This headline from the Daily Telegraph exemplifies a false assumption that prevails all over the West. In reality, the “Aussies” who were killed fighting for the Islamic State didn’t consider themselves “Australian” at all, in terms of their citizenship; they considered themselves to be citizens of the global umma, and of the caliphate that, as far as they were concerned, was the only earthly government to which they owed allegiance. It is assumed by those in power in Australia, Western Europe and North America that Islamic State jihadis who have not been killed can return and become, with proper care and attention, productive citizens. They don’t realize, and refuse to realize, that for that to happen would require a total change in the jihadis’ world view, which those authorities are doing absolutely nothing to try to bring about.
“Death toll of Aussies fighting with Islamic State rises to 68, juvenile terrorism charges rise,” by Daniel Meers, Daily Telegraph, October 25, 2016 (thanks to Kenneth):
MORE than 30 Australians have been killed fighting alongside Islamic State in Syria and Iraq since July last year.
Counter Terrorism Minister Michael Keenan will today tell the Lowy Institute in Sydney that 33 people have been killed in the last 15 months, taking the total number of Aussie deaths to 68.
Another 110 people are still believed to be fighting in the Middle East while an additional 45 suspected jihadists have had their passports cancelled since July last year.
The total number of Aussies killed fighting for IS now sits at 68.Chillingly, the number of juveniles facing terrorism charges has risen from zero to six over the same period.
Mr Keenan will tell the institute that Australia remains well placed to combat extremism but concedes the rapid demise of ISIL on the front line could provide more challenges.
“As ISIL suffers military defeats its modus operandi will change,’’ he will say.
“ISIL in Iraq and Syria will revert to being an underground terrorist organisation.
“It will also seek to expand its networks in Europe and elsewhere — including in our region.”
Mr Keenan said authorities have foiled 11 terrorist attacks in Australia and remained confident of foiling further attempts however the likelihood of an attack in Australia remains probable.
“ISIL wants to generate global attention, create panic and spread fear. In this information age, we are never far away from a reminder of the fact that a terrorist attack in Australia is probable,’’ the speech says….