World on high alert after London attacks

European countries went on high alert against terror following the attacks that took place July 7 in London. The European Union Commission will meet on July 13 in Brussels to discuss emergency measures against terrorist attacks and cooperation against terror. Journalist-writer Faik Bulut, journalist Dr. Hüsnü Mahalli and Professor Mahir Kaynak spoke to the Turkish Daily News about the reasons behind this inhumane attack in London, who is benefiting from it and whether or not such attacks will continue.

Faik Bulut: Attacks will continue

Bulut is of the opinion that what is most important is that such acts will continue, although not tomorrow or the next day. He adds the following:

“I would have been surprised if Britain had not been a target because of its importance in Middle East policy. Islamists are generally of the opinion that Britain played a direct role in the U.S. occupation of Iraq and not a symbolic role such as that played by Poland, Italy and Spain. Also, Islamist resistance Web sites like Zarqawi's on the Internet have published messages such as, ‘We will hit the occupiers in their hearts and bring this issue to Europe,' over the last one to two months. In the meantime, both the United States and the EU have decided to establish a dialogue with moderate Islamists in order to change the Middle East. This means that radical Islamists (who are organizing armed attacks) all over the world, particularly those in Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Algeria, will be surrounded. Bargaining has gone on with some resistance groups (for example, the Muslim Brothers), even if they are called Islamist, to get them to take part in the administration. As a result, the violence of Islamist resistance groups will not end but instead will increase. Their range of activities are narrow in Iraq, but they are tending to extend their activities to Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Europe. Even Turkey is mentioned.

“On the other hand, due to the war in Iraq Bush has lost up to 52 percent of his popularity with the U.S. public. At the same time Tony Blair lost votes because he misled the public. This attack strengthened Tony Blair and Bush's hands. It justified their view that ‘we are very right to fight against global terrorism and radical Islamists. It is not important whether or not the weapons of mass destruction exist. We were right to declare war.' Most certainly, an Islamist organization might have carried out this attack, but there are questions about what is behind the scenes. For example, there were controversies between France and Britain on the EU constitution and pm the future of the EU. After this attack the EU has decided to unite against terrorism.”

 Dr. Hüsnü Mahalli: A message to all countries

Pointing out that the attack in London had been expected since 2003, Dr. Mahalli indicated that he believes this attack will be followed by others.

“Al-Qaeda and a few similar organizations have recovered. With this attack they wanted to send the message that they would be involved in such attacks from now on. I can explain the reason they chose Britain. Al-Qaeda or similar organizations cannot go to the United States because it's far way. It was even said they couldn't reach Britain because it's not on the continent. But they have delivered a message, saying, ‘We can go everywhere; we can organize such attacks even in places that are very safe.' This action served the interests of organizations that think like al-Qaeda because it boosted their morale. Many from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Yemen and Bahrain have joined al-Qaeda in recent years. Now more will join. It has sent a message to young militants: ‘We are strong enough to hit even London.' Accordingly, the organizations motivated by these people will organize more dangerous operations and actions. If these attacks were messages sent to the G8, they should have been carried out where the G8 was held. The message is clear enough in that they chose London. It is a message for all countries that acted with the United States in the occupation of Iraq."

Mahalli says there was pressure on Muslims living in the United States and Europe prior to the London attacks but that it wasn't reflected in the media:

“This process began with Bush‘s statement referring to a crusade. I think attacks against Muslim groups in the United States and Europe will increase, using the London attack as an excuse.”

 Professor Mahir Kaynak: It is not against the G8

Noting that al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attacks, Professor Kaynak says al-Qaeda is being closely watched by the United States and that its members are always being sought. “Despite all resources being mobilized, I think it is senseless to fail to identify attackers. Such incidents are surely organized by more powerful organizations. It is possible that such attacks will continue. This attack is not against the G8 or Europe but directly against Britain and the global capital allied with it. As has been said, there is a man named Osama bin Laden, who is living in a cave in the Afghan mountains, doesn't have the tools of communication, cannot talk to anyone and cannot transfer money. The entire world is unable to find him. Is such a thing possible? If the world can be threatened by an organization formed by a few people, you, us -- the entire world -- are under threat. Also, we don't know their goal. Such attacks are possible in countries that share political views with Britain.”