Counter-terrorism Proposals Rejected by Muslim leaders; OBAMA Acts; Homework Not Done: Immigration Inquiry Into More than Fraud; More Budget Sales Outlets Needed

Counter-Terrorism Opponents, the Islamist Agenda & OBAMA ACTS

The strong opposition of Muslim leaders to the proposed additions to counter-terrorism powers (see below) confirms the seriousness of the problem. When challenged publicly, leaders will continue to assert publicly that they oppose jihadism, claim that they convey that message to their congregations, and that their religion is a peaceful one. Hence, they say, there is no need for new legislation. Meantime, of course, our intelligence agencies know that some imams continue to advocate jihadist activity and to claim that its implementation is required for true believers of Islam. It remains to be seen if such advocacy will be covered in the legislation – and whether it will pass Parliament.

This morning’s reports of expanding ISIS activity in North Iraq indicate those Christians and others who are still left there are experiencing the full expression of jihadism – convert, accept dhimmitude (in effect slavery), or have your head chopped off. It appears that many of these groups don’t fancy any of these and have fled into the mountains. Now, at long last, Obama has announced air strikes against ISIS forces (see attached) as well as supplying food and water to those in the mountains. But the announcement appears to be justified by the prevention of genocide rather than an attack on extremists per se. There still appear to be no western political or church leaders who have condemned this jihadism.

Well respected Jewish analyst, Daniel Pipes, suggests (below) that the caliphate in North Iraq won’t last because most inhabitants will reject the life style. But that could take some time and the loss of many heads. Pipes’ prediction is that “the caliphate’s barbaric zealotry will have the salutary effect of awakening many of those yet asleep to the horrors of the Islamist agenda”. But as yet there is no sign of that occurring amongst our leaders.

Selling the Need for Extended Powers

It appears that the counter-terrorism announcement was made before senior ministers (and others who might have been expected to need briefing) had done their homework on important aspects of the proposals. While I am not an advocate of the usage of inter-departmental committees, the wide implications of the proposed additional powers raises the question of whether there was sufficient usage of experts at the departmental level. One cannot help thinking that, at the least, the government needs a lesson in salesmanship on this subject – and the budget!

Immigration Policy

Reports in Fairfax press may have exaggerated the extent of migrant rackets allowing entry to unqualified immigrants by plane under Labor from 2010 to 2013. Morrison has ordered an inquiry into the reports. The importance of exercising close supervision of applicants and, to the extent possible, of preventing the admission of Muslims with potential extremist proclivities, warrants closer attention to that.

Budget Selling

Hockey’s continuing discussions with cross-bench senators do not seem to be getting anywhere. Whether it takes the form of additional spokesmen (Abbott’s parliamentary secretary, Josh Frydenberg, would help) or a public document – or both, there is a growing need for more budget sales outlets. It is passing strange that an assistant treasurer has not been appointed.