France Is Only Afraid of Sunni Terrorism
Asharq Al-Awsat, Egypt, May 26
Observers were angered by the remarks from French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, as he spoke with the French Press Agency from New York. Darmanin argued that Sunni terrorism constitutes the greatest threat to France, particularly as Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics. He said: “Americans may be more focused on issues like white supremacy or rampant mass shootings, but it is essential that they remember that Sunni terrorism is perceived as the number one threat in Europe.” He discussed two kinds of perils: one internal, consisting of self-radicalized French citizens, and one external, consisting of secret cells penetrating France’s borders. The fear expressed by Darmanin is based on Islamic State cells unveiled in many European countries. Most recently, there have been reports of Maghreb-based cells in France, Belgium, and other parts of Europe, alongside other incidents involving Islamic State militants in India, Pakistan, Libya, and London. We have seen a sinister trend of suicide bombings, vehicles used to mow down civilians, and individuals resorting to the use of knives to carry out attacks. All of these acts of terror are a grim reminder of Islamic State’s global reach. The memories of al-Qaida’s attacks on the streets and trains of Britain and Spain remain vivid. The evidence of their destructive capabilities is abundant, so the French minister was right to emphasize the security of his nation as well as his European neighbors. But is that all? The answer, Monsieur Gérald, is an unequivocal no. Who embraces leaders like Abu Hamza Al-Masri, Abu Qatada al-Filistini, and the instigators of terrorism who have been active in London and other European cities for decades? Who inhibits Arab countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE from taking action against terrorist cells in their territory on the grounds that these countries are suppressing democracy and civil rights? Another thing, Monsieur Gérald: I personally agree with you about your concern. But how about the terrorism sponsored by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and its affiliates?! On November 27, Belgium is set to try Iranian diplomat Asadollah Asadi for numerous criminal charges including terrorism and attempted mass murder. Asadi was apprehended in Germany in 2018 and was subsequently extradited to Belgium. Reports suggest that, acting on direct orders from Iran, Asadi plotted and funded the attempted slaughter of several attendees at an Iranian opposition gathering in Villepinte, a Parisian suburb. Professor Fares Khachan’s article in the Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar reported that, according to a Belgian police report, Mr. Asadi said in a meeting held at his request last March that armed groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran were keeping an eye on the proceedings of his trial. He warned that these groups would not be satisfied if the verdict were to turn against him, and they would take vigilante-style actions to undermine Belgium’s stability and security. Have you commented on any of those threats, Monsieur Gérald? —Meshary Al-Dhaidi (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
