In light of the fact that the man responsible for two heinous acts of terrorism which have thus far resulted in the deaths of 87 people is a native born, non-Muslim Norwegian, John Tabin asks if large segments of the media (including bloggers like him and me) were wrong to speculate that this was an act of Islamic radicals.
For his part, Tabin plans to answer that question in depth at a later date. So allow me to give my thoughts. I would like to make the case that it was not at all unreasonable to speculate that Muslims were involved in this attack.
First, it was only a year ago that Norwegian authorities thwarted an al Qaeda plot to attack Norway.
Second, today’s attacks were nearly simultaneous. An al Qaeda calling card.
Third, it was only last week that that Norwegian authorities indicted Mullah Krekar, founder of the Ansar al-Islam, for threats against Norwegian politicians.
Fourth, a Muslim organization called Ansar al-Jihad al-Alami claimed responsibility for the attack. This is the most notable point of all. I mean what kind of people brag about murdering innocent civilians they did not kill?
Finally, consider all the acts of terrorism which have occurred since September 11, 2001 – Bali, Madrid, London, Mumbai, Fort Hood not to mention all those suicide bombings in Israel. All of those attacks were carried out by Muslim entities. Frankly, it would have been irresponsible to discount the possibility of yet another Muslim terrorist attack.
So is Anders Behring Breivik a diabolically clever lone wolf or did he have help from others? While those questions must be answered, like Timothy McVeigh, Breivik is the exception that proves the rule. But unlike McVeigh, Breivik will not be executed for deliberate and wanton mass murder.
The long and short of it is that when the next terrorist attack is carried out whether it be next week, next month or next year, the people and the organizations at the top of my suspect list will be Muslim.
As the adage goes, “Not all Muslims are terrorists but nearly all terrorists are Muslim.”
