Category: Terrorism

A New Free Europe

I had really intended to write about the dangers of the civil war certain progressive elements are pushing (as I mentioned here yesterday; and I think Sarah is both very wrong and somewhat right here and Tom Knighton hits many of the points I want to raise), a chance exchange on X this morning with The Diplomad has pushed me to expand on some previous work.

If you are one of those who doesn’t remember the Blogosphere of old, and did not read The Diplomad, you truly missed out. He is posting far more on X these days than on his blog, but I have always found his work to be insightful, well-reasoned, and a pleasure to read. He is one of those wonderful people that even when you don’t agree with him, you are moved to think and consider all he has to say. Oh, and you also really should read of some of his adventures in interesting places working for State.

This morning, he was kind enough to make a one-word comment in response to a comment I had made to a post of his. This has led to an exchange where it turns out we are on the same page as to the need for a bulwark in Eastern Europe to contain a fallen Europe and to defend against other incursions along the old Muslim invasion routes.

I’ve talked a bit about this before (here for a start, several linked posts within for those interested). If I were one of those well-dressed apparatchiks in DC, I would already have a catchy name with logo and full marketing for this concept. Seems that is what sells and gets things considered in DC; but, I’ve been thinking a good bit more on issues of substance instead of marketing. Right now, I want to lay out my current thoughts in the hope that I might entice The Diplomad into sharing some of his.

Background: England has already fallen and even if every Labor/Torrie is voted out today I fear it is too late to save. I’ve written about this in previous posts, and see no way England as we used to know it survives given demographics. Even if they do mass deportations, it will get bloody and what comes out will not the be England we knew, but something else. France is in much the same boat with many of the same political calculations on the part of ruling politicians. Germany has committed economic and demographic suicide and is fighting being given the political equivalent of narcan by its citizens. Switzerland is iffy, though I have not discussed it before. I am worried about Spain, but would invite The Diplomad’s thoughts as he is the expert there. Italy could still save itself but is hamstrung by local bureaucracies and the EU. The Netherlands could hold out for a bit, but demographics alone will see it swamped fairly quickly. Belgium is pretty much lost already. I could go on, but that covers major and some minor players. For one take on the Muslim conquest of Europe, check out Tom Kratman’s book Caliphate. No, I don’t get anything if you buy the book, other than satisfaction. I can see something like this within the next 20 years.

Background II: Per previous posts, NATO is committing suicide at the behest of the EU bureaucracy, which is primarily the WEF progressive crowd. There is already strong sentiment within the U.S., including within defense circles, to withdraw from NATO. I support this, which may or may not bias my analysis to some degree. NATO was valid and necessary for many years; however, it has outlived its usefulness and has become a strategic and economic liability to the U.S. Given that the EU is twisting things to engage treaty obligations against our own interest (and that of the EU members IMO), we need to look at our participation.

Background III: For all this came out of a discussion of a “New NATO” what I am proposing should not be a military alliance. Rather, it should be an economic and civilizational alliance that focuses on unleashing the intellectual, technical/scientific, and skills-based resources within a framework of Classical Western thought and processes with a focus on individual liberty. Much like the U.S. was originally founded. Within that, there should be a component to help the member countries to develop and field the ability to defend themselves against any incursions from West or East.

Personally, I see Poland as the linchpin for this effort. I admit, I have a soft spot for them given their role in ending the godless authority that was the USSR, as well as other anti-communist efforts. They have had the political resolve to stand up to the EU bureaucrats, which speaks highly of them. Geographically, they are in a unique position: it can either be a highway for invasions or a block against same. It has been both at different times in the past. Ports on the Baltic allow some Sea Lines Of Communication (SLOC), which is essential for trade. Yes, those can be compromised (see Larry Bond’s book Cauldron for a fairly thorough analysis of such, and no I don’t get anything if you buy it) but real trade depends on shipping, and they do have the ports needed. It has produced numerous scientists, engineers, composers, and more over the centuries. It also has a fair bit of resources.

