This sort of situation sounds similar to the "school shooting" scenario. When very serious events are taking place it is not a good idea to have an "interest" in terror related groups or strategies. The authorities have no choice but to act in a situation like this. The same way they do when a kid posts a "death list" or a blog about bombing a school. Perhaps he didn't realize what kind of trouble he was getting himself into, but then again he might have been a serious terror threat down the road.

I think this is kind of getting to the heart of the problem really, conservatives need to stop saying that terrorists are just jealous and hate their freedoms, and start realising that terrorism is caused by political grieviances, whether they be imagined ('War on Islam' conspiracies) or real (the plight of Chechnya or Palestinians).

this guy sounds a bit like me, except without all the materials and stuff. but I hope he didn't intend on blowing himself up and other civilians! who wouldn't want to join the mujahideen, after all the crap goin on?

Should it make any difference what their motivations are? Every killer has motivations, whether they are political or personal.

Yes, if they want to stop terrorism they need to understand how and why people do it, rather than just increasing security measures endlessly. Covering up a problem with a high rate of arrests doesn't make it go away.

This is a two-way street. There are plenty of people out there who see Muslims as the enemy, and they have their own motivations for feeling that way. "Islamophobia", which is the popular catch phrase these days, is by and large a product of the very mentality you pointed to. That many Muslims have no allegiance to the Western nations they inhabit, and will use terrorism as long as their own political beliefs aren't adhered to. That is not a phenomenon that instills much trust between the non-Muslim and Muslim communities.

As to your overall point, it does have merit. Western governments should be more mindful of the changing dynamics inside their countries. When issues arise involving Muslim peoples abroad, they should be more careful as to how they address it and what policies they embrace. However, that doesn't mean Western governments should feel obligated to cater to Muslim political sensibilities at every turn. Especially under threat of terrorist activities.

What I don't understand, is why the issue of Darfur (ie, the genocide of muslims in Darfur) never angers anyone? The ICC news link has almost dropped off the page without a reply!

Muslim killing Muslim doesn't get the hate reaction that Jew or American killing Muslim does?

True, but that exists inside of every "community" for lack of a better term. Americans don't get nearly as upset over the number of Americans killing Americans as they do one American getting killed in Mexico. It's more of a human problem. We don't get nearly as upset when our own "people" kill each other as we do when another group does it.

Besides what Fishman stated, Darfur isn't exactly a recognizable commodity. Sort of like Rwanda. Almost everyone has heard of it now, but at the time you would be hard pressed to find anyone who knew that was even a country, much less a country stricken by genocide.

these guys are amazing, sheesh, u wanna be a soldier well AVOID BEING CAUGHT AND BEING SILLY, its like watching dumb and dumber with these guys who keep saying they wanna be soldiers and martyrs and just end up getting arrested with all these files and 'plans' on their pc.

these guys are jokes and think its a game, i mean just look at how he writes:

A further entry in his diary read: "One cell - stake out target; one cell - acquired equipment; one cell - mount the attack."

that sums it all up, give him 25 years in jail just for being stupid.

I think the article really strengthens my own belief that Muslims don't become terrorists just because they think Islam wants them to. Their actions are fuelled by what they perceive to be injustices done against Muslims and they want revenge. Is their anger justified? Maybe. Are their actions? No.

Largely yes. However, what they consider a reasonable "grievance" and "injustice" is determined by an Islamic worldview and Islamic beliefs. The only reason why a British Muslim gets all outraged about what happens to some people in Chechnya is their sense of Islamic brotherhood. I also think Islam to some degree determines how they respond to these perceived "injustices".

Hi KAding,

Fair enough, I can accept that.

How so?

Regards