Helmut Joachim Schmidt and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The intelligence agency of Germany, the BND, appears to be realizing that the Syrian government and the armed forces are not in the process of being overpowered. This is a remarkable turn-around because previously the BND hierarchy had predicted the end of the government of Bashar al-Assad. However, times are changing because now this intelligence agency believes that the government position is stronger now than it was last year.

All articles written by a syndicate of writers from Modern Tokyo Times have repeatedly gone against the grain in terms of ignoring the propaganda against the government of Syria. This applies to never predicting the demise of the armed forces of Syria alongside highlighting the enormous spin by so-called experts and major media outlets. Therefore, futile predictions and focusing on made-up mass desertions of the Syrian armed forces and the majority of the populace being against Bashar al-Assad were totally ignored.

Indeed, if the government of Bashar al-Assad does collapse then it will be nothing to do with the so-called “revolution.” If anything, the real “revolution” is that the majority of Syrians are standing firm against the enormous array of enemies which seek to weaken independent Syria based on various different factors. Simply put, the conflict only reached this level because of untold numbers of international jihadists, mercenaries and covert operatives entering Syria and being supplied by military means by countless different nations which care little about this nation. This reality means that the so-called “revolution” is “a puppet” of the CIA, MI6, DGSE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Al-Qaeda and other outside forces which are working closely with the governments of America, France and the United Kingdom.

Spiegel Online reports that the head of the BND, Gerhard Schindler, did a major about-turn because he had predicted that the government of Bashar al-Assad would collapse by early 2013. Of course, many predictions by the leader of America and a host of others, including the BND, had stated that the government of Syria would collapse much earlier than this. Yet now Gerhard Schindler and the BND in general are rethinking such naïve forecasts.

Spiegel online states that “Since then, however, the situation has changed dramatically, the BND believes. Schindler used graphics and maps to demonstrate that Assad’s troops once again possess effective supply lines to ensure sufficient quantities of weapons and other materiel. Fuel supplies for tanks and military aircraft, which had proved troublesome, are once again available, Schindler reported. The new situation allows Assad’s troops to combat spontaneous rebel attacks and even retake positions that were previously lost. The BND does not believe that Assad’s military is strong enough to defeat the rebels, but it can do enough to improve its position in the current stalemate.”

Therefore, it is clear that powerful media agencies, foreign governments and so-called specialists have all been caught by their own propaganda. After all, many new dimensions are now taking shape internally whereby government supporters are playing a more powerful military role in unifying logistics with the national army. At the same time, the Russian Federation and Iran have refused to budge because both nations, and many others, understand that the internal situation is very complex. Political elites in Moscow and Tehran also understand the need to crush Al-Qaeda affiliated groups and other terrorist organizations and to quell sectarian forces which threaten the entire region.

It is also clear that all major religious leaders in Syria are opposed to outside meddling because hostile foreign nations are fueling terrorism, sectarianism and sedition against independent Syria. Iraq is also disillusioned with the role of major Gulf and Western nations. Likewise, Tunisia is also waking up after a major secular leader was brutally murdered by Islamists in this country. After all, many terrorists in Syria come from North African countries which include Libya and Tunisia. The Russian Federation is also deeply worried about the Chechen and Caucasus Islamist angle because Moscow fully understands that this reality will endanger the national security of this nation.

In recent weeks the armed forces of Syria are continuing to make inroads in many areas. At the same time, more brutal massacres by Islamist forces are further alienating the population. Indeed, in areas under the control of Al-Qaeda affiliated groups it is more than apparent that they are ruling by fear. This applies to openly killing people based on whimsical charges and clearly religious minorities and mainstream Sunni Muslim leaders fear the draconian Salafi militants.

The BND to the embarrassment of America, France and the United Kingdom also makes it clear that various anti-government militias don’t recognize the so-called “political leadership” outside of Syria which is meant to be on their side. This is also further evidence that it is outside nations which are pulling the strings and even Saudi Arabia and Qatar are at loggerheads. For these two feudal monarchies have different agendas and while Saudi Arabia is worried about the long-term rivalry of the Muslim Brotherhood if the Obama administration and Qatar get their way; it is clear that Qatar cares little apart from paying anyone who is willing to kill Syrians on behalf of the “outside funded revolution.”

It is hoped that Guido Westerwelle, the German Foreign Minister, will keep Germany from a distance. After all, no nation which supports morality should be caught-up in supporting terrorist and sectarian groups which behead, chop Syrian soldiers up, train children to kill Syrian soldiers, kidnap Christian bishops, kill pro-Syrian government Sunni Muslim clerics, kill journalists, do car bombings and brutally murder Alawites and Shia Muslims. Of course, this reality doesn’t concern America, France, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. However, many European nations are worried about the mass brutality of various Islamist factions in Syria alongside many barbaric forces within the so-called Free Syria Army.

Of course, danger still exists for the government of Syria because you always have the threat of future “false flags.” Indeed, this is the reality – if the Syrian government is overpowered it will only happen because of the work of multiple outside nations working in tandem with terrorists, covert operatives, mercenaries, sectarian forces and because the same ratlines will have destroyed the economy from head to foot.

IMAGE - CIA document on early talks to create the “Bundesnachrichtendienst” in 1952

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-intelligence-believes-assad-regime-regaining-lost-power-a-901188.html

http://www.bnd.bund.de/EN/_Home/home_node.html

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Boutros Hussein and Walter Sebastian

Modern Tokyo Times

The country of Mali needs urgent economic input into the nation in order to start the process of restructuring areas plagued by international jihadists, to develop the infrastructure and to strengthen the central state. At a major conference to raise awareness and to obtain international funding the European Union announced that they will pledge an initial 520 million Euros ($673 million dollars). However, in time collective international support should provide much more economic assistance given the need to stabilize this nation.

Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, stated that this funding would help Mali to become “stable, democratic and prosperous.” It is widely reported that the government of Mali is hoping to obtain over 4 billion Euros given the severity of the crisis. This funding is needed for a plethora of important things which equally applies to developing the infrastructure and providing resources to strengthen all major institutions including the armed forces of this nation. After all, the threat from international jihadists which desire to crush indigenous Islam and turn this country into a Gulf paranoid Sharia state is all too real. Therefore, Mali is facing a war of civilization whereby traditional Mali Islam is threatened by alien and draconian versions of Islam which emanate from the Gulf region.

According to the BBC this funding is related to “rebuilding government institutions and the military, repairing damaged infrastructure, organizing presidential elections, holding dialogue with rebel groups in the north, and stimulating the economy.”

Of course this economic support from the European Union is extremely welcomed by the Mali government and people of this nation. Yet, it is essential that donors listen to the leaders of Mali and to people on the ground because sometimes foreign assistance can be based on lofty ideals. Therefore, while elections are essential in the long-term it shouldn’t be fostered on Mali until the situation is more secure given the military threat from international jihadists.

In the BBC article they are relating Mali to similar donor support which happened in Afghanistan and Somalia. However, this is not valid in many ways, after all the vast majority of people in Mali share similar values of pluralism and religious tolerance. Also, unlike in Afghanistan and Somalia the French led forces were welcomed with open arms by the overwhelming majority of Mali people. This reality means that providing the Islamists can be crushed then economic support can genuinely make a difference providing “the heart of the government is sincere.”

President Dioncounda Traore who is the interim leader stated that “I think that’s a good start…Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, in a week or in a month, it is clear that the international community, the European Union, will inject a lot more than that.”

The President of the European Commission commented that “the principal actors in this transition are the Malians themselves and their government.”

