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November 16, 2005
Australian anti-terror watch - Helped By Citizen Support
Topics: War on TerrorAlthough I have previously posted on the content of this article, it's useful to call attention to it again as a source for some further commentary. Every day we are hearing something new, and what is amazing is the way in which Australians are reporting on suspected terrorist activity.
A lot of the news that I have heard has come from the radio and the story that captured my attention yesterday is that cleaners at Casula Mall noticed some potentially dangerous materials had been placed there, and they contacted the police. The materials have been taken by the police and checked to see if they could have been used to make bombs. The article addressed here speaks of the fact that three of the terror suspects were caught in the area near Lucas Heights last Christmas, and that their story of riding a trail bike was inconsistent when each were questioned separately. The police also discovered that there had been an attempt to penetrate the Lucas Heights reactor.
Prior to the raids that were carried out was another piece of good work by someone who called the police because of concern over the attempt to purchase materials that could make a bomb. The police were ready to spring on whoever came to pick up the order from the Padstow Hardware.
It is encouraging that Australians, and especially Middle Eastern members of the community, have been willing to make contact with police and inform on those who might be plotting to cause harm to others.
However, not everyone is being this co-operative, either in Australia or in other parts of Western society. For example, our American friends might consider doing what is becoming almost routine in Australia - that is if you hear or see something suspicious, such as a large purchase of fertilizer, or any other suspicious activity, begin making it a practice to record pertinent information and report it.
I should add here that someone reported on the suspected terrorists here in Australia. The individual or individuals, went to the police with information, and that is why they had been under surveilance for nearly two years. The would-be terrorists had continued with their plotting even though they knew that they were being watched. The Sydney lawyer for the defendants, Mr Houda, seems to think that his clients have no case to answer to since they did not succeed in blowing themselves up (future terrorists should read this previous Hyscience post for instructions).
Much can be achieved through vigilance. We don't have to go to an extreme and we do not need to have " Big Brother" watching over our every move. At the same time we shouldn't give credence or attention to the whiners amongst the Muslim community who complain that they feel "terrified" of the police. If they have nothing to hide then there is no reason to be concerned. If they feel that way, then maybe they have something to hide.
True moderate Muslims have been co-operating with the police on this matter of ensuring that their good name is not smeared by any terrorist action. The moderate Muslims in the USA have done this in some areas (New York State springs to mind), and informed on those who have behaved in a suspicious manne, therebypreventing potential disaster. All moderate Muslims need to begin to show their mettle and report potential problems, particularly if they indeed wish to be a part of Western society. But then again, that's part of the problem, isn't it?
Posted by at November 16, 2005 1:01 PM
Articles Related to War on Terror:
- Australian anti-terror watch - Helped By Citizen Support - Nov 16, 2005
