Paul Joseph Nzeribe and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The government of Nigeria is currently using helicopter gunships and fighter jets against the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram. At the same time, President Goodluck Jonathan is leaving a channel open by providing an amnesty for members of Boko Haram. Given the mass complexity of Nigeria in relationship to religion and ethnicity then clearly the Islamist threat is putting enormous strains on the people of north-eastern Nigeria, which is the epicenter of the crisis. Therefore, the current military offensive by the armed forces of Nigeria is being watched carefully because of the delicate situation.

Since the emergence of Boko Haram several thousands of people have been brutally murdered by a terrorist group which thinks nothing about attacking Christian churches and Muslim mosques. Islamist militants desire to rule the country by implementing Islamic Sharia law in its entirety. This reality means that indigenous Islam is also threatened because mainstream Muslim leaders are vehemently opposed to Gulf inspired Islamism, which is extremely alien to the usual way of life in Nigeria.

All Nigerians are deeply concerned about corruption, income disparity and the blatant abuse of natural resources which have been squandered in the past. Therefore, the Islamist leaders of the insurgency can easily manipulate disenfranchised Muslims to join Boko Haram. Christians and other faith and non-faith individuals also face the same issues related to poverty, corruption and income disparity. However, while ethnic disputes break out from time to time it is clear that only Boko Haram and the Islamist movement is a threat to the central nation state.

Overtures of a genuine amnesty have been flatly rejected by the leadership of Boko Haram. More problematic for the political leaders of Nigeria is that the term “amnesty” is worrying many religious figures. After all, countless massacres by Boko Haram have been beyond the pale and granting amnesty to terrorists and religious militants seems too weak. Despite this, it is clear that President Goodluck needs to quell the crisis and if he doesn’t look at all possible angles then he will be failing the people of Nigeria.

The president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Nigeria, Dr. Moshood Fashola, is skeptical about the amnesty. He comments that the “Amnesty presupposes that the one you grant amnesty to is ready to show remorse for his actions and is ready for peace…[and] to stop all this carnage…there is no such situation.”

Of course, it is clear that Islamists are anti-Ahmadiyya Muslim in other nations like Pakistan and Indonesia. Therefore, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is worried about Islamist militancy because they know that their community will suffer if the Boko Haram terrorist movement spreads.

Julius Babatunde Adelakun of Oyo, a retired Christian bishop, commented that it is “like granting amnesty to terrorists, it is unthinkable.” The Archbishop of Ibadan, Felix Alaba Job, shares similar logic. He states that Boko Haram are “…vandals of human souls and bodies” in reference to the murder of so many civilians by this terrorist organization.

Currently you have a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. However, the worry for the military is that Boko Haram may try to melt away and move to other parts of northern Nigeria – or move into regional nations which share a border with Nigeria. In this sense, it is essential that the military attack against Boko Haram makes quick inroads and causes disarray within this terrorist movement. If not, then hit and run tactics will become a reality and Boko Haram may try to spread discord to areas which have previously escaped bloodshed.

Militant groups are nothing new to Nigeria but Boko Haram is different because they want to usurp the nation state. The nature of the Boko Haram movement also means that fear is endemic therefore in such a climate the security forces are bound to overreact. This is what Boko Haram hopes for because they want to create a wedge between Christians and Muslims and to create divisions within the Muslim faith based on their draconian thought patterns.

http://www.americamagazine.org/issue/nigeria-new-fighting-amnesty-plan-boko-haram-provokes-outrage

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

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  

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

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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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

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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

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Boutros Hussein and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Throughout early 2013 the nations of the Central African Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mali have witnessed the usual “ghost warriors,” whereby central states appear illusionary. Of course, the developments throughout early 2013 are following similar paths because of many past assaults against central forces even if certain developments are new. The collapse of Libya after the overthrow of Colonel Gaddafi is still sending shockwaves throughout parts of Africa and the Middle East. Therefore, the “illusion of nation states” is once more rearing its head while in Libya it was a self-made failed state based on the whims of outside forces.

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.

Indeed, the role of Chad in Mali and the CAR can’t be underestimated because they have many strings to pull in both nations for very different reasons. Irrespective of the reasons why Chad deployed their 1,800 soldiers in Kidal, it appears that it wasn’t a coincidence because they are on the frontline in northern Mali in the fight against Islamist forces. To the north of Kidal you have the Ifoghas highlands which have become a place to regroup for many Islamists because they couldn’t fight the French led multinational forces head on. Therefore, the armed forces of Chad understood the need to flush out Islamists in this part of Mali however the terrain makes this difficult. Despite this, the Chadian forces showed their tenaciousness when they lost 13 soldiers during intense fighting while killing at least 65 Islamists.