Given the severity of the crisis in Mali then officials from this country are working around the clock in order to prepare for the future of this nation. This reality can be seen by the Plan for the Sustainable Recovery of Mali. It is hoped that this difficult and complex plan will be rewarded by genuine international support in order to galvanize Mali and put this nation on the right path to prosperity. Of course the road will be hard and difficult but providing the political leadership in Mali remains vibrant and the international community is sincere; then hopefully Mali will set a positive precedent whereby international economic support provides “a new tomorrow” instead of a “false dawn.”

Lee Jay Walker provided assistance to both main writers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22535265  

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Murad Makhumdov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Saudi Arabia funds Islamic education, media groups, proselytization, building of Islamic mosques and so forth all over the world. So-called puritanical Islam from Saudi Arabia, which incidentally allows old men to marry young little girls, is unleashing fresh divisions within nations and spreading hatred within the Muslim world and non-Muslim world. America and the United Kingdom, and virtually all major nations, are allowing this in the full knowledge that converts to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and so forth, face the death penalty. Therefore, once Gulf petrodollars from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other feudal Gulf nations funded opposition terrorist forces in Syria the upshot was anti-Christian, anti-Shia and anti-Alawite hatred.

Of course, radical Sunni Islamism in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and other nations, hates all and sundry therefore mainstream Sunni Muslim clerics have been killed by Gulf petrodollars. America and the United Kingdom did little to stem the religious cleansing of Christians and other minorities in many parts of Iraq after Allied forces unleashed vacuums that they couldn’t contain. Likewise, the cleansing of Orthodox Christians in Kosovo happened on the watch of European nations and America. This brutal reality meant that the Christian community in Syria was easily sacrificed by political elites in London and Washington. Sadly, France now appears to have sold “its soul” to these two twins of evil. In the past France had favored secular forces in the Middle East unlike America and the United Kingdom which supported conservative feudal Sharia states in the Gulf and conservative leaders in Egypt. However, the last two leaders of France have sold their “soul” and now this nation is in the troika of Western powers which is in league with feudal Islamist powers in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

In Syria under the current government the people of this nation had freedoms that were unimagined in Saudi Arabia and Qatar before outside nations decided to crush pluralism and secularism. Also, unlike Saudi Arabia which will not tolerate one single Christian church; the land of Syria is blessed by a mosaic of faiths and political leaders in Syria look favorably towards Christianity. Indeed, President Bashar al-Assad married a Sunni Muslim lady who happened to go to a Christian school when she was younger. However, the Gulf petrodollars which are spreading a militant version of Islam based on supremacy and hatred – and where they stifle all notions of democracy; are now somehow concerned about freedom in Syria. Of course, in the real world it is a farce because they should clean up their own “intolerant houses” instead of spreading sectarianism and terrorism to Syria.

Currently two archbishops and two priests are being held by forces which are being supported by America, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Kingdom. This applies to the plethora of factions within the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) and various Islamist factions. Often forces within both groups fight side by side and they are complicit in many brutal terrorist attacks and massacres against anyone deemed to be pro-Assad.

Archimandrite Haddad of the Greek Melkite Catholic Basilica is a Christian rector who speaks his mind because he fully understands the hatred being unleashed against Syria. Fr. Haddad stated that the rebels (terrorists and mercenaries) “want to show that there is no more coexistence between Christians and Muslims but this isn’t true.”

Fr. Haddad also stated that “The Syrian war is not a crisis between Muslims and Christians or Muslims and other Muslims and it’s not a Syrian civil war from and for Syrians….This is a war imported from outside and we have traitors who have sold themselves to outsiders for a bit of money.”

Msgr. Dankaye is another Christian leader who is trying to open the eyes of the agents of hatred. He also attacks media outlets in the West and in the Gulf region which are spreading sectarianism, terrorism and sedition by their extremely biased reporting.

Msgr. Dankaye comments about the mass media by stating that “the international community’s 600 TV channels broadcast the exact same version, while the only Syrian TV channel that exists and broadcasts daily news in English has been blocked.”

“People against the regime are outside Syria….War always has its reasons and its logic, and the true reasons for it are always hidden.”

The Catholic News Agency reports that the “Greek Orthodox Archbishop Paul Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim were kidnapped by rebels on April 22 and are still being held in a village northwest of Aleppo.”

“Gunmen pulled the two Christian archbishops out of their car and shot their driver, a deacon.”

“They were on their way to Aleppo from the Turkish border in an effort to negotiate the release of two priests, Armenian Catholic Father Michel Kayyal and Father Maher Mahfouz, a Greek Orthodox Christian.”

“The priests had been abducted on Feb. 9 when the bus they were riding on from Aleppo to Damascus was stopped. They are still being held captive.”

Fr. Haddad also took a swipe at the feudal Islamist states which are funding sectarianism, terrorism and sedition. He states that “Our petro-dollar Arabic neighbors have bought some Syrians and it’s a surprise to me when a Syrian is happy to see a Syrian soldier murdered.”

Ironically, one can claim that Saudi Arabia is consistent because this nation supports institutional hatred and religious persecution. Of course, on top of this is keeping women in the shadows and allowing child marriage to very old men. Therefore, you don’t expect religious tolerance and morality from a nation which supports killing apostates and which allows old men to marry little girls. Given this reality, Islamist forces in Syria are “a true mirror” to the institutional state of hatred in Saudi Arabia. However, why are these anti-Christian, anti-Shia, anti-Alawite and anti-secular forces are being supported by political elites in London, Paris and Washington?

It must also be stated that in Egypt the Coptic Christian community is facing a new wave of Islamist hatred under the banner of the Muslim Brotherhood and various Salafi groups. Despite this, America and Europe keep on supplying economic lifelines to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Also, America is continuing to supply major military hardware to the anti-Christian and anti-secular Muslim Brotherhood. Therefore, the forces of hatred which seek to impose conservative Sharia states on the people of Egypt and Syria are being supported by the usual players which are destabilizing Syria.

Mainstream Sunni Islam in Syria is also under threat because killing moderate Sunni clerics means little to Gulf nations which are funding sectarianism, the Salafi message of hatred and indoctrination. In another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “The democracy of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and various Islamist factions was once more made clear in Damascus. This applies to the targeting and murder of a prominent Sunni religious cleric while he was teaching people about Islam. However, for the FSA and various Islamist factions Dr. Mohammed Saeed Ramadan al-Bouti was a danger because he denounced the traitors and enemies of Syria. Therefore, his only crime was to speak from the heart and to denounce the so-called opposition which beheads, kills journalists, cleanses areas of minorities, murders pro-government Syrians, indoctrinates children to hate, destroys the infrastructure and other brutal realities.”

Further down in the same article it is stated that “Early 2012 and late 2012 are ending in the same way in Syria when it comes to killing Muslim religious leaders. In the early part of 2012 Sheikh Mohammad Ahmad Ouf Sadeq was brutally murdered by Islamist terrorists. Sadly, in late December 2012 another religious leader was also shot in the head by Islamist terrorists. These Islamists follow the thought patterns of Saudi Arabia and other draconian Gulf nations.”

The Ministry of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) stated about the killing of Sunni clerics “that the terrorist attacks against scholars and directors of Awqaf directorates prove that the war launched against Syria is a war led by Takfiri and terrorist organizations against the moderation and tolerance of the Syrian religious thought.”

Fr. Haddad also stated that there are “terrorists and non-terrorists from Libya, Pakistan and Afghanistan who have gone to fight in Syria saying they want to liberate Jerusalem…But can one liberate Jerusalem from Aleppo?…We all know where the path to Jerusalem is.”

