Europe
#JeSuisCharlie hypocrisy goes off the charts
Under the hashtag #JeSuisCharlie, an attack on free speech is being used to justify further attacks on free speech… in the paradoxical name of protecting free speech.
Tag: France
Europe
Europe: destroying freedom to save it
At thier meeting in Paris to condemn the attack on Charlie Hebdo, European Union government ministers issued a statement calling for further restrictions on the Internet.
Europe
#JeSuisCharlie, #JeSuisMusulman: contradiction?
The dueling hashtags #JeSuisCharlie (I am Charlie) and #JeSuisMusulman (I am Muslim) reveal a pathological dichotomy: we can defend free speech and oppose Islamophobia.
Europe
‘Car Intifada’ comes to France?
An outbreak of motorist attacks on pedestrians in France is spun exclusively in terms of Islamist extremism, leaving out the critical factor of car culture.
Greater Middle East
New Syrian rebel coalition: tilt to Turkey
Syrian rebels announced formation of a new Revolutionary Command Council at a meeting in Turkey—dominated by conservative Islamists but excluding Nusra Front and ISIS.
Iraq
ISIS advances on Kobani —and Baghdad
Turkish troops opened fire on Kurdish refugees attempting to flee the tightening ISIS siege of Kobani in northern Syria, as ISIS forces advanced within 40 kilometers of Baghdad.
Iraq
ISIS blows up birthplace of Saladin
ISIS militants destroyed the Citadel of Tikrit, birthplace of Saladin and one of Iraq's most important archeological sites. The jihadists meanwhile seized several Syrian towns.
Iraq
China factor in the fight against ISIS
China's participation in the Paris summit on building an international effort against ISIS comes as Uighur militants were detained on suspicion of recruiting for the "Islamic State."
Iraq
Obama orders more troops to Iraq
Obama dispatched 130 new military advisors to Iraqi Kurdistan, but is resisting the Kurdistan government's appeal for more arms to fight ISIS. France has pledged new arms shipments.
North Africa
Mali: French pursue jihadis; talks open with MNLA
France expands military operations across the Sahel to chase down jihadist insurgents, as Mali opens peace talks with Tuareg separatists that have seized much of the country.
Europe
Diaspora Jews feel Gaza backlash —again
Two synagogues were attacked in Paris and the rabbi of the Casablanca Jewish community brutally beaten in reprisals for Israel's "Operation Protective Edge."
Greater Middle East
ISIS behind Brussels Jewish Museum killings?
News that a suspect in the Brussels Jewish museum killings fought in Syria with the insurgent group ISIS comes as European police escalate their crackdown on Syria "returnees."