The role of Chad in the CAR remains shrouded in mystery at the moment because in the past this nation became involved in the internal affairs of this country. Recently the capital Bangui in the CAR fell to the rebel Seleka movement therefore now you have international political limbo and confusion on the ground. President Francois Bozize before fleeing the CAR had appealed to France and other nations to help him stem the tide against Seleka. However, France is much more concerned about events in Mali, Syria and Tunisia – likewise, regional powers are involved in many disputes and are concerned about other developments. This notably applies to the DRC, Mali, Somali, Sudan-South Sudan tensions, Somali and other regional issues.

Francois Hollande, the President of France, stated that “If we have a presence, it’s not to protect a regime, it’s to protect our nationals and our interests and in no way to intervene in the internal business of a country, in this case the Central African Republic…Those days are over.”

Obviously, Hollande was uttering language manipulation because France is involving itself in Mali and Syria, to different levels, just like this nation involved itself in Libya. This reality means that Hollande had forewarned Bozize that he was alone when it came to political elites in Paris. Seleka fully understood the situation therefore they pushed on and took the capital of the CAR.

The reported 5,000 Seleka troops faced little stern resistance when they entered Bangui and the rebel leader, Michel Djotodia, is intent on pressing home the advantage of this movement in the CAR. Djotodia stated “I consider it necessary to suspend the November 27, 2004 constitution, to dissolve parliament as well as the government…During this transition period which will lead us to free, credible and transparent elections, I will legislate by decree…We will lead the people of Central African Republic during a three-year transition period, in accordance with the Libreville Accord.”

Bozize, however, is very angry and he is pointing the finger at Chad despite the irony because this nation had helped him in the past. Deutsche Welle reports that “At a summit of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) held in the Chadian capital N’Djamena, regional leaders refused to recognize Michel Djotodia as the new president of the Central African Republic (CAR). Following a coup, in which Djotodia’s rebel Seleka coalition ousted elected president Francois Bozize in late March, the African Union suspended the Central African Republic.”

Rumors are indicating that you had a Chadian role but just like the crisis in the DRC it is very difficult to see through the “heavy forest.” It is clear that mercenaries from many nations were involved in the Seleka advance but the role of covert operatives is still up in the air. Also, you clearly did have mass discontent within the CAR and it is too early to negatively write off the current forces in the capital of this nation.

Chad, like France, is equally distracted by events in Mali therefore this may be the reason for taking a back seat. After all, no nation can afford to become overstretched and clearly the political leadership in Chad needs to focus on many internal and external concerns. Therefore, while a murky role may have been played by Chad it would appear that this was more limited than in the past. In this sense, Bozize is seeking a way out from the reality on the ground and the delicate predicament faced by nations because of so much chaos throughout the region.

In Mali, yet another conflict whereby murky outside forces are involved; some sources have pointed the finger at Qatar. Likewise, the role of Gulf nations in funding Salafi indoctrination, irrespective if through educational facilities, charities and other underhanded means; is a real problem for the Middle East, North Africa and parts of West Africa. France itself is involved in the many ratlines against Syria therefore it is a bit rich for this nation to point the finger solely at Gulf nations. Either the “field is played by honest brokers” or by “opportunists.” In this sense, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and America all apply to being “opportunists”- but in Mali the same forces are at loggerheads.

France 24 reported “The first accusations of Qatari involvement with Tuareg separatists and Islamist groups came in a June 2012 article in respected French weekly the Canard Enchainé.”

“In a piece titled ‘Our friend Qatar is financing Mali’s Islamists,’ the newspaper alleged that the oil-rich Gulf state was financing the separatists.”

“It quoted an unnamed source in French military intelligence saying: “The MNLA [secular Tuareg separatists], al Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine and MUJAO [movement for unity and Jihad in West Africa] have all received cash from Doha.”

The article continued by stating that “A month later Sadou Diallo, the mayor of the north Malian city of Gao [which had fallen to the Islamists] told RTL radio: “The French government knows perfectly well who is supporting these terrorists. Qatar, for example, continues to send so-called aid and food every day to the airports of Gao and Timbuktu.”

Of course, the changing sands can easily witness new events which unfold suddenly and now Hollande faces a political scandal in France. It is too early to say what the consequences of this will be but like Mali you have no quick fix and soon France may have to change its tactic in this country because the current policy seems too short-sighted. After all, in the last few days several Islamists have launched fresh attacks in several parts of northern Mali. Therefore, while the military forces of Chad can be trusted it is clear that past multinational forces have had a very mixed outcome.

In a past article by Modern Tokyo Times related to many events involving France it was stated that “In Tunisia the secular leader Chokri Belaid was recently assassinated and clearly Islamists hope to change the dynamics of Tunisian society. Likewise, sectarian and Islamist forces in Syria desire to crush the rich mosaic of this nation. Therefore, it is high time for France to turn away from the feudal monarchies of the Gulf which are involved in sectarian and Islamist funding. After all, it is pointless for French soldiers to fight alongside various African nations in Mali if their own government is siding with Islamist forces in Syria – or supporting other forces which will weaken Syria and open up the way for Islamization based on sectarianism.”