Prior to outside nations meddling into the affairs of Syria it was clear that this nation represented a mosaic whereby various religious communities co-existed. However, today terrorism, sectarianism, Salafi indoctrination and sedition are all being supported in order to crush independent Syria. At the same time covert operatives who played such an important role in Libya are also working in tandem and NATO Turkey is a major conduit of international terrorists, covert operatives, mercenaries, Salafi fanatics and military hardware.

Christian priests and churches are not being destroyed by government forces. On the contrary, Syrian soldiers and the government are trying to protect the Christian minority just like they are trying to protect their motherland from a plethora of enemies. Therefore, it is essential that the friends of Syria continue to support this nation and for the mass media to wake-up and ask serious questions in order to shame political elites in London, Paris and Washington. After all, you can’t shame Saudi Arabia because it is beyond reproach and Qatar is a feudal monarchy which just “buys silence” and “propaganda.” If the enemies of Syria succeed then spare a thought to what happened in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya – then ask the simple question – are these nations now free and flourishing?

http://www.eurasiareview.com/12052013-mass-held-in-rome-for-kidnapped-syrian-bishops/

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Boutros Hussein and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Many important Christian leaders in Syria and throughout the Middle East want a halt to the funding of terrorism and sectarianism. Regional Christian leaders fully understand that the West is morally bankrupt when it comes to human rights and religious pluralism. They also know that countries like America and the United Kingdom often “play the tune” of Saudi Arabia where not one single Christian church is allowed. Also, in Saudi Arabia converts to the Christian faith face the death penalty and openly carrying any non-Muslim religious text equates to prison and persecution but this doesn’t worry the political elites in London and Washington.

At the same time, in Kosovo, northern Cyprus, Iraq, and now happening in Libya, the Christian faith plummets dramatically either on the “watch” of America and the United Kingdom – or, in the case of Libya where the Christian faith was very small then fresh persecution begins after Western and Gulf meddling. Likewise, while Coptic Christians in Egypt face fresh bouts of persecution at the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists the United States does little apart from providing financial assistance and more military arms to this country. Similarly, in West Papua in Indonesia you have a covert Islamization process happening including converting young Christian children to Islam and then indoctrinating them to hate their own culture. Once more, the United States and United Kingdom care little and Gulf petrodollars are also inciting religious hatred in this country.

The Syrian Arab News Agency reports that “Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi of the Maronite Church in Lebanon and All the East called for halting violence in Syria and starting a national dialogue to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis.”

“During an honoring celebration held by the Syrian and Lebanese community in Brasilia, al-Rahi appealed (to) the international community and the countries which support the war in Syria to stop supporting and financing murder operations and to halt arming terrorism and destabilizing a secure country and to sit (at a) dialogue table.”

Sadly, the arrogance of political leaders in America, France and the United Kingdom means that powerful Christian leaders in the Middle East are ignored just like the cleansing of Christianity is ignored on the watch of America and the United Kingdom. Trillions of dollars have been spent on Afghanistan but the upshot of this is continuing hatred towards all non-Muslim faiths, women being put firmly in the shadows and an abundance of heroin. Therefore, after over 40 years of meddling in Afghanistan the only outcome is terrorism, narcotics, more religious hatred, chaos and women are in chains.

Iraq today is another failed state and because of the policies of powerful Western and Gulf nations then sectarianism is once more on the rise in this country based on the destabilization of Syria. Political leaders in Iraq have condemned regional nations and others for supporting sectarianism, terrorism and sedition against Syria. However, just like major regional Christian leaders are ignored the arrogance of powerful Western and Gulf nations also means that they don’t consider the opinions of Iraq.

Archbishop Atallah Hanna of Sebastia from the Greek Orthodox faith condemned some Arab countries for “being a part of the colonist scheme against Syria and the region, particularly those which are funding and supporting the foreign opposition.”

It must be noted that Christian churches dot the landscape of Syria unlike the friends of America and the United Kingdom in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan whereby Christianity is persecuted under a strict Islamist inquisition. Also, vast numbers of Christians from Iraq fled to Syria under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad because they were protected from international terrorism and religious persecution. The government of Bashar al-Assad took in untold numbers of Christians and Muslims fleeing the carnage in Iraq which erupted once outside nations unleashed many vacuums. Indeed, the nation of Syria opened its door to Palestinians being forced out of their homeland because this nation is independent and outside the control of Gulf and Western powers.

Therefore, it wasn’t Israel or Saudi Arabia which came to the rescue of refugees from Iraq. On the contrary it was the nation of Syria which gave much needed breathing space to refugees fleeing terrorism, religious persecution and sectarianism. Ironically, today many refugees in Syria from other nations are now fleeing this nation because of the barbarity of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and various al-Qaeda supported Islamist terrorist groups which are fighting on the side of major Western and Gulf powers. This reality would shame most nations but of course when 50% of Christians fled Iraq on the watch of America and the United Kingdom then neither nation batted an eyelid.

Michel Aoun, a powerful Christian leader in Lebanon, comments about the kidnap of two Christian bishops by FSA Islamists in Syria. He states that “These acts do not represent in any way a struggle for freedom, but rather terrorist acts committed by hate-filled, malicious terrorists who feed on the blood of innocents and the lives of civilians … while attempts to justify this terrorism under the pretext of seeking to oust the regime have become ridiculous and pathetic.”

It must be stated that Bashar al-Assad is married to a Sunni Muslim lady who went to a Christian school when she was younger. Also, at no point was religion a point of issue whe it came to taking in over one million refugees. However, today the enemies of Syria are fueling sectarianism and Salafi ideology in order to weaken the unity of this nation.

Many Syrian Christian clergy and regional leaders are alarmed by the destabilization of Syria. After all, another Iraq is on the horizon if the government of Syria is defeated by terrorist and sectarian forces. Christians in Syria, just like Muslims in this country, will all have different political beliefs. However, the vast majority of Christians in this nation fully understand that outside meddling by major Gulf and Western powers throughout the region normally leads to women being put in the shadows, religious minorities fleeing and this is followed by religious bigotry and “the failed state domino system.” Afghanistan, northern Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, and others, all point to the same direction for Christians and this applies to greater marginalization which is then followed by outright religious persecution.

Sister Agnes-Mariam de la Croix who is a Christian nun comments that “The free and democratic world is supporting extremists…They want to impose Sharia Law and create an Islamic state in Syria.”

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Walter Sebastian and Pierre Leblanc

Modern Tokyo Times

The international community is responding to events in Mali and this can be seen by the promised 12,600 United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force which is planned from July. In a short-period of time France and regional African nations have contributed to forcing Islamist militants from much of their strongholds throughout the north of the country. Therefore, it is hoped that the new peacekeeping force named MINUSMA (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) will continue with the progress once their mandate starts.

It is also essential that the international community provides major economic support whereby business investments, developing the infrastructure and other related areas are given a proper boost. At the same time, great attention must be given to centralization processes and strengthening all major institutions related to education, law, the political system and other vital areas. Of course, the ethnic make-up of Mali is very diverse and the same applies to lifestyle therefore areas of alienation need to be addressed in order to embody the spirit of “One people, one goal, one faith.”

Al-Qaeda and other Islamist forces threatened to turn Mali into a nightmare Taliban styled Islamist state whereby indigenous African Islam would be supplanted by draconian Islamic versions emanating from the Gulf region. Amputations for petty crimes and the destruction of ancient African Islamic architecture, holy places and the indigenous way of life were all threatened by draconian Islamists. France therefore stepped in once Islamist forces began to move further south and clearly international troops were welcomed with open arms by the people of Mali because the threat was very real.

