"Asians." "Men." "Men of South Asian origin." "Pakistanis." "Men." "Born in Pakistan." "Pakistani origin."
Eight paragraphs in, we learn it was a "suspected Islamist cell." Until then, one might almost have gotten the impression that Pakistan had declared war on Spain. And that is the problem with this kind of coverage, which is, of course, thoroughly ordinary. It is not because they are "men," or "Asians," or "Pakistanis" that they are waging war on Spain. So these reports are essentially misleading.
"Asians jailed over planned metro attack," from AFP, December 15 (thanks to Block Ness):
Spain's anti-terrorism court has convicted 11 men of South Asian origin, mostly Pakistanis, in connection with a plot to stage suicide attacks in the Barcelona metro last year.The men have received jail terms of between eight and 14 years, a copy of the ruling indicates.
They intended to "carry out a violent attack using explosives against the Barcelona metro, which could have caused many casualties", the court said on Monday.
"The indiscriminate aim is evidence of the terrorist nature of the attacks."
Shaib Iqbal and Qadeer Malik, both born in Pakistan, received the stiffest terms of 14 years and six months for "belonging to a terrorist group" and for "weapons possession".
Maroof Ahmed Mirza, also of Pakistani origin and who the court said was "the leader of the group", was jailed for 10-and-a-half years for "belonging to a terrorist group", while the other eight each received terms of eight-and-a-half years on the same charge.
Ten of the men were arrested in the northeastern city of Barcelona in January 2008 in raids during which police also recovered bomb-making equipment. Another was detained five months later in the Netherlands.
The charges were based on the declarations of an informant who was a member of the suspected Islamist cell and who then became a protected witness.
The court said the cell was inspired by Baitullah Mehsud, leader of a Pakistani Taliban group linked to al-Qaeda, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan....
In May 2007, Spain's high court acquitted 11 Pakistanis of planning extremist attacks in Barcelona, but convicted three of them of collaborating with terrorists and two of falsifying documents.
Asians? Attilla the Hun perhaps?
Yes, it is like this all over the media here. They Never give a specific origin of the people detained.It's like if a lion escapes form a Circus in town and starts walking around.But all they would tell you is an animal has escaped.
But the Jihad Circus is indeed in town, its lions and tigers are out in the streets,animals they are but not any kind of animal.
And also, dont expect these jihaidists to spend much time in prison.Justice in Spain under Zapatero has gone down the drain
I like the analogy, Angelo, except I'd have gone with rabid weasels.
"So these reports are essentially misleading."
Agreed, RS, and as you have frequently highlighted, a sign of deliberate ignorance or dangerous naivete from the MSM.
Can you imagine the 24/7 apesh1t ballistic investigative journalism mode the indolent MSM would shift into if these men were Catholic, quoting Bible verses and threatening 'crusade' against Muslims???
But, as it is.... nothing to see. Move along.
.
Yes, as you say, the report is essentially misleading. I've never understood why the MSM thinks it's legitimate to report the ethnic and racial and sex characteristics of someone arrested -- Pakistani, south Asian, men -- but not the religion -- Islam.
Or I should say the religion if it's Islam. If these thugs had been Scientologists or followers of some cult like Heaven's Gate, or members of some racist gang like the Aryan Nation or neo-Nazis, I'm sure that would have been noted in the lead sentence.
These Pakistanis seem to be involved almost world wide in their attempts to carryout Islamic Jihad. From India to Europe to the Americas. I guess all the aid we give Pakistan must be inspiring them to Jihad?
Pakistan a country created for the purpose of continuing the Islamic Jihad against non Muslims.
So in less than 8 years these men of Asian origin will be returned to the streets as reformed terrorists? The punishment should be execution and it should quickly follow conviction. Hell, you could get 5 years for not buying health insurance if Princess Pelosi gets her way!
There is something very strange going on in north Pakistan. Government soldiers are reported killing hundreds of Taliban but when a TV reporter and crew were there during a gun battle there was no sign of any bodies, wounded or any Taliban at all. In fact there was no return fire. Operations such as this one are being funded by Britain to fight the insurgents into Afghanistan but it would appear its another ploy to get funds out of the stupid infidel.
I'm glad they're being locked up for 8 years. I'm sure when they're out, they'll all have been transformed into Mother Teresa's.
Why do Western countries still allow Pakistanis in.Anyone
from this country travelling to the West should raise a red-
flag.Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorism.
I still have that bridge for sale.Meet me at *********11:55PM
sharp.These guys are dedicated to the jihad.