The only current certainty is that events in the CAR and Mali highlight the role of France and Chad within the regional dynamics of this part of Africa. On the one hand you have international jihadists in northern Mali – and on the other hand you have “ghost warriors” fighting for a mixture of factors, and not solely commercial. However, the one major difference between Mali and the CAR is that in Mali you have “a civilizational war,” whereby indigenous Islam is facing the brutal harshness of Gulf Islam which seeks to replace Sufi Islam and to destroy ancient black African Islamic architecture. Chad is also deeply concerned about this reality and the same applies to Nigeria which is facing a major Islamist insurrection in parts of the country.

http://www.dw.de/questions-remain-over-chads-role-in-car-coup/a-16721426

http://www.france24.com/en/20130121-qatar-mali-france-ansar-dine-mnla-al-qaeda-sunni-islam-doha

http://www.france24.com/en/20130223-northern-mali-clashes-chad-soldiers-islamist-rebels-killed

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21555898

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Boutros Hussein and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

In the last few days more Islamist terrorist attacks have slaughtered untold numbers of people in Iraq, Nigeria and Syria. Massacres in Pakistan also are mounting and the crisis in Afghanistan is never ending. However, for the people and government of Syria it is clear that “a dirty proxy war” is being manipulated by powerful nations throughout the Gulf region and within the organization of NATO. Therefore, while terrorist attacks are rebuked in other nations this principle doesn’t apply to Syria because nations throughout the Gulf are being propped up by America, France, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The so-called “war on terrorism” is now a complete farce because only a mainly compliant press is maintaining this façade despite “nuggets” breaking out from time to time which go against the grain. It is well known that major Gulf nations, America, Pakistan and the United Kingdom all supported Islamist factions throughout the 1980s and early 1990s in Afghanistan. Indeed, the role of Pakistan is still very murky within the internal affairs of Afghanistan because you appear to have major divisions within several powerful institutions. Despite everything, a new war against terrorism was declared after September 11 whereby the murky world of terrorism would be eradicated internally and challenged externally.

However, when it comes to Syria then the relentless pressure being put on this nation by all means possible is shattering the myth of any self-doubters about the manipulation of terrorism. Of course, America, France, Turkey and the United Kingdom are all trying to hide behind openly supporting terrorist factions in Syria. This applies to making out that certain Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions are based on secularism and democracy. The truth is very different because the FSA often fights side by side – or is within various Islamist factions – which share a Taliban view of the world. Therefore, the various different names assigned to each faction is a way to hide behind the reality that Islamist terrorist forces are being supported by elites in Ankara, London, Paris and Washington.

Another obvious reality behind the façade of the “war against terrorism” is that Gulf nations are not being challenged – or facing international condemnation – by NATO powers which are covertly supporting the anti-Syrian government forces. If America, France, Turkey and the United Kingdom were against international terrorism, then clearly they would have cut off the terrorist lines throughout the Gulf. Alongside this, these four NATO powers would have openly rebuked Qatar and Saudi Arabia for supporting international terrorism. Yet clearly this isn’t happening because they are privy to the same terrorist lines which are sending military weapons and other dark forces against the independent nation of Syria.

The nation of Nigeria is worried about the threat of Islamist terrorist groups within parts of this nation. At the same time, if the central government can’t stop a plethora of Islamist terrorist attacks then this may unleash a major backlash by Christians in this country. Islamist terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Ansaru deem non-Muslims to be infidels and just like other Islamist factions they have no qualms in killing mainstream Muslim clerics. Of course, their radical ideology emanates from the Gulf region and just like in Mali they hate indigenous Islam because they loathe the notion of diversity.

Bloomberg states about the latest terrorist attack in Nigeria that “Two suicide bombers killed at least 22 people in an attack on a bus station in the northern Nigerian city of Kano yesterday, said the state’s police commissioner, Musa Daura.”

“About 65 people were wounded when the bombers struck Kano’s Sabon Gari district, an area mostly inhabited by migrants from the southern Christian Igbo ethnic group, Daura said by phone. At least five buses were destroyed in the attack, according to Tobias Idika, chairman of a group representing the Igbos in the region. President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the bombings as “barbaric” in a statement.”

However, the leaders of Nigeria should be questioning the role of Gulf nations, institutions, Islamic charities and powerful wealthy individuals throughout this part of the Middle East which are supporting many negative forces in parts of Africa. Also, with the introduction of Sharia Islamic law in parts of northern Nigeria; then did this really help the people of Nigeria and the central government? After all, this reality didn’t placate Islamists and at the same time it alienated many Nigerians because instead of unity you now have more division and animosity.

Bill Roggio of The Long War Journal comments about the latest terrorist attack in Nigeria. He states that “While no group has claimed credit for the attack, it was likely carried out by Boko Haram or Ansar al-Muslimeen in the Land of Black Africans (which is also known as Ansaru), a splinter faction that recently executed seven foreign hostages. Both groups are known to have ties to al Qaeda, and support jihadist operations in neighboring Mali. Documents seized at Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan showed that top-level Boko Haram leaders have been in touch with al Qaeda, according to The Guardian. Boko Haram is known to receive support from al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and from Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate in East Africa.”