If Islamists had taken control of Mali then the entire region would have suffered greatly. Islamists would have firstly sucked the life out of indigenous African Islam in this country and then turned the clock back to “year zero.” After this, terrorist bases and other brutal realities would have engulfed the Mali people and clearly much bloodletting would have ensued. However, France galvanized regional nations to partake in safeguarding Mali from a brutal foe.

Another essential area is that nations with expertise in the military field must train elite forces within the army of Mali. This applies to the entire spectrum and obviously the military needs to modernize in terms of arms, logistics, coordination and other vital areas. In the meantime, it is essential that France maintains a military presence in Mali until everything is put into place.

The BBC comments about MINUSMA by stating that “The 12,600-strong force is intended to incorporate some 6,000 West African soldiers already in the country.”

“The resolution was proposed by France, which intervened militarily in January to drive out Islamist militants from Mali’s northern desert region.”

“The UN force is to deploy at the beginning of July before planned nationwide elections.”

“A French force of 1,000 soldiers will remain, in case they are needed to fight the al-Qaeda-linked groups.”

It is hoped that MINUSMA will provide a genuine breathing space for Mali and that international nations will focus on the economic arena and other important areas. Mali is blessed with a rich culture therefore it was essential that the international community intervened. In the long-term it is hoped that the international community will focus on a whole array of areas in order to help the people of Mali.

Lee Jay Walker gave support to both main writers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22296705

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Vojin Joksimovich, PhD

Modern Tokyo Times

Blowback

The term blowback became a part of my vocabulary after I read Chalmers Johnson’s book:  Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire. The late Chalmers Johnson was my neighbor. He sent me a copy of his book and wrote: “With appreciation for your excellent Kosovo Crisis.” His book dealt with examples of Okinawa, Stealth Imperialism, South Korea, North Korea, China, Japan and Meltdown. I felt that my bookKosovo Crisis: A Policy in the Foreign Policy Mismanagement and even more so in my subsequent bookThe Revenge of the Prophet: How Clinton and his Predecessors Empowered Radical Islam, that these two books supplement his blowback examples while focusing on different parts of the world: Balkans, Middle East and Central Asia. The Boston marathon horror appears to be yet another blowback attributable to the US foreign and domestic immigration policies.

101 on Salafism (Radical Islam)

The Muslim Brotherhood (MB), founded by Egyptian Al-Banna in 1928, has had a slogan: “God is our purpose; the Prophet is our leader; the Koran is our constitution, Jihad is our way; and dying for God’s causes our supreme objective.” The MB spawned another Egyptian called Sayyid Qutb, who provided the intellectual underpinnings of the Salafi jihadism or Radical Islam as it exists today. Salafism advocates a strict interpretation of the Koran and a return to the practices of the Prophet Mohammed and his disciples. Salafists, also called Islamists, are using a black banner as their emblem and they consider jihad as the pillar of Islam. The remarkable “success” of Salafism, including the rise after the so called the Arab spring, is attributable primarily to the Saudi petrodollars and Qatar is increasingly playing a more important role. Saudi Arabia, a key US ally, has been funding for decades Islamic proselytism of its own branch of Salafism, i.e. a conservative version of Sunni Islam named Wahhabism, after its creator Muhammad  ibn Abd Wahhab (1703-1791). Wahhabism became the state religion of Saudi Arabia. It could be viewed that present-day Salafism is an export version of Wahhabism. By supporting various Salafist groups, Saudi Arabia ensures it will not be threatened by home-grown jihadists. The US policy-makers consider Saudi Arabia as untouchable.

The MB and the Salafists have the same goals vis-à-vis the West but the strategies differ. US policy-makers do not seem capable to comprehend this fact. Central to their ideology is the reintroduction of the caliphate, an Islamic super-state governed by  Sharia law that would stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific as it did during the Islamic imperium.  Terrorism should be viewed as a tactic in asymmetric warfare. It is an equalizer and it is extremely cost effective.

Osama bin-Laden was a Salafist. After his death, there was attrition among the Al Qaeda leadership in Afghanistan/Pakistan but the Salafist ideology he advanced continues to thrive. The terrorist organization he co-founded, Al Qaeda, continues to operate in different forms in many parts of the world. Bin Laden issued two fatwas (1996, 1998) declaring the war against the US. His second fatwa called on all Muslims “to kill Americans and their allies, civilians and military, as an individual duty.”  Hence, radical Islam has been at war with America since 1996 but America has not been at war with Radical Islam. Instead, the American response has been some kind of an ineffectual appeasement and lack of leadership under all three US presidents (Clinton, Bush and Obama), despite a number of severe blowbacks. The American public has been the victim of this flawed policy.

Another big success of Salafists has been the radicalization of Muslims in the West thereby creating home-grown threats either by offering training outside the US or via the internet. There were 12 home-grown terrorist plots in the US in 2010, compared to 1 in 2005. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has been in the forefront of fighting home-grown terrorism. The NYPD thwarted as many as 16 terrorist plots on the city since 9/11.

The Clinton Era

The Salafist networks flourished during the Clinton era (1993-2001). Mansoor Ijaz, a Pakistani-American and a Clinton supporter, characterized it as: “their counter-terrorism policies fueled the rise of Osama bin-Laden from an ordinary man to a Hydra-like monster.” Clinton’s lack of resolve to fight terrorism and turning a “blind-eye” to Salafism amounted to pussyfooting and appeasement. Bin Laden capitalized. On Clinton’s watch over 10,000 terrorists were trained in Al Qaida (Al Qaeda) training camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while only 29 terrorists were captured. On Clinton’s watch Al Qaeda and its affiliates planned many and executed several successfully against the US including: 1993 World Trade Center bombings killing 6 and injuring over 1,000; the 1993 killing of 18 American servicemen in Somalia, the averted 1995 project Bojinka, which called for planting bombs on 11 US airliners; 1995 Riyadh Saudi National Guard Station killing 5 and injuring 30 Americans; the 1996 Khobar Towers attack killing 19 Americans; the 1998 attack on US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania killing 224 (12 Americans); and 2000 attack on USS destroyer Cole killing 17 US servicemen.

Several other salient events of far reaching consequences took place in the Balkans, particularly in Bosnia and Kosovo. US condoned and covertly assisted jihad in Bosnia, which enabled Bin Laden to implement his master plan to establish a base of operations in Europe against Al Qaeda’s true enemy: the US. Bosnia became the direct springboard for 9/11. The US empowered Al Qaeda’s Al Mujahid Brigade in Bosnia. Members of this brigade played pivotal roles in both 9/11 and the Madrid bombings. 3,000 New York residents lost their lives due to these misguided policies. After turning Bosnia into an Iranian, Wahhabist and Al Qaeda terrorist haven, Clinton decided to support “good terrorists” in the Serbian provinces of Kosovo and Metohija, i.e. the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) narco-terrorists initially linked to Al Qaeda. In addition, the Clinton administration cultivated relations with other groups known for terrorist violence, e.g. the Palestinian Liberation Organization in Palestine and the Irish Republican Army in Northern Ireland, thus setting examples for counter-terrorism policies.

It appears that Clinton’s lack of resolve vis-à-vis bin Laden was in part due to his Islamophilia.  In the 2001 speech at the Georgetown University he said that Muslims in the Middle East might hate America less if only they understood how much the Clinton administration had done for Islam. “Most Muslims in in the Middle East, I’ll guarantee you, don’t know the last time we used our military power was to protect poor Muslims in Bosnia and Kosovo.” He also referred to atrocities committed by crusaders. So Clinton decided to bomb a small Orthodox Christian nation called Serbia, US ally in both WWI and WWII, in order to appease the Islamic world.

