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October 4, 2005

Walid Phares on 'Blood in Bali" - Strategic Questions

Topics: Terrorism

Walid Phares examines some of the probable reasons behind the second strike against the people on the island of Bali. Amongst the conclusions that Phares makes concerning Bali are the following:

1. This is "terrorism recidivism";
2. The strike on Bali draws attention away from terrorist activity in other areas of Indonesia.
3. Even if the spiritual leader is in prison, his followers are free to continue their jihadi activity;
4. The Jihad against western lifestyle, the Balinese infidel, and especially Australians has never been called off;
5. There is a psychological impact upon the people of Bali, especially the feeling of disbelief that the terrorists would strike again.

This is a well written article that examines the psychological and economic impact upon the nation of Indonesia. What we have to keep in mind is that JI has been involved in Jihad over a period of years and it is not afraid of striking twice in the same place.

The JI network extends across S.E. Asia, covering Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. It is more than likely that it has sleeper cells here in Australia. Despite the disavowal by Abu Bakr Bashir regarding the planning of the attack,(I do not believe Bashir), I believe that there is a link to the spiritual leader of JI. Bashir manages to get messages out to his fanatical supporters. The mastermind of the bombings is a Malaysian who was educated in South Australia.

Posted by at October 4, 2005 5:29 AM

Articles Related to Terrorism:

• Walid Phares on 'Blood in Bali" - Strategic Questions - Oct 04, 2005