Another question that the government of Nigeria should be asking is can they trust major Western and Gulf powers?  The events in Libya and Syria certainly point in the direction of chaos, terrorism, collapse of central forces, Islamist terrorist ratlines and other tragic realities which impinge on religious diversity. In Libya many Sufi Shrines have been attacked by Salafists and Christians are suffering from fresh persecution in this country. Also, the crisis in Mali was triggered by the brutal reality of what happened in Libya. Therefore, Western and Gulf powers created destabilization along with opening up Libya to Salafi Islam and enormous indoctrination.

The government of Nigeria is rightly concerned about the Islamist terrorist and militant religious agenda in Mali whereby Gulf versions of Islam are intent on destroying indigenous Islam. This can be seen by the destruction of many Sufi shrines and monuments which belong to a rich Islamic past in Mali. However, given the connection between the events in Libya and Mali; then can the Nigerian government trust Western and Gulf powers given their collective role in destabilizing this part of Africa?

In Iraq this nation knows all about terrorism and the role of Gulf nations in sowing the seeds of sectarianism and hatred. The Shia and Kurds especially suffered during the rule of Saddam Hussein but during the Iran-Iraq war this didn’t overtly worry regional Gulf nations and political elites in London and Washington. Therefore, the government of Saddam Hussein served its purpose for many years but new chapters can be re-written at the drop of a hat and in time he became a victim of trusting former allies.

Since the demise of Saddam Hussein the vacuum was filled by Islamist terrorist groups and now the crisis in Syria is giving Islamists a fresh momentum. Of course, Sunni Islamist sectarianism entered the vacuum because this parasite exists within the Islamist agenda. This reality led to over 50% of all Christians fleeing Iraq and vast numbers of Shia Muslims have been killed because of major sectarian attacks. Like usual innocent Sunni Muslims are expendable to Islamist jihadists therefore all communities have suffered because of the reality of terrorism in Iraq. The United States and its allies are clearly to blame for enabling the terrorist and sectarian angle to grow out of control in Iraq. It is also well known that many channels exist within the Gulf region which is fueling this hatred because of their sectarian agenda. Equally important, important Islamist terrorist factions and the ruling elites within the feudal monarchies of the Gulf both hate the concept of democracy therefore they have a common enemy.

After all, modernity and democracy would render these feudal monarchies to be obsolete and Islamists would also be put on the back-foot by the winds of progress. Therefore, many forces want to see Iraq fail but just like September 11 – made and created by mainly Saudi nationals – it appears that feudal Gulf monarchs have a free hand. The upshot is that America helped to create a failed unity state in Iraq and now this nation is blighted by terrorism just like Afghanistan, parts of Pakistan and Syria. Of course, for America, and other powers which intervene, they can always pull out and go back home or fund mayhem from a distance. However, for the people of Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo (applies to the Serbian minority and other minorities), Libya, northern Pakistan, Syria – and others – they are left to face the horrendous consequences.

Syria is the latest victim of the intrigues of NATO and Gulf powers which are collectively sanctioning terrorism, sectarianism and sedition against this nation. Indeed, in the past NATO powers based in Ankara, London, Paris and Washington did their deeds either by using air power or by supporting self created insurgencies in North Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and parts of the Balkans. Yet during the ongoing crisis in Syria you now have a NATO power which is allowing terrorists from Chechnya and many other nations to actually utilize the land of a NATO member. This applies to the government of Erdogan in Turkey because it is abundantly clear that Northern Syria is being penetrated because of the covert reality of this nation. Therefore, the institution of NATO is being tainted from head-to-toe because Turkey isn’t being ostracized for this reality. On the contrary, it is being supported from a distance in London, Paris and Washington. In this sense, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are more honest because they aren’t hiding their support for international terrorists and spreading sectarianism when it comes to Syria. However, what does this tell us about the so-called democracies of America, France, Turkey and the United Kingdom? Likewise, the institution of NATO is doing nothing to stop international jihadists from entering Turkey and then moving to Syria in order to spread sectarianism, terrorism and sedition. Therefore, what does this tell us about the role of NATO and similarly what does this say about the institution of NATO when a member state is allowed to become a conduit for international terrorists?

The United States and its unrealistic policy towards Syria can be seen by Washington deeming the Al Nusrah Front as being a terrorist organization. This is based on the al-Qaeda connection and the same thought patterns which are shared by these Islamist groups which rule by terrorism and other brutal realities.