The Bush-43 Era

As a result of his election and 9/11, the foreign policy of the world’s only superpower has been managed by a small clique of so called neo-conservatives (neocons).  After 9/11 the neocons saw a unique opportunity equivalent to the late 1940s, when the US first engaged the Soviet Union in the Cold War. There were two regime changes in Afghanistan and Iraq as a result of the Bush counter-terrorist strategy with explicit endorsement of a preemptive war doctrine. In contrast to the 1940s, the US has been by and large perceived as an aggressor, as an imperialist nation, which made the talk of democracy come across as a blind bid for American supremacy.

Until 9/11 the Bush administration viewed bin Laden as a “little terrorist,” not a strategic threat and hence no sense of urgency in dealing with Al Qaeda. On the night of 9/11 Bush wrote in his diary: “The Pearl Harbor of the 20th century took place today…We think it is bin Laden.”  In his address to the nation he said: “We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” The neocons had already put Saddam Hussein’s coordinates in the computer and they wanted to attack Iraq irrespective of who was responsible for 9/11. There was no link between Saddam and 9/11 so Bush chose to attack Afghanistan first, a softer target. The so called war on terror was launched. It was executed as Pax Americana and it has resulted in loss of some 7,000 American lives, about 50,000 maimed and it is costing the nation five trillion dollars, a large fraction of the existing $16.8 trillion national debt.

Iraq was a secular Muslim authoritarian country as opposed to the Islamic Republic like Iran or the authoritarian Saudi Kingdom with its Wahhabism. The Christians were protected and even held high government positions, which is unthinkable in countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, etc. Hence, it could be argued that Bush invaded the wrong country. Seventeen out of the 21 9/11 terrorists were Saudis. The Bush administration couldn’t have done more to enhance the threat of terrorism. It gave birth to Al Qaeda in Iraq. This writer attended a panel discussion at the UCSD dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. The panelists presented two studies attempting to quantify the number of Iraqi fatalities since the invasion. The numbers varied between 600,000 and 1.2 million. The war has advanced Islamism and Al Qaeda influence in the world. On Bush’s watch spectacular terrorist acts were staged such as those in Bali, Indonesia, Madrid and London. Millions of Muslims worldwide were angered not because of the democratic way of life in the US, as Bush had asserted, but because of policies resulting in killing and torturing their own brethren.

Incomplete Obama Era

With the election of President Obama Islamophilia has reached new heights in the US as illustrated in his famous 2009 Cairo speech. America’s #1 Islamophile characterized the Muslim call to prayers “the prettiest sound on earth.” In his speeches he praises and glorifies the Koran. He talked about the civilization debt to Islam. He asserted that Islam is an important part of promoting peace. He says that “America is no longer a Christian nation…Islam is a part of America’s story….America will never be at war with Islam”  (not withstanding that the Afghan war has become Obama’s war). He doesn’t seem to understand that the war in Afghanistan, now his war, like Bush’s war in Iraq, fans the flames for more jihads round the world and thousands of suicide bombers. During his visit to India, an Indian girl asked him to define jihad. He disguised the real meaning of jihad. It is unfortunate that another Indian girl didn’t ask him to explain why over 20,000 terrorist attacks since 9/11 were perpetrated by followers of radical Islam.

During his presidency he has appointed two devout Muslims to Homeland Security posts. He cannot conceive a paradigm in which Muslims can be evil perpetrators. The words “terror,”  “terrorist” and “radical Islam” appears to be banned in his administration.  Bill O’Reilly, of the Fox News, suggested that Obama would not use radical Islam term even if subjected to water-boarding.

In 2009, a joint terrorism task force overseen by the FBI concluded that Major Nidal Malik Hasan, a US born Palestinian Muslim, wasn’t linked to terrorism. Major Hasan after shouting “Alahu Akbar” (Allah is Great) murdered 13 people at Fort Hood and wounded two dozen. The 9/11 hijackers also yelled “Allah Akbar” as they were crashing their planes into the World Trade Center. The mainstream media and the White House were puzzled about what Hasan’s motives could have been!! Obama said that he was at a loss for an explanation. In the first five days after the Fort Hood massacre, 85% of the news stories did not mention the words “terror” and “terrorists.” Many continued to paint Islam as a “religion of peace” and marginalized critics of jihad as suffering from “Islamophobia.” Robert Spencer wrote: “Political correctness has the media and government in a stranglehold.” To this writer and many others, radical Islam is a totalitarian ideology (like communism) more so than a religion. As a matter of fact radical Islam is masquerading as religion.

Libyan president Muammar al-Gaddafi gave up his former ambitions of being a terrorist sponsor and an owner of nuclear weapons in order to become an African leader. Also, he allowed oil companies to operate in Libya. Nonetheless, Obama went along with his secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s push to remove Gaddafi from power.  Removal of Gaddafi left Libya in a state of chaos with war lords and terrorists in charge and with many Islamist fighters moving to Mali thereby causing another battlefield. Benghazi and the 9/11 anniversary fiasco, with the death of the US ambassador and three other Americans became another blowback.

Boston Marathon Horror

At this writing a number of theories offer tentative explanations for the root causes of this latest example of Islamist terrorism. One of them is that the suspects Tsarnaev brothers of Chechen origin from Dagestan were self-radicalized in conjunction with their mother Zubeidat. The younger brother Dzhokhar, who survived the shootings, told the interrogators that he and his brother used bomb-making instructions found in Inspire, an online Al Qaeda magazine and that he was driven to detonate a bomb packed with ball bearings and nails to “defend Islam” and protest US actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Major Hasan protested also the same US actions in his Ft Hood massacre. The Obama administration sent a federal judge to Mirandize Dzhokhar. Obama, who has pledged to fight against “negatives stereotypes of Islam,” warned that Americans shouldn’t jump into any conclusions.

There are many examples of self-radicalization in the US and Western European countries among Muslim immigrants allowed to become residents or even citizens. Self-radicalizations among Kosovo Albanian and Bosnian Muslim immigrants are well-known. Here are three examples. Betim Kaziu, whose parents are Kosovo Albanians, was sentenced in March of 2012 to 27 years in prison for traveling to the Middle East in a failed bid to join Al Qaeda and avenge the abuse of Muslims by killing American troops. In 2007 federal authorities busted the so-called Fort Dix Six before they could launch a murderous attack on a US military installation. Four out of six were ethnic Albanians from Kosovo (one of them was a sniper in Kosovo) and Macedonia. Three of the four were brothers. The institutionalized political correctness approach was used by the mainstream media in order to cover up their identity of being Albanian conspirators. In March of 2011, two US airmen were killed and two injured in front of Terminal 2 of the second continental at Frankfurt Airport. US forces were on their way to Afghanistan. The perpetrator was a Kosovo Albanian named Arif Uka, who was born and raised in Germany. He also yelled “Allah Akbar.”

The FBI’s bomb experts, analyzing remnants of both bombs which exploded near the marathon finish line concluded that the bomb makers likely had additional training or expertise because in part they deviated from the Inspire recipes. The older brother Tamerlan, slain in the shootings, made a six-month trip to Dagestan, which borders Chechnya. He must have received additional training there? Russian Izvestia reported that they obtained documents from the Georgian Interior Ministry suggesting that Tamerlan Tsarnaev went through a Georgian training seminar with Georgian and American instructors. The organization in question is called the “Caucasus Fund,” which cooperates with the American NGO “Jamestown.” These two organizations recruit people from the Northern Caucasus to “work in the interest of the US and Georgia. One of their tasks is to inculcate young men from the Caucasus with Salafist ideology and direct them against Russia.

