Robert Halfon is Conservative MP for Harlow.
Some immediate reflections:
First, America has shown yet again how important she is for freedom and civilisation. We must be thankful that the US is the world's superpower.
Second, the death of Bin Laden is as much symbolic as practical. This represents a huge defeat for extreme totalitaruian Islamism. To eliminate its Leader shows that the free world will not appease Islamists. Other mass murderers and terrorists will know that the West means business and freedom triumphs over evil.
Third, the apologists for extreme Islamism – including those who celebrated or justified 9/11, will be in a quandary: what do they do and say now? It will be interesting to see how the 'the conveyor belt' Islamist supporting organisatisions in the UK react in particular.
Fourth, Hamas has confirmed its status as a terrorist-supporting movement. It released this statement: "We regard this as a continuation of the American policy based on oppression and the shedding of Muslim and Arab blood … we condemn the assassination and the killing of an Arab holy warrior. We ask God to offer him mercy with the true believers and the martyrs." Those wanting Israel to engage with Hamas should reflect again today on the true nature of this murderous organisation.
Fifth, in this moment of weakness for the Islamists, the West needs to redouble its efforts. Bin Laden's death must not become a case of Hydra's head. There must never be a Bin Laden ll.
Finally, the Republicans in the USA need to wake up and smell the coffee. Bin Laden's demise represents a deserved boost for Obama. If candidates such as Trump et al still go on about 'birthing issues' and the like, the Republicans will be massacred at the polls. To have any chance at winning, they have to present a credible alternative to Obama's foreign policy, not all of which is as successful as the capture of Bin Laden.
Robert Halfon is Conservative MP for Harlow.
Some immediate reflections:
First, America has shown yet again how important she is for freedom and civilisation. We must be thankful that the US is the world's superpower.
Second, the death of Bin Laden is as much symbolic as practical. This represents a huge defeat for extreme totalitaruian Islamism. To eliminate its Leader shows that the free world will not appease Islamists. Other mass murderers and terrorists will know that the West means business and freedom triumphs over evil.
Third, the apologists for extreme Islamism – including those who celebrated or justified 9/11, will be in a quandary: what do they do and say now? It will be interesting to see how the 'the conveyor belt' Islamist supporting organisatisions in the UK react in particular.
Fourth, Hamas has confirmed its status as a terrorist-supporting movement. It released this statement: "We regard this as a continuation of the American policy based on oppression and the shedding of Muslim and Arab blood … we condemn the assassination and the killing of an Arab holy warrior. We ask God to offer him mercy with the true believers and the martyrs." Those wanting Israel to engage with Hamas should reflect again today on the true nature of this murderous organisation.
Fifth, in this moment of weakness for the Islamists, the West needs to redouble its efforts. Bin Laden's death must not become a case of Hydra's head. There must never be a Bin Laden ll.
Finally, the Republicans in the USA need to wake up and smell the coffee. Bin Laden's demise represents a deserved boost for Obama. If candidates such as Trump et al still go on about 'birthing issues' and the like, the Republicans will be massacred at the polls. To have any chance at winning, they have to present a credible alternative to Obama's foreign policy, not all of which is as successful as the capture of Bin Laden.