To go back to the ports for a moment, those also have another use in this context. We really don’t want England and France’s nukes falling into the hands of a new Caliphate. I hope (possibly against hope) that we have already drawn up plans and are working to plant the seeds that when things go fully south in England that we can get their nukes out. Part of this should be encouraging truly loyal members of the RN to either bring them to us (not likely currently) or to a fairly neutral third party. Poland and it’s ports fit that bill. Same holds true for France. Air bases in Poland could accept flights carrying weapons to safety. As for people flying to safety, I would recommend extreme vetting and not allowing any such refuges citizenship or voting status for about three generations. Finally, when I proposed that if any member of this new alliance needed to be made nuclear to deal with nuclear threats, I recommended Poland in part because that is not something they want or desire. If you don’t get why that is important, think on it a bit and look at those countries openly seeking nukes as you do so.

In the center there is Hungary. A beautiful country with a rich heritage that has also stood up to the EU bureaucrats as well as to past Muslim invasions. While it does not have seaports, it does have extensive river ports and operations that link it with several of its neighbors. River traffic is still a much larger component of trade than many still realize. There have been some criticisms raised in regards their relationship with Russia; but, I think some of those are misplaced and most else can be dealt with in the course of creating the alliance.

Next is Romania. It has seaports, river ports, rich resources and a lot of good people. It’s navy may be small by some standards, but those within it are proud and professional. If it can remain free (and keep in mind the EU vacated their elections when they didn’t like the results) they have everything they need to become a powerhouse, possibly even on the world stage. They have not resisted the EU bureaucracy as well as Poland or Hungary, but have blocked a number of things. Creating an alliance of which they are a part could give them what they need to take themselves where they want to go.

Next is Bulgaria. Mountainous enough to prevent extensive river traffic (and many north-south rail lines), but it also has ports on the Black Sea. It sits astride many of the invasion routes used by Muslim armies in the past, which has kept it from the development experienced by more peaceful lands. Again, a lot of potential here that could be developed by the Bulgarians if they were part of such an alliance. More on that later perhaps.

Now, to the west of Romania and Bulgaria are Serbia and the Balkans. These too are potential candidates for such an alliance, I would note that bringing them in not only provides strategic depth, but additional SLOC options for trade and defense. If Italy doesn’t fall, it would allow the Adriatic to be a secure trade zone both between alliance members and potential overseas partners and customers.

Going back to Larry Bond’s novel Cauldron and to Kratman’s Caliphate, it would be nice if Spain could hold as it would make the Straights of Gibraltar less of a choke point for international trade. I would also note that if Denmark were smart, it would make any trade or sale of Greenland contingent upon support to resist a European Caliphate. For all that Denmark has shown some awareness of the problem, they have not taken it seriously nor posed any real resistance to the EU bureaucrats. If Denmark falls, the Skagerrak is at best “iffy” for trade; and, if Sweden falls it will close it to effective traffic.

Frankly, I see Sweden as 50/50 on whether it falls or not. The politicians and public seem to want to deal with the migration issues; but, the super-woke bureaucracy is dug into the body politic like a disease-laden tick. Digging that out and making real change will take more than many are willing to give I think. That said, it could be yet another reason to try to get them into such an alliance.

I would also consider the Baltic states as potential members, though they are a good part of the reason I think this should not be a military alliance. Members can make self-defense treaties between themselves, but should not be able to make treaties that obligate others. The purpose behind the alliance is to promote economic growth, which will allow them to defend themselves as they see fit. Pushing economic and individual liberty is a key part of this, as such always results in growth at many levels.

Finally, such an alliance should look at Finland. Ports, resources, and a lot more. It would also help secure the Baltic, and prevent a European Calipahte from being able to do as much via sea power, economic or military. There are also some other financial factors, but we may explore those another day.

As I’ve typed, I’ve had the idea for a name for this initiative to pop into my head: the Free Europe Initiative. Encouraging economic and other growth while advancing the concepts of freedom and individual liberty that are the bedrock of Western Civilization would provide not just a light for continental Europe, but potentially to the whole world. In a world gone mad, such will be much needed.

Just the rough outline for now. I’ve got some other thoughts already in place, but this needs more fleshing out. More soon I hope.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Eclectic Food For Thought

I’m going to be offline more than on the next few days, as Christmas is fast approaching for those of us who keep the old calendar. But, looking ahead a bit has me quietly laughing and going “wow!” The Trump II team is not thinking small.

