[lit-ideas] Re: New EU lexicon on terror
- From: "Simon Ward" <sedward@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2006 22:53:57 +0100
Lawrence,
Your post invites me to accept the premise of your questioning; namely that
Islamic terrorism is the apocalyptic threat to which the West must respond.
Unfortunately, I don't subscribe to that view and reject the invitation. I see
West's article as indicative of the trend in mainstream US journalism to
denigrate Europe, whilst at the same time talking up opposition against Islam
in general. West, in my view, is guilty of seeking to set up a false agenda,
one that covers the true intent of Neocon ambitions.
Is it mere coincidence that oil and 'terrorism' originate in the Middle East,
or is it an unhappy accident that the real foundation of Islamic extremism can
be found in Pakistan, an 'ally in the war on terror'?
Lawrence, I don't ask you to accept my premise, but I do think you should
question your sources more, not to mention choosing them with objectivity in
mind. I don't believe anyone on the list will complain if you write notes on an
objective research project, but to concentrate, as I believe you do, on sources
that coincide with your own viewpoint is not, in my view, constructive.
For example, examine the fact that articles like West's, which push the idea of
a war against Islam, happen to coincide with bin Laden's latest missive. The
words are different, but the message is the same.
Why is that?
*****
I've received positive reviews on the first few chapters of a draft novel,
though being that the genre is fantasy, I wouldn't object to it being called
pulp. (And thanks for asking.)
Simon
----- Original Message -----
From: Lawrence Helm
To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 8:34 PM
Subject: [lit-ideas] Re: New EU lexicon on terror
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/04/13/news/limits.php
Simon, would you say the above provides examples of how "Europe has dealt
successfully with terrorism in the recent past"? Do you endorse the actions
of the British government the article describes?
And "frothing at the mouth"??? Diane West might have been laughing or
perhaps sneering, but hardly frothing. The EU lexicon invites humor not
frothing - IMO.
And, one must try not to exaggerate. No one is waging "unceasing war on a
succession of Muslim-populated countries." The U.S. has declared war "against
Terror" and the sponsors of terror. If you are worried about Iran the U.S.
seems not to wish to have its fingers burned by the international community by
invading or bombing Iran. It seems content to let you Europeans botch this one
up in your own way.
I haven't heard it voiced in so many words, but I would be surprised if there
weren't some in our state department who were thinking, "okay, you Europeans
don't like the way we fight against terror, let's see how you do in Iran," and
hope we stay out of it utterly even if Iran develops nukes. The opposition to
our approach would drop dramatically, I am quite sure, if Iran were to produce
some current examples of what we are fighting against.
Lawrence
Ps, what work was it that was positively reviewed?
-----Original Message-----
From: lit-ideas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:lit-ideas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Simon Ward
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 12:00 PM
To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [lit-ideas] Re: New EU lexicon on terror
> Are you actually suggesting that changing the term "Islamic terrorists"
> will have some beneficial effect on would-be Islamic terrorists? Nice
> thought anyway...
What I'm not suggesting is that not using the term 'Islamic Terrorists' is
the limit of the EU's response to the terrorist threat. What I'm not
suggesting is that The 'Torygraph' is the best and only source for objective
news about the EU. What I'm not suggesting is that the only response to
terrorism is to wage unceasing war on a succession of Muslim-populated
countries.
What I am suggesting is that Diane West is frothing at the mouth in her
eagerness to attack Islam and Europe in the same article. What I am
suggesting is that Europe has dealt successfully with terrorism in the
recent past. What I am suggesting is that parts of US society have a
tarnished reputation as regards its relationships with terrorist
organisations.
And as for nice thoughts...the cricket season has started, I've just mown
the lawn for the first time this year, I've received positive reviews for my
work...
Nice thoughts all.
Simon
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