Bill Roggio comments that “The other two major groups involved in Aleppo’s Sharia council are the Ahrar al-Sham, a Syrian Salafist-jihadist group, and the Tawhid Brigade, which is said to be the largest fighting group in Aleppo. The Tawhid Brigade is also part of the Free Syrian Army, which is often held up by the West as a secular military force (it is anything but, given how closely it works with the Al Nusrah Front in multiple theaters in Syria). Even the head of the Syrian Opposition Council, which backs the Free Syrian Army, opposes the US government’s designation of the Al Nusrah Front as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.”

Syria continues to be destabilized by many outside nations which are supplying military arms, supporting Salafi Islamist indoctrination, enabling international jihadists to enter Syria and a host of other brutal realities. The upper echelons in Ankara, Doha, London, Paris, Riyadh and Washington are involved in linking military channels in order to support the many terrorist factions in Syria alongside many covert operations. The result of this is daily carnage, car bombings, religious cleansing, sowing the seeds of sectarianism, destroying the infrastructure, creating poverty and weakening the last major Arabic speaking secular nation in the Middle East. Therefore, just like the people of Afghanistan and Iraq have witnessed past policy failures by the usual players – then sadly, Syria is now facing the same reality whereby a central state is being attacked by many dark forces.

The recent terrorist attacks in Iraq, Nigeria and Syria are based on many different and complex factors. However, if the government of Nigeria looks at the factors behind the destabilization of Mali and the role of Gulf nations in spreading militant Islam throughout parts of Africa; then can this nation trust Western and Gulf powers when it comes to foreign policy?  Iraq, which knows about the reality of Islamist terrorism because of the ongoing threat of this dark force within this country; is clearly aghast by the policies of powerful NATO powers and nations throughout the Gulf which are siding with sectarianism, terrorism and sedition against Syria. This reality means that terrorist attacks no longer mean anything in parts of the West and throughout the Gulf because it is only condemned based on selfish internal policies. Equally alarming, terrorism is being sanctioned by many nations which seek to crush independent Syria.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-19/nigerian-bombings-in-kano-killed-22-people-police-say.html

http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2013/03/suicide_bombers_kill_22_people.php

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21863750　

http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2013/03/al_nusrah_front_allies_impose.php

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Helmet Joachim Schmidt and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The blind hatred of Mohammed Merah had no boundaries therefore killing Jewish children in the name of Allah was appropriate for his militant Islamist ideas. This hatred is clearly visible in Syria whereby many beheadings, hangings, training children to kill – and other bestial realities – are all part and parcel of the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) and various Islamist factions which support the sectarian hatred of al-Qaeda and others. Therefore, it appears strange that President Hollande of France is claiming to be fighting against terrorism because the reality in Syria doesn’t vindicate his comments.

On the contrary, major European nations like France, Germany, Holland, the United Kingdom, and many others, openly admit that nationals from these nations have gone to Syria in order to support sectarianism, terrorism and sedition. If European nations are really serious about the fight against terrorism and sectarian hatred then clearly many new policies are needed. This applies to minimum prison terms of ten to twenty years for any individual who is involved in fighting in a foreign nation. The petrodollars of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations must also be stopped from supporting Islamist indoctrination and from sponsoring educational facilities and charities within the European Union. Likewise, majority Muslim nations like Indonesia should be worried about the role of Gulf nations and other countries which seek to crush Muslim diversity.

Many people are aghast to why nations like Saudi Arabia can openly have a draconian legal system based on Islamic Sharia law which supports killing apostates, preventing women from having equality and other barbaric realities. Other nations have modified Islamic Sharia law in order to meet the demands of modern society and based on the changing make-up of their respective societies. Also, why is it that no non-Muslim places of worship are allowed in Saudi Arabia but this nation can fund Islamic projects throughout the European Union? The same applies to other Gulf nations which outwardly pretend to be modernizing. However, inwardly they are involved in many activities which support hatred towards non-Muslims and minority Muslim groups like the Shia.

Hollande said that France is committed to fighting against international terrorism. He stated on the anniversary of the brutal killings by Mohammed Merah that the fight against terrorism “allows for no easing off, no weakness and no negligence…Democracy is always more powerful than fanaticism.”

However, just like his predecessor supported the destabilization of Libya, it is clear that Hollande also supports the destabilization of Syria. In modern day Libya all Christian missionaries reside in fear, Sufi shrines have been destroyed, Islamist terrorist cells are responsible for many internal and external realities, Christians face discrimination – and clearly you have many ties with what happened in Libya to the current crisis in Mali. Therefore, if this isn’t “negligence” then what is it?

The Russian Federation unlike France and the United Kingdom is consistent in its anti-terrorist policies. This nation supports the international community in the crisis in Mali but in Syria it is abundantly clear that Moscow is against all nations which are enabling terrorist forces to grow and prosper in Syria. Therefore, why is France in league with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and other Gulf nations, in the crisis in Syria if like Hollande states that “Democracy is always more powerful than fanaticism.”