What happened this morning has global implications. The illegitimate ruler of a country (anyone thinking any of the elections including the one installing Chavez courtesy of The Peanut were legit is a fool and/or a liar) has been taken on the basis of legally issued arrest warrants from the U.S. for him, his wife, and others. Been on the books for years, and it is worth noting that Argentina also has arrest warrants out for him and many of the same people. Haven’t dug, but they may not be the only ones.

Okay, so a dictator has been removed. Whoop I hear from the peanut gallery. Yes, his “government” still stands — for now. Thing is, it has had it’s legs cut out from under it not just by the strike, but by the blockade and the ending of the illegal oil and drugs that have funded it and provided the means of staying in power. In turn, Maduro and company have been propping up Cuba and some other interesting regimes (cough Ortega family cough).

Without Venezuelan oil, money, and other support, Cuba probably has about 30 days before things go from horrible to nightmare. There are already blackouts, shortages, and more just from the current blockade. Going to be interesting to see what happens in several countries in the region over the next year.

This has also just knocked a major prop out from under the mad mullahs in Iran. They have been playing oil games to keep themselves and others funded with Venezuela a major partner in same. The blockade has hurt, but having this taken from them while they are in the fight of their lives with an uprising is a nice indirect knife twist. Hard to pay Arabic mercenaries to fight for you (which is happening right now) when your already shaky revenue stream takes a major hit. More thoughts on Iran later, but have noted for a year plus now that it was a powder keg and not a lot would be needed to see it explode. Without Obama to intervene on behalf of the Mullahs, think this time may be the time. Also worth noting that two groups had/have transition plans and such in place, which is good.

The actions this morning also cuts off the terrorism and weapon pipeline that Iran had been running into the Americas. Venezuela was not only that, but it was the command and control nexus for all operations in this hemisphere including those being set up here in the U.S. It is a given that assets are already here and in place (as previously discussed here ad nauseum), and they have just been cut off. That could get spicy, but it also changes the nature of the engagement. Been noticing a number of stories about various plots being foiled and such, much of which gets buried because it appears to be related to immigration enforcement that corporate media ignores. I simply note that such would be a good way to bury coverage of intel ops and related.

Nor was Iran the only one using Venezuela as a base for attacking the U.S. Interesting that the Chinese special envoy met with Maduro just hours before the snatch, pledging undying support. Funny how China seems to be the source for a lot of both precursor chemicals to, and fully produced fentanyl, that flooded the U.S. for several years there. Interesting that since the U.S. got serious about the border and eliminating as much of the fentanyl smuggling threat as possible that overdose deaths have dropped dramatically. Sure it’s all just coincidence though…

This is also going to impact some other governments and regions. Maybe more on that later if I get the chance but not counting on anything until after Wednesday. Between now and then will be mostly at Church, or trying to catch a bit of rest.

More soon I hope.

UPDATE I: From Wretchardthecat courtesy of Instapundit

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

The Fall Of The Commonwealth Continues

Welcome Instapundit Readers! If you get the chance, please check out this post and this post as well, and feel free to hit the tip jar in the upper right.

In response to this post by Physics Geek on X, I made this reply that I will share here as well. It ties into my previous posts about England, and the need to begin quiet planning now to deal with the nuke question and more that are likely headed our way. I will simply note that such planning is very much needed for Australia as it can do a lot of damage in the Far East if it so chooses. Given the leadership and what they are doing, I certainly do hope those contingencies are being quietly and professionally prepared for. You might should add Canada to the list as well.

I must disagree with my friend @physicsgeek: while I don’t think they are bright, they are very much acting in accordance with their politics. Like Starmer in England (and I think Carney in Canada is of the same mold), both are authoritarians of the godless-authority stripe who will miss no chance to help destroy the country they have in order to build the country and political system they desire. Nor do I think it coincidence that Albanese (any relation to the sanctioned UN person???) and Starmer both find themselves as figurehead leaders at this time. Both are doubling down on muslim immigration; both are ignoring the will of the people of the countries they are supposed to be serving; both are pushing draconian speech and content laws; both seek to change the judiciary to do away with historical due process and procedures; and, both seem to be dancing a tune called by a conductor semi-behind the scenes. Albanese sees this as a chance to further disarm the populace (putting it more on par with England), and to advance other totalitarian aims in regards controlling if not subjugating the “normal” citizenry of Australia who — like England and Canada — are well on the way to being second (servant) class paying the tax simply to be allowed to live. Keep in mind that all three leaders seem to see Jews as both a convenient tool for various efforts via antisemitism and as real enemy to their long-term plans (along with any form of traditional Christianity, which is next to be targeted). Unlike England, I think Australia still has peaceful options to change course, but those windows are rapidly closing and Albanese is going to do all he can to nail them shut. He’s going to go all out on removing any threat of non-peaceful resistance — and the move for more gun control and simply a part of that. So, I think he and his party are more opportunistic in this case rather than unthinking. He’s thinking he has a chance to eliminate a long-term threat, and like a certain former leader here, he’s simply not going to let the crisis he helped manufacture go to waste.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Be Careful Out There, Take ???

