Britain's involvement in Iraq has exacerbated the terrorist threat to the nation, according to a report written by terrorism specialists Paul Wilkinson and Frank Gregory from Chatham House There is no doubt the Iraq war has imposed particular difficulties for the UK and for the wider coalition against terrorism, by boosting al-Qaeda's propaganda, recruitment and fund-raising. The finding is embarrassing for British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Australian Prime Minister John Howard, The report finds that Britain's position as a "pillion passenger" with the US - "compelled to leave the steering to the ally in the driving seat" - has damaged its counterterrorism campaign. As America's closest ally and for its role in Afghanistan and Iraq, Britain is at particular risk from terrorism. Of course the three little plotters refute the report.

For the sake of argument, Gus, I hope not too much space is given to whacking that issue back and forth over the net. L'l Lleyton isn't interested in tennis any more, and we are sooooo looking forward to gorging out on his 'wedding'. We haven't had a well-earned break from gloom, for almost a week.

 

The effect on targets, of our piggy-backing along for the adventure in Iraq, is a red-hot concern. But the history should be informing our current and future risks. The London bombings surely engaged another gear, if only in the minds of these being groomed for more. Yesterday's news, about Bush goosing Singh with nooklah power, will stir the militant elements in Pakistan to greater efforts.

Tomorrow's development, and next week's, and so on and on, will each have the potential to re-tweak the paradigm.

We could afford to stand still and contemplate the navel, or a cumquat, if we were living on Greenland or Heard Island. But not here.

 

There's no time to entertain rigid, type-cast thinking, on any side. In fact, here and now, I issue a personal fatwa on idiots in power, who keep saying the same old thing, over and over. The same boring old faces, the same idiom, the same quirky little gestures and expressions, the same funny walks, the same old jokes. Isn't there an under-employed comedic genius with an exemplary record of trust in directorship of a public company, who can step out and lift this nation to its full potential, as global leader in worship of tits and balls?

British Intelligence Report 'Linked Terror Risk To Iraq'