After all, Gulf nations are not democratic and several are openly supporting Islamist terrorist groups alongside sponsoring sectarianism. Like usual, many Islamic charities are involved in both dual policies whereby they support the terrorist call for jihad while hiding behind charity; at the same time they espouse sectarianism and indoctrination. This reality is making Hollande and the political elites in the United Kingdom to either appear “naïve” – or France and the United Kingdom are involved in double-dealing – or these sound bites are only for domestic consumption in order to cover-up their real policies of propping-up the agendas of Gulf states against the Shia.

Prior to the meddling of outside nations against Syria then can any media agency in the world provide pictures of people being beheaded openly in Syria under Bashar al-Assad prior to the crisis? Can international political leaders, the mass media and powerful think tanks provide evidence of religious cleansing during the leadership of Bashar al-Assad prior to outside meddling? Of course they can’t but this doesn’t stop the demonization of the leader of Syria. The fact is that beheadings, hangings, religious cleansing, the burning of Shia mosques – and other brutal realities – have only occurred because of the dark forces which are being supported by several Gulf nations, Turkey and the usual players in France and the United Kingdom. America’s role is complex because you have many covert ties to dark forces but clearly you have many divisions and the most militant Islamist group is blacklisted for being a terrorist group.

The picture painted about the Syrian government doesn’t bare the reality on the ground prior to foreign nations supporting terrorism, sedition and sectarianism. After all, why did over one million refugees from Iraq and other parts of the Middle East flee to Syria before outside nations sponsored the destabilization of this country? Why didn’t Christian minorities in Iraq flee to Saudi Arabia? However, despite this the mass propaganda which is encouraging terrorists to go to Syria continues unabated because the mythical lies have been manipulated in order to crush Syria from within.

Mohammed Merah had no qualms in killing Jewish children and his fellow Islamists in Syria have no qualms in butchering and persecuting religious minorities and anyone deemed to be pro-Syrian government. Sunni Muslim clerics have also been killed by several FSA Islamist factions in Syria. Clearly the main Sunni Muslim clerics in Syria have much to fear from a FSA Islamist victory because all major Sunni Muslim clerics in this country have spoken out against the enemies of Syria – this applies to internal and external enemies.

The government of Bashar al-Assad prior to nations supporting terrorism, sectarianism and sedition against Syria was open to refugees fleeing serious areas of conflict in the Middle East. These refugees were Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Christians, and others; at no point did Syria care about religious affiliation. Likewise Bashar al-Assad married a Sunni Muslim who went to a Christian school when she was younger. This reality however is twisted in order to spread the myth that the Syrian government is sectarian because it clearly isn’t. However, religious minorities are fleeing the sectarian reality of various FSA Islamist factions because of barbaric beheadings and other murders.

If Hollande is sincere about “Democracy is always more powerful than fanaticism” then he needs to wake-up to the reality of what happened in Mali and the same applies to the current crisis in Syria. France 24 in relationship to the crisis in Mali reported that “The first accusations of Qatari involvement with Tuareg separatists and Islamist groups came in a June 2012 article in respected French weekly the Canard Enchainé.”

“In a piece titled ‘Our friend Qatar is financing Mali’s Islamists,’ the newspaper alleged that the oil-rich Gulf state was financing the separatists.”

“It quoted an unnamed source in French military intelligence saying: “The MNLA [secular Tuareg separatists], al Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine and MUJAO [movement for unity and Jihad in West Africa] have all received cash from Doha.”

The article further comments that “A month later Sadou Diallo, the mayor of the north Malian city of Gao [which had fallen to the Islamists] told RTL radio: “The French government knows perfectly well who is supporting these terrorists. Qatar, for example, continues to send so-called aid and food every day to the airports of Gao and Timbuktu.”

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “Indeed, France should also look deeply “in the mirror” because it is clear that Qatar and Turkey which are in the anti-Syrian alliance do not want anything to do with France in Mali. Rumors also abound about the underhanded and murky policies of Qatar with regards to Islamist factions and indoctrination in northern Mali. Therefore, the armed forces of Chad, France, Nigeria, Syria, and other nations, are all fighting against various different Islamist factions which seek to impose a brutal reign of terror based on Salafist militancy. This reality should make France turn away from its path against Syria because just like the latest brutal terrorist attack in Damascus, it is clear that Islamist terrorism and sectarian indoctrination is the enemy of the people of Mali and Syria respectively.”

The Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT) comments about the crisis in Nigeria which similarly holds for what is happening in Syria and much closer to home in the streets of major cities in Europe. This applies to nations in the Gulf which are supporting sectarianism and hatred towards moderate branches of Islam and against non-Muslims. After all, in Nigeria, just like in Syria, many Sunni Muslim clerics have either been killed or targeted for abuse and persecution.

IPT reports about Nigeria that “Although Sufi Islam has long been the dominant tradition in Nigeria’s Muslim areas, local moderates struggle to keep up with the funding and support provided by Saudi petrodollars. In a relatively short time, extremism in Nigeria has moved from support of outside terror groups to fundamentalist demands inside of Nigeria, including the ultra-conservative application of Sharia law. This has even led to persecution of the dominant Sufi majority by more radical Islamists, who are pushing for the control of mosques and Islamic organizations.”