This post was shared at Instapundit a few days ago, and it made me rethink some decisions I made a couple of weeks ago. The important part of that decision was that I wasn’t planning on making yet another ‘be vigilant’ post here. Frankly, most of you who are regular readers live that already; quite a few of those who come in here from various Instapundit and other links also tend to be in that category; there are a few out there who want to or do live so far in the red it’s scary; and, there are a very small number who are so far on the other extreme that reality can’t even be piped in.

To be honest, I’m not worried about most of you being prepared (you are) and being aware of your surroundings (you live it). What I am worried about are those for whom the regular alerts and notices are a great excuse to clock out.

Let’s face it: one of the things various enemies (esp. terrorists) have done for a long time is ramp up chatter and such before various holidays. The fact is, we do have to pay attention, bring up plans and preparedness, and otherwise raise the alert even when not officially doing so. Each time there is a price, not just money but in individual alertness. The first times you get an alert (drill or things otherwise don’t happen) you are all-in. You are bright-eyed, bushy tailed, and probably (especially if young) pretty much wanting something to happen. By the twentieth time, this is no longer true and you want something to happen just enough to keep you awake.

So, the enemy ups the chatter and runs probes and such (such as what James Woods noticed pre-9/11) and do nothing. Soon, there is almost no response to the chatter or other, and that’s when you do act. You wait until it is dawn and you know the adversary is asleep, then you act.

For all that I am amazed (and delighted to be honest) that more hasn’t happened (yet) is that we have some pretty good ideas of what we face. It’s not just numbers (I still go with about 4 bat.) but we’ve even got some pretty good ideas of what countries and/or organizations are represented. Even if you don’t go with my estimate, consider that in testimony before Congress it’s been discussed that more than 18,000 known terrorists came in under the Biden Regency. That’s what we know, do you think they are all? Pick your number, make your plans.

That said, I do think we may be approaching a Schwerpunkt on more than one level. I do believe that a color revolution is being attempted here, and that the Seditious Six is but one part of it. Pay attention to Data Republican and Mike Benz, as they and their friends have been unmasking a lot. Keep in mind that it is not just here, but there are things coming to a head in Europe as well. It’s not just the EU autocrats facing challenges, but there is significant pushback to a lot of domestic polices pushed by the EU (even in England, which while out of the EU is still all-in on immigration and more).

I will say that I think Europe is mostly lost, and that absent a very unexpected successful revolt by the people of England, France, and Germany, those countries are toast. There is pushback, but I very much fear it is too late. See my previous writings on this for more. I also am seeing a bulwark rising along an Eastern axis via Poland, Hungary, and portions of the Balkans. Again, see previous as I think that offers the best hope of ever bringing Europe back.

When you have a lot of desperate political types, especially of the godless authority type, you also get a lot a lot of gotterdammerung types who are quite willing to take the world down with them. Thankfully they rarely do, but they can and have done a lot of damage on the way out. Which does raise the stakes on people setting off stupid things here.

So, be prepared. Me, I’m helping harden a couple of potential targets here effectively on the QT. A lot of that is not on active defense but on dealing with the aftermath so as to save as many as possible. In terms of active, I may or may not be encouraging multiple layers of defense (and if some have the idea that they are the only or key layer of defense rather than one of several, well, that can be a good thing). When dealing with politics and those who think active defense is bad, it can be a good thing to have the full number and layers underappreciated.