The Russian officials are claiming that Tamerlan met several times with Mansur Makhmud Nidal, suspected jihad recruiter in Dagestan. The venue was a mosque in Makhachkala, capital of Dagestan, known for its adherence to Salafism. Nidal died last year in a firefight with the Russian authorities. His other likely contact, William Plotnikov from Canada, was slain two months later. Tamerlan was in the region at the time of both slayings, but left Russia for the US three days later after the second one. He left without picking the Russian passport he applied for. A Russian official said: “He intended to join the fighters but lost his contacts. In the end he picked an easier enemy in Boston.”

The Russians know more than anybody else about the Islamist terrorist activities in the Caucasus. The Chechen terrorists, linked to Al Qaeda, had committed a series of most brutal terrorist acts in history including the siege of the Beslan School in 2004. After yelling Allahu Akbar they murdered 350 including many children shot in the back. Beslan was summarized as child rape, torture, enforced urine drinking, sexual sadism and Islamic ritual murder. Stella Jatras wrote: “To call them animals would be an insult to the animal kingdom.” Former FBI agent Colleen Rowley—a 2002 Time Person of the Year— pointed out that the neocons backed Chechen terrorists as a way to challenge Russia. Many distinguished neocons signed up as Chechnya’s “friends.” John Laughland wrote that the leading group which pleads the Chechen cause is the American Committee for Peace in Chechnya (ACPC).

The Izvestia story, if corroborated, could give some credibility to the DEBKA file story alleging that the Tsarnaev brothers were double agents, hired by the US and Saudi intelligence – thereby decoyed the US into a terrorist trap. The DEBKA file story, based on counterterrorism and intelligence sources, suggest that the objective was to penetrate the Wahhabi jihadist networks which, helped by Saudi financial institutions had spread into Russian Caucasia. Instead the two former Chechens betrayed their mission and went secretly over to radical Islamist networks. The Saudis feared that their involvement would come to light when their student was questioned about their involvement in the bombings while in a Boston hospital. The Saudi foreign minister flew to Washington, in the middle of the Boston Marathon crisis, to meet with president Obama and his national security adviser.

The DEBKA file report concludes with four questions that should top the interrogators agenda: a) At what date did the Tsarnaev brothers turn coat and decide to work for Caucasian Wahhabi networks?; b) Did they round up recruits for those networks in the US—particularly, among the Caucasian and Saudi communities?; c) What was the exact purpose of the Boston Marathon bombings and their aftermath at MIT in Watertown?; d) Are any more terrorist attacks in the works in other American cities?

In the interest of the safety of the American people the ongoing investigations should focus on answering these four questions. In addition, president Obama should appoint a Boston Marathon Commission similar to the 9/11 Commission. He might be reluctant to do this therefore public pressure should be applied especially from the 282 injured people in the Boston Marathon horror.

Minutes before closure of this piece the author read about the phone call between presidents Obama and Putin in which they agreed to boost anti-terror cooperation. It is about time for Washington to realize that the US and Russia should be allies against the same enemy: radical Islam.

Vojin Joksimovich, PhD is the author of three books and over 100 articles on world affairs.

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The Nigerian armed forces have been involved in heavy clashes with Islamist militants near the border of Chad in the last few days. Estimates vary about the numbers of people killed but irrespective of the final death toll it is clear that the town of Baga was badly hit. Also, the armaments used by suspected Boko Haram Islamists is highlighting a worrying trend because their military arsenal is growing.

Meanwhile the nation of Mali needs to know that France and the international community will continue to support central forces in this nation. Also, given the knock-on-effect from the demise of Colonel Gaddafi in Libya then nations like America and the United Kingdom have a responsibility to assist Mali. After all, the changing dynamics of Libya witnessed many vacuums. This applies to a plentiful supply of military arms which have been used in Mali, the Algerian hostage crisis and of course many ratlines are being used in order to destabilize Syria. Therefore, Mali is a victim of the whims of America, major Gulf powers, France and the United Kingdom because of their short-sighted objectives which often lead to many new nightmares.

In Nigeria the issue is internal but given the nature of international terrorism and the many ratlines in the Gulf whereby petrodollars are supporting Islamist indoctrination through many angles; then events in Libya and Mali can soon become interconnected either to a major degree like in Mali – or based on growing terrorist networks because of failed states. The destabilization policies of America, France, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and major Gulf powers; are always short-sighted and often their policies create major chain reactions which can’t be contained.

The civilizational war is equally important in Mali and Nigeria because Gulf petrodollars and international jihadist groups want to destroy indigenous black African Islam. In Mali the rich cultural norms of Islam in this country were attacked ideologically and physically. This applies to destroying Sufi shrines, indigenous Islamic architecture and then enforcing barbaric Gulf Islamist norms on society. Indeed, this fresh colonialism is not only abhorrent but it highlights the reality that Gulf nations and Islamist terrorist networks hate religious diversity within the Muslim world alongside despising the non-Muslim world.

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “In modern day Mali you currently have multinational forces being led by France which are attacking Islamist forces. Much of the chaos in Mali was instigated by genuine ethnic concerns in the north, the internal political chaos, weakness of central forces and other important factors which enabled many vacuums to take place. Thereby, the failed state of Libya became the” negative icing on the cake.” The Libya angle applies to enormous military hardware being available and the failed state reality whereby ethnic and religious forces entered the failed political landscape of Mali. Therefore, once Islamists got the upper hand against ethnic forces in Mali and decided to consolidate their powerbase further south; then Islamists “crossed a line” that France wasn’t willing to accept. However, given the nature of Islamist tactics in Afghanistan and Somalia, and other parts of the world; then it would appear that the proposed pull-out by France is too soon. After all, multinational forces and the central government still appear weak without France playing a leading role despite the professionalism within elite Chad military units.”

Since this was stated President Deby of Chad commented that “Face-to-face fighting with the Islamists is over. The Chadian army does not have the skills to fight a shadowy, guerrilla-style war that is taking place in northern Mali…Our soldiers will return to Chad. They have accomplished their mission. We have already withdrawn a mechanized battalion.”

However, the leader of Chad did state reassuringly that military personnel from this country would partake in the 10,000 contingent of forces under the wing of the United Nations (UN) once the military operation changes the baton to the UN. Of course, Chad fears being over-stretched because of possible internal issues, the continuing chaos in the Central African Republic, the recent heavy clashes between Islamists and the army of Nigeria near the border of Chad – and because of other important issues related to regional concerns and economic limitations. Therefore, it is essential that France remains the backbone for Mali irrespective if the military angle is reduced in numbers.

In Nigeria the clash between the military and Islamist terrorists a few days ago is known to have killed many people near the border of Chad. Some reports are claiming extremely high numbers but the military denies such figures. What is known is that suspected Boko Haram Islamists are becomingly increasing better armed. This reality will be setting off alarms bells within the military of Nigeria. It is also unclear if the Islamist assault against Baga was a response to the political overtures currently going on in this nation – or, equally, if Boko Haram will use this attack in their bargaining chip with central forces in Nigeria.

The BBC reports that “Religious and political leaders in northern-eastern Nigeria, the epicentre of the insurgency, recently called for an amnesty….The president responded at the beginning of April by asking a team of security advisers to look into the possibility of granting the militants a pardon.”