Therefore, what is the point in Hollande remembering the brutality of Mohammed Merah when many “Mohammed Merah’s” are entering Syria to kill in the name of jihad based on their blind hatred? Likewise, if France and the United Kingdom, and other nations, are sincere about democracy, religious freedom and female emancipation; then why are they supporting sectarianism and dark forces which seek to impose many restrictions on women in Syria? Also, given the reality of petrodollars from the Gulf supporting many ratlines all over the world – alongside imposing draconian policies on non-Muslims and women – then why are democratic nations ignoring the brutal reality of nations like Saudi Arabia?

http://www.investigativeproject.org/3459/boko-haram-symptom-or-problem

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21822688

http://www.france24.com/en/20130121-qatar-mali-france-ansar-dine-mnla-al-qaeda-sunni-islam-doha

http://www.france24.com/en/20130223-northern-mali-clashes-chad-soldiers-islamist-rebels-killed

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Pierre Leblanc and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

In the last few days twelve health care workers have been brutally murdered by suspected Islamists in northern Nigeria. This applies to three separate attacks whereby nine Nigerian female vaccinators were gunned down in two incidents. Their only crime was trying to stem the tide against polio but in the eyes of Islamists they are worthy to be killed. Meanwhile, three North Korean doctors have just been murdered whereby one was beheaded and the other two had their throats slit like animals for slaughter.

It is known that a militant Muslim cleric spoke out against the vaccination drive by whipping up fear. However, it isn’t clear if this is connected with both attacks because Islamists often murder people in parts of Nigeria. The brutal murder of female health care workers in Nigeria sadly resembles a similar massacre which took place in Pakistan by fellow Islamists.

Therefore, in the twisted world of militant Islamists it is fair game to murder doctors, health care workers and educators who teach young girls. This reality means that people face being killed in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria, for merely trying to help humanity. Despite this, many patrons throughout the Gulf region and in other nations are allowed to spread this dangerous ideology – which seeks to crush Muslim diversity and to enslave non-Muslims – based on their theory of hate.

Magaji Musa, a police spokesperson, commented about the two attacks in the Kano area which killed nine people, that “Gunmen on bikes opened fire on a health centre in the Hotoro district killing seven, while an attack on Zaira Road area of the city claimed two lives.”

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria denounced the latest murders. He stated that “The government will continue to do everything possible to track down and apprehend agents of terrorism in the country.”

In the latest brutal attack which killed three North Koreans it was reported by AP that “Assailants in northeastern Nigeria killed three North Korean doctors, beheading one of the physicians, in the latest attack on health workers in a nation under assault by a radical Islamic sect, officials said Sunday.”

“The deaths Saturday night of the doctors in Potiskum, a town in Yobe state long under attack by the sect known as Boko Haram, comes after gunmen killed at least nine women administering polio vaccines in Kano, the major city of Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north.”

Blame is being pinned on Boko Haram which is a militant Islamist group that seeks the implementation of Islamic Sharia law in its entirety. Yet, in the past this group claimed responsibility for its brutal attacks; therefore, you have some fears that splinter groups have either been created – or you may have new Islamist groups emerging – either way, this angle is most worrying. Of course, it could be that Boko Haram is feeling real pressure therefore this movement is going even further underground in order to escape detection. Whatever the truth is, it is clear that Nigerian authorities are worried about this new dimension.

One can only imagine the fear of the three North Korean doctors when machete wielding Islamists broke into their home. The same applies to the Nigerian health care workers who were gunned down by militants. After all, these individuals had dedicated their lives to helping society and caring about humanity. However, the anti-forces of humanity murdered them while believing that this is their sacred religious duty.

Nigeria faces a very dangerous internal enemy which seeks to crush diversity and to turn the clock back to “year zero.” In their world all and sundry are open to be persecuted because “the other” is hated; irrespective if the “other” is Muslim or non-Muslim. Indeed, Islamists have attacked several leading indigenous Muslim figures in Nigeria and recently the emir of Kano was lucky to survive an attack against his life.

Sadly, the rise of militant Islam is growing in parts of Nigeria and clearly health workers are easy targets for the people of hate.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Helmut Joachim Schmidt and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The continuing attack against Islamists in Mali being led by France is gaining in momentum. At the same time, Nigeria launched a military attack against Islamist insurgents in northern Nigeria. Nigeria is also intent on helping Mali to crush Islamists in the north which had threatened this nation prior to France taking a leading role in rolling back their past gains. Therefore, the role of Nigeria in facing the Islamist threat throughout the region is clear for all.

Boko Haram in Nigeria is a brutal Islamist insurgent group which seeks to impose a Gulf version of Islamic Sharia law on society. In the past few years the Islamist insurgents have done countless terrorist attacks against Christians in northern Nigeria. Mainstream Muslims are also killed by Boko Haram because Islamists only see “a one world view” whereby all who oppose them are deemed worthy to be killed.