Where I am acting more openly is on disaster response. If I can push good emergency and medical response, all the better. Being sure there are AEDs, trauma materials, and even upgraded “ouch” (standard first aid) kits is a very, very good thing. If a disaster strikes, and it doesn’t matter if natural or unnatural, it is rare to say that you had too many tourniquets, pressure bandages, airways, etc. From my point of view, you can never have enough of those, Quick Clot, etc.

I am worried that a lot of politicians and the general public are now hearing increased chatter and movement as “wolf, wolf!” and responding (not) accordingly. So, I decided to not say anything. I’ve rethought that a bit, and decided on this.

All I’m going to say for now is “Be careful out there” and keep being your good selves. If you are a new or not-regular reader, pay attention to those who are as most of them have seen the elephant. You would be wise to listen to them. Go back and read the comments on preparedness and terrorism posts as they are a trove of good information.

I’m going to wish all a healthy, happy, and wonderful Christmas and New Year (and for those of you Orthodox like me, a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas!). May it be a bright and blessed time; may we as a civilization continue to walk the knife edge and avoid the stumbling blocks and snares of the enemies of civilization and Faith. Meantime, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

He’s Right You Know

Over at Instapundit this morning, I saw this post in regards the sleeper cells in the U.S. There have been some comments, and even a bit of pressure to deny them and to derail/deride the idea that four battalions of such may have found their way into the U.S. I stand by the four battalions, and in fact will be most pleasantly surprised if that is all that came in from various places (including the “Orient” cough cough). That none have activated so far is miraculous IMO.

Do not forget about them, or that they may coordinate with other interesting people and groups including domestic. The ideas in Kurt Schlichter’s The Attack are not yet off the table. For all that a number of ideologies and such are on the ropes does not mean they are harmless and a lot of damage can still be done — especially if we are complacent.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

The Living Are Home

I honestly didn’t expect this absent a massive series of raids by Israel. The remaining living hostages in Gaza have been returned to Israel. All male, as outside of those already returned, Hamass raped and murdered any female hostages. Never forget Hamass started this war with an unprovoked attack aimed a maximum civilian casualties and atrocity. The recent release of orders from leadership confirms this.

Already there seem to be some games with the bodies of the dead. That would be a mistake I think, as it will trigger not only responses from Israel and the U.S., but there is reason to believe it also triggers actions by other Muslim countries involved in the process. Hamass not being a rational actor, however, does not fill me with a lot of optimism. We will see.

The hope I mentioned the other day in this post has been met, for which I do truly give thanks to God. Again, I’ve never expected to get this many of the remaining hostages out alive. For all I’ve prayed for it, I’m also too well aware of the reality that is Hamass (and Hezballess) and what around 90-95 percent of the population of Gaza support and has consistently supported since around 2005 (and the surveys started). They do not want peace, they do not want an independent state (which they effectively had), they want the eradication of Israel and all Jews. You will probably find that within that population that same 90-95 percent are good with the statement “First the Saturday people, then the Sunday.”

I must admit to two rather uncharitable and un-Christian thoughts. The first is that the peace accord seems to have a number of hidden components, which indicate that failure to abide may have catastrophic consequences and not just from Israel and the U.S. One can hope at any rate. The second is that I would find it most interesting (and amusing) if Israel had been able to plant trackers/tracers on the terrorsts being released to secure the hostages.

It would be a true pity if they were able to track them, note who they met with and where, and built up a map similar to what led to the destruction of Hezballess. Given what was done earlier with Hezballess and others (including inside Iran), if I were in Gaza I would keep those returned terrorists at arms length for that reason and because Israel has a good track record of turning people. Just a thought.

Long-term, I still think that Hamass sees this as hudna and harbors plans accordingly. Again, while I do wonder about some of the apparently hidden protocols and agreements in place, I would be amazed if Hamass (sadly the elected government of Gaza for those who still don’t realize that) didn’t see it this way. Add in that they have been instilling their desire to eliminate all Jews (not just Israel) into toddlers, it will take generations to leach that poison out of them. That said, I expect this peace to last less than a year simply because Hamass won’t give up.

I will pray for peace, and that I am wrong. I would love to be wrong. But, I just don’t see Hamass (or even Hezballess) giving up its spots anytime soon. Then again, that nasty part of me wonders if that hasn’t already been considered. That if they fail to honor the agreement, they will be eliminated fully and completely. That such might be led/started by nations other than Israel and the U.S. There are enough whiffs of unofficial and/or “unrelated” agreements here to make me suspect a bit.