Therefore, it would appear that regional internal leaders, the central government in Nigeria and representatives from Boko Haram are talking through various channels. Of course, a possible amnesty will be the start of a long journey providing Boko Haram comes on board. However, if you look at the complex nature of the Philippines, then it is more than likely that several splinter groups will emerge because militants within Boko Haram are very far away from the thinking of indigenous Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria. Also, like the recent clash a few days ago it is more than apparent that Boko Haram is increasingly becoming better organized and militarily supplied. Indeed, given the nature of various Islamist forces throughout parts of West and North Africa then the growing network may be ushering in a new stage. It would therefore appear that Nigeria is faced by the growing internal angle alongside the shadowy international angle.

Until Boko Haram does decide to enter genuine talks then the words of Brigade Commander Iliyasu Abba should be heeded. He stated that “this is the time to demonstrate courage in the face of naked terror to assist the security agencies overcome the challenges posed by the terrorists in our midst”

Turning back to Mali then the Austrian Foreign Ministry commented that “The creation of democratic institutions is the vital first step for assuring that other additional aid measures will be effective in Mali and the region. The EU training mission for Mali is an important component of European commitment here. The agenda for this initiative is to train the armed forces in Mali and to ensure that they are capable of re-establishing territorial control over the entire country. The maintaining of human rights can only be achieved if appropriate training is given to the army in Mali.”

It is imperative that France, the European Union and regional nations in Africa work together in order to stem the tide of Islamist terrorism in Mali and to give fresh hope to the people of this country. Ethnic issues also need to be addressed. Equally essential is that the infrastructure is given adequate funding because Islamists seek economic, political, educational and religious chaos. Also, the petrodollars of the Gulf need to be cut when it applies to political and religious ambitions which are based on Islamist indoctrination by stealth.

Nigeria and Mali face enormous challenges but both nations need to know that the international community is focused on progressive forces in order to defeat “the forces of death, sectarianism and religious hatred.” In the past, Mali was betrayed by the political intrigues of major Western and Gulf powers which unleashed negative vacuums after overthrowing Colonel Gaddafi in Libya. At the same time, the sinister role of Gulf petrodollars which seeks to destroy indigenous African Islam needs to be watched carefully and this also applies to Nigeria.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22243834

http://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/foreign-ministry/news/press-releases/2013/lopatka-mali-braucht-die-unterstuetzung-der-eu-beim-aufbau-demokratischer-strukturen.html

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Omar Abdullah Ismail and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria is trying to make overtures to the Islamist Boko Haram movement by providing breathing space for the government and this terrorist organization. At the same time, seven members of a French family which had been abducted by Islamists in Cameroon are now free. Information involving the reasons behind the release in Cameroon still remains patchy but it is believed that all family members are in good condition.

The French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, will greet the French family in the Cameroon and clearly this good news will be welcomed throughout this country. It was feared at one stage that developments in Mali may hinder their release but clearly this wasn’t the case. France entered Mali, alongside regional forces from various other nations, in order to stem the tide of al-Qaeda backed Islamist terrorist forces which threatened to destabilize the entire country.

France 24 states that “The Moulin-Fournier family was first abducted near Cameroon’s northern Waza National Park, which lies just a few kilometres from the Nigerian border, on February 19. The father, the local director of external affairs at the French gas company GDF, had been stationed in Cameroon’s capital of Yaoundé for two years. The family of seven includes four children between the ages of 5 and 12.”

It is widely believed that the French family was taken to Northern Nigeria after being abducted in the Cameroon. The Nigerian Boko Haram Islamist group released several videos of their captors whereby Boko Haram had threatened to kill them unless several conditions were met. Of course, certain dealings will have been done behind the scenes but for the French family this is by-the-by because the most important thing is that they are free.

The Cameroon government issued a statement about the release of the family of seven. According to the Secretary General of Cameroon, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, he stated that “They are all alive and well.” He provided further details by confirming that the hostages were in the hands of authorities in Cameroon. This information also indicates that the crisis in Mali is distant for Boko Haram despite raising concerns about the ongoing situation.

Boko Haram in Nigeria is known to have killed vast numbers of Christians and Muslims in this country based on their militant Islamist ideology. Attacks against Christian churches and Muslim mosques are not infrequent and the same applies to countless numbers of terrorist attacks. Of course, with issues like corruption, enormous economic disparity and other major issues – which apply to all Nigerians irrespective of faith or having no faith; then clearly you have fertile ground for any radical organization.

President Goodluck Jonathan is trying to break the cycle of violence by creating a committee which will look into the deeper issues behind Boko Haram. This applies also to a possible amnesty whereby the situation can be contained and issues addressed providing Boko Haram decides to go along with the recommendations. Currently, it is not fully known if Islamists are willing to meet the government head-on. Also, the situation is very difficult because traditional Muslim and Christian communities in the north of Nigeria must not become marginalized in order to appease Islamist thought patterns. Therefore, it is clear that the road will be long and difficult because Boko Haram supports many draconian ways of thinking. Despite this, something needs to be done to break the cycle of violence in order to restore greater security to areas hit by this terrorist movement.

The BBC reports that “Religious and political leaders in northern-eastern Nigeria, the epicentre of the insurgency, recently called for an amnesty.”

“The president responded at the beginning of April by asking a team of security advisers to look into the possibility of granting the militants a pardon.”

“That team reported to the National Security Council, the presidential statement said, leading to the establishment of the committee which will try to “constructively engage key members of Boko Haram and define a comprehensive and workable framework for resolving the crisis of insecurity in the country.”

The ending of the hostage crisis for the French family is very good news. It is also hoped that Boko Haram will meet the government of Nigeria at least part of the way in the early stages. Yet it must be stated that other Islamist terrorist groups may splinter from Boko Haram and like always more militant groups are also being felt in Nigeria and in other parts of West Africa. Clearly, the road will be long for Nigeria but with the insurgency threatening the way of life for Nigerians which are caught up in the crisis; then a political solution is the best option for all concerned. It remains to be seen how sincere Boko Haram will be and of course the government of Nigeria must look at the causes behind so much discontent. Also, the Nigerian government must focus on the role of outside forces which are spreading dangerous Islamist ideologies to this country. After all, Islamists and Gulf versions of Sharia Islamic law threatens traditional beliefs, Christians, Muslims and indigenous thought patterns related to cultural norms in Nigeria. For example, in Mali the first thing al-Qaeda and other Islamists did was to destroy indigenous black African Islam alongside demolishing many Sufi shrines. Therefore, the government of Nigeria needs to look at a whole array of issues in order to come up with a genuine solution to the crisis and this nation must wake-up to the many ratlines emanating in the Gulf region.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22190009

http://www.france24.com/en/20130419-cameroon-french-family-hostage-released

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Boutros Hussein and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The two West African nations of Burkina Faso and Niger have stated that they both fully endorse the border decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). According to both nations they are pleased by the decision of the ICJ because you have no winner or loser. Instead, Burkina Faso and Niger can focus on the future whereby a genuine border will now apply between both nations.

In Kosovo the bias of leading nations like America and the United Kingdom is clear for all. After all, the Kosovo Albanians got everything despite not being internationally recognized by all nations and violating many international laws. At least Burkina Faso and Niger have gained and equally lost part of their territory in a diplomatic fashion. This reality shames many leading nations which just arbitrarily take land from nations or enforce their respective power dynamics in order to carve-up or weaken societies when it pleases them.

Tensions over the border between Burkina Faso and Niger date back to 1927 because of the legacy of France. Ironically, the same France is still meddling negatively in the affairs of Libya, Syria and also this nation recognized Kosovo despite the many violations of international law. In Mali it is essential for the international community to help this nation against Islamist terrorist factions. However, the ongoing support of destabilizing Syria isn’t warranted because secularism faces being crushed by Islamist militancy.

