Music Break

The EU: Free Speech Comes At A Price...Literally

It is always a treat to hear the UKIP MEP leader Nigel Farage speak about the current state of European politics.  He has a way of speaking with directness that few American politicians can match.   The transformation of the formerly sovereign and independent European countries into one consolidated leviathan, is reminiscent of 19th century America.  Of course, the EU has many who subscribe to the totalitarian socialist model and would like nothing more than to silence any opposition to their vision.  Now comes an official fine from the European Parliament for Nigel Farages comments regarding the former Prime Minister of Belgium. Story here.

Weekend Warrior Break #5

Does Hollywood Ignore Islamic Terrorism?

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990's, came widespread speculation as to where/when (and in what form) the next major threat would emerge. In took nearly a decade for the United States to awaken to a gathering threat, that much of the world was already familiar...that of Islamic fundamentalism. Despite the many unequivocal declarations of jihad by Al-Qaeda, and the subsequent attacks on 9/11 , Hollywood has remained strangely disengaged.

Igor Toronyi-Lalic, has written an excellent essay on the virtual Hollywood blackout of movies featuring Islamic villains. Story here.

Caucasian Games

The newly re-elected Abkhazian president Sergey Bagapsh vowed a swift response would follow any aggression on the part of Georgia, concerning its recent secession. The small nation in the Caucasus has the backing of the Russian Federation, and currently hosts a small Russian military contingency. 

Switzerland: In Qaddafi's Crosshairs

 

It appears that Switzerland (of all places)  has managed to raise the ire of one of the Middle Easts most notorious rulers. Strange as it is to say;  given its long standing commitment to peaceful neutrality.  Nevertheless, Muammar Qaddafi of Libya has called for a "jihad against it with all means." Apparently the "infidel" state of Switzerland has angered the Libyan dictator by its recent referendum on the banning of the construction of minarets.  Story here.

Weekend Warrior Break #4