underway.

I think though it was a setback for ISIS which crossed their big plan.
They now executed plan B with far less casualties than their plan A.

But of course more attacks may follow.

I think this is the case. Police was on their backs and they needed to rush the attacks.
I hope Belgian police will flash away and capture all of the terrorists and in time improve their techniques finding newly formed cells quickly. Your immigration policy need to be revised too. Belgium became a magnet for radical Muslims and the lazy immigrants.
Good Luck friends.

[Maciamo]

I'm afraid the Brussels suburbs will become half depopulated.

Only the northern and western suburbs. Anyway better depopulated and safe than full of Islamists and potential terrorists.

[Maciamo]

Pointing a finger at them was considered racism.

It may have been. Now it's common sense. Anyway I never liked how the term racism could be applied so loosely when talking about a group that is not a race, but a particular members of society that are better defined by their social class and religious extremism. Racism would be hate/discrimination against all Arabs, regardless of their social class, education, religion (many are Christian or Jewish, and some even Agnostic or Atheistic). That is not the case. People rightly fear religious extremists who have nothing to loose in life and don't mind blowing themselves up for their beliefs to kill as many people as possible. If anyone think that such fear is racism, then they are not better than the terrorists and should be arrested for defending them.

[Angela]

It's a detail I know, but what possessed Belgian authorities to tell the press that this guy was talking? I'm sure that influenced the cells to push the attacks forward. Honestly, these people need some serious retraining. Or is there another ridiculous law that says information like that has to be released? Also, are bomb sniffing dogs deployed at transportation hubs? If they're not, they should be, and I don't mean just for a few weeks; I mean year round, seven days a week.

@Fire-Haired,
Any Republican would be good on this issue, even Kasich, unlike the Democrat candidates; we don't need that clown Trump. What we also don't need is more of the Obama foreign policy, like Kerry's visit to Paris after the bombings...a wreathe of flowers, a hug, and James Taylor singing "You've Got a Friend". Pathetic doesn't begin to describe it. Meanwhile, Hollande's plea to stop batting away bees and go after the hive were ignored by this administration. This is the modern Democrat Party.

Also, nice as these light displays in the European capitols are, what they need to do is focus less on symbolism, forget their childish ethnic and nationalistic disputes, and put together an EU wide plan for immigration, refugees and security. Otherwise, just scrap the whole damn thing. This is a joke.

Oh, and meanwhile the U.S President is watching a baseball game in Cuba and discussing the long term deleterious effects of colonialism, global initiatives against poverty, and other progressive goals with those champions of civil rights, the Castro Brothers.

He is the definition of an empty suit. A Nato ally has been attacked. He should be in the Situation Room in contact with European leaders hammering out a plan.

You couldn't make this up.

All of that said, if you're going to strip people of their citizenship for committing crimes, then it should apply to everyone. You can't penalize people just based on their ethnicity and religion.