Time will tell. For now, for all my money is on hudna and taqiyya, I will hope and pray for something more, something better, and something that eliminates a huge threat to Israel and the U.S. (which originates in Iran). For all that this has been crippled, or at least knocked back for a time, I would love to see the threat eliminated, for as long as it exists true and just peace is not likely.

Today, however, I celebrate the return of the living. I mourn and remember the dead. I pray for the dead, and the survivors and their families. I celebrate a day I did not truly expect to see. Tomorrow will come soon enough, and tomorrow I leave to the Lord.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, or help me with my pilgrimage next year, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Hope, Hudna, And Taqiyya

This morning, I’m splurging in letting myself feel some hope. Against all odds, it appears that Hamas (the sadly legitimate government of Gaza) may finally be releasing most of the living hostages. Probably not all, and none of the dead so far (keep in mind they kidnapped bodies for ransom and such), but a goodly number. It is a good start and a good thing. It would be nice if it were all the living and the dead, but this is a fallen world.

The upbeat part of me is looking forward to their return. The cynical part of me is waiting for Hamas to yet again yank the football away right as Charlie Brown goes to kick it. It’s been their MO all along, and the only thing that might keep them from so doing is that Trump et cie have gotten most of the Muslim nations that have been sheltering and supporting Hamas to tell them to do this or else.

Given that it would take force majeure to put Hamas to the point of agreeing to give up power, there had to be some significant “conversations” between those countries and Hamas. Hamas is determined to stay in power and to wipe out all Jews (for a start, remember the Sunday people are next), and is perfectly willing to sacrifice the entire population of Gaza for that. Even when faced with complete destruction (which is the stick to the carrot of peace), they would rather sacrifice all — which is easy when top leadership and I’m willing to bet a majority of funds are NOT in Gaza.

Which is why I hope (probably in vain) that a majority of people in the West are familiar with the terms taqiyya and hudna. In short, taqiyya can be thought of as ‘the honorable lie’ or the required lie, or the acceptable lie. It is a lie told to infidels (including people who don’t follow your brand of Islam, see Sunni vs. Shia, etc.) to placate them. To disarm them. To get them to let their guard down. To gain an advantage. It is allowed (encouraged) when Islam is at a disadvantage, so that it can lead to hudna.

Hudna is often presented to infidels as meaning “peace.” It is an offer of peace, full of taqiyya. It is not a permanent and lasting peace in the Western sense; rather, it is a temporary truce presented in grander guise to buy time. Why? To give time to build up an overwhelming advantage so that when hostilities resume the target is destroyed utterly and completely. Think of it in context of “nice doggy” while you get not just a rock, but a few truckloads of rocks delivered.

Now, do I strongly suspect that Hamas is engaging in taqiyya and hudna? You bet your bippy I do. The only thing that might truly give peace a chance is that for now at least, support for Hamas (other than Iran) has been cut off, and that everyone outside of Hamas gets that if this falls through the “stick” of utterly destroying Hamas is indeed on the table.

I’m not sure Hamas really gets that, but they would not be the first to underestimate Trump et cie. Fact is, Israel would have been more than justified in razing Gaza to the ground after Oct. 7, to the point of turning it into a sheet of glowing glass. That they did not do so is a testament to restraint and reason. They have held to an extraordinarily high standard of avoiding civilian casualties (despite the theatrical screams otherwise).

The other Muslim countries that are tied into this peace plan DO understand that both Trump and Israel are serious: if this falls through, Hamas will be completely and utterly destroyed. Not just in one spot, but everywhere. There will be no sanctuary and the useful idiots will not be able to help or save them. In such a case, the gloves will come off, and not just militarily. Hamas and those who support or protect them will not enjoy that experience.

Others get that even if Hamas doesn’t. It may be enough, but I’m willing to bet dollars to donuts that Hamas still sees this as a time of taqiyya and hudna. They are mistaken, but may they hold off on finding out how very mistaken they are until all the hostages, living and dead, are returned home.