Indeed, the reality about the crisis in Mali is that you have unity between the mainly Muslim Malian armed forces and France. Likewise, the military forces of Nigeria are mixed between mainly Muslim and Christian troops alongside other minority faith groups. Also, regional African nations which are supporting Mali are showing the world that religion is secondary. This applies to the diverse nature of the nations which are being represented in Mali.

The multi-religious armed forces of Nigeria clearly need to step up their military offensive against Boko Haram and other offshoots. After all, over the last few years you have had too many massacres by Islamists in Nigeria. This applies to attacking Christian churches, killing Muslim religious leaders for being moderate and other brutal methods. Therefore, it is essential that the military and political angles are used against Boko Haram because clearly the Islamist agenda is to trigger a Christian backlash, in order to sow the seed of disunity within Nigeria.

Political leaders in Nigeria also link Mali with the Islamist insurgents in their own country. The Foreign Minister of Nigeria, Olugbenga Ashiru, commented that “because we know that there was a linkage between them and the groups in Mali…(because)…Some of those characters were trained in northern Mali…So if we can destroy their capability in northern Mali it will help us at home.”

In the last few days the armed forces of Nigeria have killed at least 17 Islamist insurgents after launching military strikes against two Boko Haram training camps. It is estimated that at least 1,400 people have been killed in central and northern parts of Nigeria in the last few years. At the same time, Islamist indoctrination is ongoing and traditional Muslim leaders face threats in certain strongholds for not following their draconian mindset.

Lt Col Sagir Musa of the Nigerian armed forces stated that the army “conducted two special operations supported by Nigerian Airforce helicopter gunship[s] to dislodge Boko Haram training camps…The camp was properly… fortified and had training facilities, an armory, accommodation, a drug store, kitchen, vehicle holding area, latrine and water points”

Meanwhile, in Mali the armed forces of France are currently bombing Islamist bases in various parts of northern Mali. The purpose of this is to dislodge Islamists from important bases and to cut off all major supply routes in order to spread further disarray within their ranks. Therefore, military air strikes have been targeting Tessalit and other places whereby the mountainous region may provide cover for Islamists in the north of Mali. This notably applies to the Adrar des Ifoghas Mountains which may become a sanctuary for Islamists fleeing the French led military offensive.

The BBC reports that the President of France was well received in Mali because this media agency states that “Mr Hollande received a warm welcome on Saturday as he visited the northern desert city of Timbuktu, which was recaptured by French and Malian troops a week ago.”

BBC further reports that “On Monday, Mr Fabius said France intended to hand over control of cities and towns to African forces as soon as possible.  He said: In the cities that we are holding we want to be quickly replaced by the African forces.”

It is known that nearly 2,000 military personnel from several African nations are helping to further consolidate all the recent military gains in Mali. Nigeria and other nations will further increase the power of the International Support Mission to Mali which is being led by regional African nations.

Interim President Dioncounda Traoré of Mali praised the armed forces of France because of their “efficiency” and “professionalism.” He further stated that “Every Malian is grateful to France for having responded promptly and forcefully to our call for help…Together we have freed Konna and Diabaly, together we have freed Gao and Timbuktu, together we will free Kidal, Tessalit and together we will track down these terrorists to their last hideouts.”

Hollande wisely visited many Muslim shrines during his visit to Mali alongside Muslim religious leaders. This reality is evidence that the “real colonialists” are Islamists which have taken on views which emanate from the Gulf region in the Middle East. Therefore, various Islamist terrorist groups were intent on destroying traditional African Mali Islam and turning Sufi shrines into dust.

The current problems in Mali and Nigeria are very different but the threat of Islamist ideology is very real in both nations. It is essential that issues related to marginalization in northern Mali, poverty, ethnic discrimination, and other powerful issues, are addressed in this part of the country. Similarly, state institutions throughout Mali need to be restored and the internal political crisis needs to be resolved.

In Nigeria the Islamist insurgency needs to be firstly contained and then driven back from all major strongholds. Likewise, Nigeria will provide a helping hand to Mali during the current crisis. Internal issues in Nigeria related to poverty, corruption, countering Islamist indoctrination and other important areas, also need to be tackled in Nigeria.

The “olive branch” could feasibly work in Mali providing the political and economic angles are given the highest priority. This isn’t “second guessing” the current outcome of the French led military attack in Mali because war is always unpredictable. Despite this, it is clear that the opportunity is available because the Islamists don’t have a firm internal base within the various communities in Mali.

For Nigeria, the Islamist issue appears much more complex because Boko Haram appears to be a growing menace throughout parts of this country. The last few years also testify to the tenaciousness of this Islamist organization which rules by terror. Therefore, it is essential that major powers work more closely with Nigeria because this nation is a regional power in its own right. Also, the potential of Nigeria is enormous despite the many negative realities that must be overcome.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com