Turning back to Burkina Faso and Niger then tensions erupted in 2006 because of security forces and the confusion over the border region. At the same time custom officials in both nations were unsure about the real demarcation zone. Therefore, instead of turning to conflict or involving themselves in destabilization policies both Burkina Faso and Niger turned to the ICJ court to resolve the issue.

In Kosovo the Serbian Orthodox Christians and other minorities had no court to decide fairly about the rights and wrongs of the Kosovo diktat. Once more, Orthodox Christians were treated like second-class-citizens just like in Northern Cyprus whereby Turkey isn’t being forced to leave after invading several decades ago. The upshot of all this is the murder of vast numbers of Orthodox Christians in Kosovo on the watch of America, the United Kingdom and the European Union after the ending of the conflict. This also applies to the destruction of Orthodox Christian churches, monasteries, architecture and even graveyards have been emptied and violated. Today the land of Kosovo is a ghetto for the majority of minorities and meanwhile this part of the former Yugoslavia is now a narcotics paradise. Sadly, this angle often follows in the footsteps of Washington and London because in modern day Afghanistan this nation is awash with heroin.

Vojin Joksimovich commented in an article titled Bare-Handed Kosovo Serbs Battle NATO which was published by Modern Tokyo Times that “On September 16 (2011) deputy mayor of Zvecan, Miodrag Acic, visited the UNMIK office in Zvecan to discuss the present crisis. Acic stated that Serbs have clearly defined who they are, born in the Serbian Province of Kosovo and Metohija, not so called Kosovars, with a rich identity of more than 1500 years old and who have a love of their culture, language and traditions. Serbs have survived all of the invasions and occupations which befell them in the last 1500 years. Serbian culture and heritage is all over Kosovo despite the fact that Albanians are trying to destroy it. He pointed out to a lack of toponyms, whose origins could be found in the Albanian language. There are, however, Islamic and Turkish toponyms due to the 500 year occupation. Now the Kosovo Albanians with help from US/NATO, with disproportional use of force, are trying to steal our history, our toponyms, our land, our language and are making the last try to expel of us. Acic pointed out and named international officers who side with the Albanians and disregard international law and use instead the Kanun of Leke Dukagjini, set of traditional Albanian codes.”

The embattled Serbs of Kosovo which are witnessing their “Orthodox Christian Jerusalem” being Islamized and Albanianized must be amazed by the even-handed approach of the ICJ when it comes to Burkina Faso and Niger. After all, for the Orthodox Christian Serbs they have seen the bias of major international institutions which forgive Muslim and Catholic war criminals against them – at the same time where is the outcry about the cleansing of Orthodox Christians from Krajina, Kosovo and parts of Bosnia?

The Justice Minister of Niger, Marou Amadou, told AFP that “I think that the court sliced up the territory fairly….We gain a little in the North, we lose a bit in the South. Both countries win out because there’s no more border dispute.”

Likewise, Jerome Bougouma, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Territorial Administrative and Security, commented that “We are parting as good friends, very good friends.”

For the Kosovo Serbs and other minorities, just like for Serbia itself with regards to the European Union, it is one diktat after another. Therefore, only when Serbia bows down to nations which violated the sovereignty of the former Yugoslavia – and accept their servitude to all and sundry – will this nation be allowed to join the European table. Ironically, the Serbs in history fought against the invading Islamic invasions of Ottoman Turkey and against Nazi Germany. However, the real winners in the Balkans are the former fascist states of Germany and Croatia (Bosnian Muslim SS Units) and Turkey which still denies the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Christian holocaust which led to millions being killed in the early twentieth century.

In this sense, the Orthodox Christian Serbs are being punished for “fighting on the right-side of history.” Whoever says history is dead should only look at the conspiracies against the Serbs of the Balkans. Therefore, while justice can be found between Burkina Faso and Niger the same can’t be said about the ongoing diktat in Kosovo whereby the Serbs and other minorities must bow down to Albanianization.

http://moderntokyotimes.com/2011/09/20/bare-handed-kosovo-serbs-battle-nato/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22165499

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Pierre Leblanc and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The nation of Mali needs France to maintain its full support towards this nation because in Afghanistan and Somalia, and in other nations, the forces of al-Qaeda (and other Islamist factions) have often disappeared under heavy pressure and then re-entered at a later date. President Hollande was widely celebrated by the people of Mali because indigenous African Islam and the culture of various ethnic groups were put under enormous pressure by Gulf inspired Islamists. Therefore, it is essential that a powerful French military contingent remains in Mali until this nation is stabilized.

France also needs to send key military personnel to Mali in order to assist this nation and to provide important support to other African nations which have sent troops to help this country. If France pulls out too quickly then Islamists will re-enter unless an adequate contingent of French forces are left behind. At the same time, France must have military personnel on standby whereby they can support their own troops during a time of crisis and provide support to Mali. It is also essential that the armed forces of Mali are trained, equipped and given adequate financial support whereby special units can be developed in order to boost morale.

France 24 reported a few days ago that “A senior Pentagon official has said that troops from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in Mali to counter armed rebels, were incapable of fulfilling its mission. On the same day France began a gradual military withdrawal from the country, the official also warned that al Qaeda would attempt to take back the territory it had conceded.”

The armed forces of France with 4,000 troops and approximately 2,000 troops from Chad have been the backbone of international forces which have taken the fight to Islamist terrorists in Mali. The ECOWAS military contingent of roughly 4,300 soldiers from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo need more support according to a senior official from the Pentagon. If this is factual, then it is incumbent on major economic powers to provide economic, military and other forms of support to Mali and to other regional nations which are involved in the fight against Islamist terrorism. After all, Mali, just like Syria in the Middle East, is facing a civilizational war whereby the enemies of this nation seek to destroy the indigenous culture of this nation.

The Jamestown Foundation comments that “When what began as the latest in a string of Tuareg uprisings in northern Mali was usurped by radical Islamist movements last year, the international community witnessed what it had feared for many years – the creation of a Salafi-Jihadist state that could serve as a safe haven and operational base for al-Qaeda-connected terrorists and narco-traffickers. As the world watched, Islamist gunmen imposed their own version of Shari’a on those who were unable to flee to neighboring countries, destroyed much of the region’s important Islamic heritage and carried out brutal punishments on those who defied their new order. As the Islamists began to push south in January, Paris decided it was time to launch a military intervention to eliminate this threat to a former colony with long-standing ties to France. This intervention quickly evolved into a multi-national operation to provide the French forces in northern Mali with military, logistical and surveillance assistance.”

France must not provide a vacuum by pulling out too soon because all the positive achievements will be lost and the people of Mali deserve genuine hope. Also, regional powers like Chad need greater economic, military and political support because al-Qaeda and other Islamist factions seek to spread chaos. If France is honest, then this nation must stop its rat lines against Syria because the same terrorist forces are spreading their evil to many parts of the Levant. The debacle in Libya opened up a can of worms because Salafists began to spread Islamist indoctrination to this nation and to northern Mali. Alongside this was the destruction of Sufi shrines in Libya and Mali. More alarming, the enormous military stockpile in Libya became openly available to various forces throughout the region and enormous quantities of this military hardware reached Islamist terrorists in northern Mali.

Recently al-Qaeda was responsible for the deaths of at least 3 soldiers from Chad after a suicide attack in Kidal. Similar suicide attacks have happened in Timbuktu and Gao. This is a clear reminder that France must stay for the long haul because the French troops provide great professionalism and are a binding factor in maintaining motivation throughout the various different forces. Chad likewise is providing great support to Mali because their armed forces are on the frontline in Kidal.

http://www.france24.com/en/20130410-usa-slams-africa-force-ecowas-france-troop-withdrawal

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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