The Blame Game
Some Muslim leaders have come under criticism for (rather stupidly) linking terrorism in Britain to Britain's foreign policy. I remember one of our most fearless broadsheet commentators making a similar argument a few years ago. Oh yes, it was Nick Cohen, of the Observer.Nick Cohen, October 2001
British involvement doesn't merely endanger the luckless citizens of Afghanistan. Like so many others, I had resolved to be coy about the consequences for "homeland security" of British subservience - no one wants to be called a coward in wartime. I changed my mind when a New York radio station phoned. "Aren't the British scared that Blair is turning them into a target for Bin Laden?" asked a concerned interviewer. Well, yes, many are, I replied, astonished that broadcasters in New York of all cities were asking questions that the BBC dodged.
and again in November 2001
America is in Tony Blair's debt. Because Bush can barely be trusted to behave when he's let out in private, Blair has turned himself from British Prime Minister to American ambassador and willingly accepted exhaustion and humiliation as he tours the world on the President's behalf. He has ordered British troops to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with the US military.
He has - and there's no point being prissy about this - pinned a large target sign on this country.
posted by Matthew @ 8/14/2006 11:14:00 AM
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