The Times of London has reported that al Qaeda leaders in Pakistan directed their minions in England to carry out low-tech abductions and beheadings; hence, following a six-month investigation, the arrest of nine alleged terrorists last week. Blog of the Week Jules Crittenden has much more. The Times is currently off-line, but, as so often happens in the British press, the Sun has an interesting human interest sideline, focusing on the Muslim soldier who was the principal target of the beheading plot.

Among the highlights: the unnamed soldier is being sent to Iraq; he agrees with British authorities that he will be safer there. And when he returns:

When the corporal returns from Iraq he could be relocated to another area of Britain and given a new identity. The source added: “There is no way he can be allowed back into his own community because it could become clear who he is and he may become a target all over again.”

That seems odd to me. What message does it send to other Muslims who contemplate serving in the British Army or on a British police force? If extremists decide they want to kill you, the best we can offer is a new identity?

Posted by John at 07:14 PM  |    |