For now, I will let a bit of hope shine through though my prayers for the hostages will continue. I will also continue to pray for peace, for a just peace would do wonders for the entire world and not just for the Middle East.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

9/11

In the past, this has been a hard day for me. I watched it unfold at work at NASA, made the calls duty required, and wondered. I knew someone who was supposed to be in the towers that day (they lived, co-worker changed out with them), and had friends in the Pentagon. Still get a smile at the NASA worker who thought President Bush had been hit in the knee by someone with a baseball bat when I called out to my boss (former SAC) that the President was NEACAPed (i.e. AF One was in the air and had assumed duty as the National Emergency Airborne Command Post). A day of horror, a day we kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, yet also a day when we still had hope.

Around the country, I was aware of specialized burn and trauma centers activating emergency plans and preparing for a flood of victims from NYC and DC. I heard that every military and civilian Nightingale (medical evac planes) went to hot pad status. And waited in vain.

No survivors came out of the wreckage. No wounded. Only the dead and later I watched as NYFD worked to find the dead even as the boots melted on their feet.

I remember them today. The living and the dead. God Bless Rick Rescorla and all those like him who went in and tried to save lives. Rick was last seen going back up a third time (I think) trying to save yet more when he had already saved hundreds. If you don’t know his song, you should. It is well worth knowing and singing unto the generations.

The memories of that day fade a bit each year, and with it the raw emotion. Today, though, I feel worse than I have in years. It’s not just the assassination yesterday (and, yes, I suspect it was done in part to tie into today) and what it means for the social compact and a representative democracy. Thing is, I just can’t shake the feeling that the people behind the Biden Regency let in such a large number of people who bear America ill-will because they were planning something much larger and worse than the first 9/11.

Such an attack could be used for either cementing power for a long, long time; or, it could be used as a Gotterdamerung if they lost. Either way would work for those pulling the strings. I very much agree with Sarah that a wounded/dying beast is far more dangerous, and woke is wounded and dying. Thing is, the win of individual liberty and the principles of the Great Experiment is not guaranteed even now. Stupidity can still set us back decades, or even centuries potentially though I prefer to think optimistically. As I’ve said before, woke is not just going to roll over and call the game.

We can survive a good bit, and push forward for further victories. Provided stupidity doesn’t get in more hits. We do not want the switch to flip, and I have to admit I never thought of Charlie as the first target. Honestly, I thought they would go at Trump (the boogie man in their fevered dreams), JD (largest real threat), or Pete (who is working hard to turn around the military) first. For that matter, I half expected a go at part of the Supreme Court, which Schumer and company have pushed hard and long.

Thing is, they couldn’t have picked a worse target (but then again, they are stupid). Charlie stood for discourse, debate, and discussion. They hated him because he was effective. In killing him, they have created a secular and religious martyr. When you cut out someone’s tongue, you do it because their words scare you and you don’t want them heard. Taking out the man who stood for discourse really was incredibly stupid as you have just confirmed his words as dangerous to you, and indicated in the strongest way that they were true and powerful. Add to it that you took out a Christian who spread the word and encouraged others to Christ, and you have created a religious martyr on top of that. Synergy is guaranteed to take that double whammy and turn it into something even more powerful.

I really do hope for the best case, and that TPUSA grows by leaps and bounds. Didn’t know him personally, but think he would be delighted if that happened. Worst case is, of course, that the thousands he reached have been shown that peaceful discourse is not going to happen, and… Not the way I hope or want things to go. The people behind this (and I don’t think it happened in isolation) truly failed to consider first or second order effects, much less third. Awakened a sleeping giant? Maybe. Shown thousands that peace is not an option, and that violence will come for them who are already shunned and marginalized by the woke? Oh yes. The only question is the response. Hence my first choice above.

More than ever, I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. And praying that sanity, and not stupidity, rules the day.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Go Read

Then think, then pray. The assassination of Charlie Kirk was not just a horror and tragedy, it was stupid. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that we needed to talk about how, despite all that has been accomplished in a short time by Trump, one or more stupid people doing stupid things (here and abroad) could have catastrophic consequences. This is one of them.

As usual, L’Ombre de l’Olivier posts a very good one. Go read his post. I’m also going to link to it on my post from yesterday. The anger that has been building in the majority of our citizens just got hit with a blast of pure oxygen. It may or may not flip the switch, and I hope it doesn’t. But it won’t take much for stupidity for it to be thrown. Seriously, pray.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.