Undoubtedly Friday November 13, 2015 has become one of the darkest day in French recent history. 129 innocent people were gunned down while over 300 others were injured. The horrendous, while well coordinated attack was the work of ISIS, a group that in the name of Islam are committing some of the most barbaric crimes. There is nothing religious about this group as they kill anyone who is not with them. It should be noted that ISIS has killed more innocent Moslems than any other group. When ISIS captured a town if the population does not support them, then they will kill anyone who opposes them. The women lose all their rights and freedoms and become nothing but a chattel.
Paris is one of the most beautiful and most visited city in the world and having this kind of terrorist attacks is just beyond comprehension. Although the initial shock and reaction is one of retaliation and tough talks, but I hope that the cooler heads prevail and the French government does not engage in more military operations in the region controlled by ISIS as it would only encourage more retaliation by this fanatic and barbaric group.
The most effective method of fighting ISIS is not only by military action, but also through economic deprivation and propaganda. First all the Europeans and Persian Gulf countries should block any and all means of economic activities by the ISIS. That includes ensuring no oil is exported by ISIS and no trade of any kind to take place by ISIS. Monitor and shut down their banking activities. ISIS invaded and capture Mosul and the raided the central bank and got access to millions of dollars of Iraqi dinars which gave them economic power. Iraqi dinars should be abandoned so to make the currency worthless and as the result ISIS’ wealth less valuable and limit its ability to conduct commercial activities.
Third by conducting massive campaign against ISIS deterring and discouraging recruitment by ISIS. Many Europeans youngster have joined ISIS. Even some Americans have left the USA to join ISIS. ISIS has a very effective recruitment program. The West must do better than that and beat ISIS in their own games.
Finally more effective human intelligence so to avoid any possible attack by ISIS. Military operations have proven to be ineffective and in fact has caused ISIS to recruit more fighters as well as getting the sympathy of the populations they control. What needs to be understood, bombing the regions controlled by ISIS has resulted many killings of civilians which provide more excuses for ISIS to promote anti-western propaganda and gain the population’s sympathy and recruiting more fighters.
Fighting ISIS must take place on the ground so few innocent people die and avoid propaganda by ISIS. Air attacks may eliminate some of the ISIS members, but also kills many innocent civilians which only increase the anger of the populations against the west.
Further, the west must encourage and in fact insist that the Moslem nations to take much more active roles against ISIS. After all ISIS is giving a bad name to being Moslem and the Moslem countries should protect Islam by effective engagement in a fight against ISIS.
It is hoped that French government and the French people remain calm and continue their way of life as if there was no terrorist attacks. Changing their way of life means the ISIS has won. Further, France is known for her freedom that is enjoyed by the people and many ethnicities that live in France. Freedom of religion and speech is well protected and respected in France. The recent events may force the government to curb some of these freedoms. If that happens it would be a signal to the ISIS that they were victorious, also it would change the character of France.
Some of the interviews of the French people indicated that they would not change their way of lives in Paris as they do not want to let the ISIS to win. Viva La France.
