ISIS Attacks on Paris, A Game Changer

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 98) November 18, 2015

Around the world, terrorist activity seems to be occurring at an accelerated rate.  In the last three weeks alone there have been at least four horrific events which have been coordinated by evil workings of the ISIS movement.  World leaders are rightly describing these activities as; threatening, outrageous and inhumane – and something must be done in haste. 

-      October 31, 2015 – A Russian aircraft flying from Egypt to St. Petersburg, Russia, exploded in mid-air killing all 224 persons on board.  A militant group claims responsibility for the explosion and claims ISIS affiliation.   

-      November 9/10, 2015 – Seven beheaded bodies (4 men, 2 women, one child) is dumped in Zabul province, Afghanistan.  Some government officials blame ISIS for the atrocious act, others label the Taliban movement as responsible – worthy to note, ISIS has made major inroads into Afghanistan over the past year by attracting support from disenchanted members of the Taliban movement.

-      November 12, 2015 – Two explosions in Beirut, Lebanon killed 43 people, wounding 239 others.  An explosive-laden motorcycle was detonated first, followed by a suicide bomber wearing a vest of explosives – apparently there was a second suicide bomber who was killed by one of the two explosions.  ISIS claims responsibility for the explosions.     

-      November 13, 2015 – The ISIS coordinated attacks in Paris last Friday caused the death of 129 people, with 352 wounded (including 99 in critical condition).  The carnage in Paris took place in six different locations involving 3 ISIS commando units.  The reaction from the French government has been swift and without compromise.  President Francois Hollande (representing political views on the right of France’s political spectrum) has asked the United States and Russia to set aside their differences and fight with others to eliminate the scourge of ISIS terrorism – an excellent point, if it can be done?  President Hollande also wants to increase French fighting power against ISIS in the Syrian-Iraq war zone, maintain emergency measures within France, re-open the country’s constitution to limit travel within the European Union and allow the French government to withdraw French citizenship from suspected French terrorists.    

Some Final Thoughts – For the Time Being!

The horrific attacks in Paris last week represents something very telling in geo-political terms and must be studied carefully by western governments.  A number of well-informed observers indicate that ISIS’s strategy is shifting away from establishing an Islamic State (in Iraq and Syria) to creating fear and havoc within “western” states and their capitals.  ISIS picked Paris as its first target to create fear and chaos, all to cover up their short comings in its traditional military war zone.  From what is written, ISIS is losing major battles in the Syrian-Iraq war zone, largely because of Russia’s entry into the mix. 

As to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s performance on the international stage in the past week or so, it is unfortunate that he is still acting and talking like he is still on the campaign trail.  Being Prime Minister of Canada means you have to adjust to new, changing conditions and the attacks in Paris is a game changer – and that means keeping ones options open and available.  The attacks in Paris have definitely changed geo-political thinking in Europe, Asia and North America – and now Russia has changed its position on Syria and become a significant player in the world’s fight against terrorism.  Another more domestic point about Mr. Trudeau’s performance as he travels from Turkey to the Philippines – has the prime minister’s promise to ‘rule by Cabinet’ been temporarily set to one side as he deals with international matters?  As to the prime minister’s fixed views on withdrawing fighter jets from the Iraq-Syria war zone, I agree with Canada’s stance but Canada has to offer something more than just enhanced training, if Canada is to remain a relevant player in the war against terrorism.  On the matter of bringing in 25,000 Syrian refugees by the year’s end, Mr. Trudeau (and his Cabinet) will have to change the timing and security screening agenda.  Otherwise, the prime minister is going to run into major problems with the provinces – and remember, the petitions have already started.