London police review move to excuse Muslim officer at Israeli embassy

To quote an old Proverb: The English guarding the Jews is like the fox guarding the chicken coup. Did those guys not expel us in the 13th century, march in support of Hitler's treatment of the Jews in the 1930's and put us in concentration camps in Cyprus in the late 40's? Did they not vote against the establishment of Israel in 1947 at the UN. Why such confidence in the British whose navy could not defend itself against an Iranian speedboat?

A "D" for sentence structure & a "Z" for spelling MASSIVE has to S's.....Go stand in the corner

..."seriously irrespective of explanations and he should be sacked and deported to Syria... Religious fanatism should not be tolerated at any cost...." Do you realize how racist your comments is? 1. He didn't refuse but "sought to be excused". 2. He didn't ask to be excused based on 'religious fanatiscm,' but the security of his family. 3. Why should he be deported to Syria, but did you mean by that, except hatred, because he is a british.

The British Legal System is being taken for a ride by these religious fanatics and should be dealt in the most stringent manner as excusing him will only lead to further challengeing of legal orders. The constable is being paid for his services and is not doing a favour. If he cannot obey the British Laws he should be deported immediately and an example set for the rest.Democracy should not be taken for a ride.

Refusing duty should be viewed seriously irrespective of explanations and he should be sacked and deported to Syria. One has to obey the laws of the land in which one is getting bread and butter. Religious fanatism should not be tolerated at any cost.

am not surprised at all: i worked as a dispather for the technical service of a very known elevators company and know the israeli embassy in brussels insists on not sending any arab or moslem technician to the building ispite of the good impressions these guys have made among other clients.can you undestand the uncofortable situation ?.

People keep posting facts about the jihadist history of Islam. Rather than be "rational", your response is "I can't see it." Here it is again, and I expect you'll ignore it again. 1) The Arab League, Iran, Hibullah and others have have declared jihad against Israel 2) A Muslim Brit police officer won't guard the Israeli embassy because either: a) He didn't like Israel defending itself from jihad b) He was afraid the jihadists would hurt his family if he defended freedom Both of those excuses have been given, but it doesn't matter which is right. Jihad is a core component of this discussion. Whether it's the officer's love of jihad, or his unwillingness to stand up to it, the story's about jihad. It is obvious to anyone who doesn't ignore reality in order to further a cause.

Thanks for your post. I agree with your comments, it is always difficult especially for a silent majority, if there are fanatics wishing to die. That’s one of the reasons why tiny Israel is united with the biggest democracy on earth, India, in her fight against brutal religious fanatics.

I?m not a Muslim neither not I support Muslims, but I can understand this cop well. What Israel is doing in the territories and with the Palestinians is a damn scandal. Supporting Israel now means, one day being accused of complicity in the crimes that Israel is committing. It?s only a question of time.

and so does every rational human being. They ignore things that are unimportant. The story could have read: **A London Police officer of *Lebanese or Arab descent* **, instead of a *Moslem Police Officer*, and the story would have been at least as true. The media prefers catch phrases. Because they know that some keywords such as *Moslem* would give the story much more impact. But for some of you, being a Moslem explains so many things. You could probably explain why a Moslem cab driver had a car accident, and find the fact that he was a Moslem to be highly relevant. I guess I am beating a dead horse..

Understandably greater that Anti Arabism should be greater than Anti Semitism. May I remind you who they were that brought on the carnage on 7 July 05 which resulted in the KILLING of more than 50 & the injuring of many 100's. When ever has a Jew attacked anyone in your country, or anywhere else for that matter? During WW2 the Jewish Brigade fought side by side with you lot in Europe & I know personally of many S.African Jews who fought in N.Africa as well. How many of your Muslim friends did so. May I remind you of the pacts signed between the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, a Muslim, & many other Arab leaders with hitler to assist the nasty nazi's who were YOUR enemy....@ least I assume you feel that way!!!! My question to you, based on the above is: "Why should there be ANY Anti Semitism @ ALL"??

Gaza was offered back to EGYPT when that PEACE treaty was signed & ALL of the West Bank was offered back to JORDAN when that PEACE treaty was signed. You see Highlander, both those territories were formaly held by Egypt & Jordan respectively but BOTH declined the offer. The reason being they didn't want your newly renamed "Palestinian" friends. They foresaw the trouble ahead. Remember too that the Jordanians expelled Arafat's merry gang of thieves & killers after September 72 "Black September". Get some knowledge before you engage in challenging the "educated people" on this site. Also try taking a bit more water with the Scotch

On question time last night it was asked by a muslim "what kind of message would it send to the muslim world, a muslim guarding the Israeli embassy" to which replied a left wing panelist "a very good one" to unanimous agreement amongst the spectrum of panelists and univeral applause from the audience. Muslims think theyre intolerance is acceptable. The british public agree. Now Jack Straw has advised muslims not to wear the veil (mask)...Lets see the tantrums begin. Hilarious to see grown men tantrum!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/10/05/wmuslims105.xml Plans for a Muslim-only hospital in Holland have sparked a heated debate over its separate all-male and all-female wings, halal food and roster of duty imams. There will be segregation between the sexes, with male patients treated by an exclusively male nursing and medical staff and similar arrangements for females.

Rose, Another prejudice person who wants dislexics hangs, as I imagine you do gays, religious minorities. Luckily in England and Scotland (well St-Andrews anyway) dislexics can make it in academia. I suppose I wouldnt hold it against you if you couldnt diaganolise a matrix and find its eigenvalue. Maybe pointing out someones spelling/grammar deficiencies makes you feel superio. Why is pointing out that muslims have colonised the middle east racist? Why is pointing out that the hanging of gays in iran is repulsive racist? Why is stating that only muslims are suicide bombing us in europe racist? I find it laughable that we in britain have to be walking on egg shells when it comes to dealing with muslim. Thankfuly the vast majority of the public agree with me and if you would have watched question time last night you will have seen this point receive unanimous support. Are you going to have one of your foaming at the mouth, violent tantrums OVER SOME WORDS!!

No & we believe you. It's probably that fool. IT always indulges in self praise for that's the only way IT get's any praise on this site @ all. T'was the same on Motley Crew....Check it out!!

If you read today's UK press you will see that his wife is Lebanese and he has family still in the Lebanon. He also feared that he would be targeted by al-Muhajiroun and al-Ghurabaa. These concerns have nothing to do with conflicting religious or political views. To go on to your other points: Yes, unfortunately there some Muslims who want to be exempt from the law of the land and live inside a bubble of Sharia law. However, not all Muslims think this way and it is wrong to portray them as doing so. There are also Muslims who refuse to let their womenfolk be treated by male physicians, just as there are Jehova's Witnesses and Christian Fundamentalists who are prepared to see their children die rather than be given a life saving blood transfusion. It is deplorable but it is what happens when religion takes precedence over humanity.

Of course, Jews haven't been sending suicide bombers into British shopping malls. That's certainly true. But then we're not accused of occupying Jewish land and helping keep large numbers of Jews in a legal limbo for many decades, where they have no real freedom.

The indigenous people living in Palestine at the end of 19th century are dead since long. You mean their children who live since 60 years outside. They do not have more rights than the 900,000 Jews who escaped Arab countries. The discussion on Jew-hater is one and the discussion on rights is another one. You did not want to answer on anti-semitism, 262! We know that you had no argument against the truth. The "indigenous" people in Palestine are the Jews if you know history. Any Arab (or Jew, or other) newcomer in Europe has the same right than indigenous people. You want special rights.

Cipora, I might well be confused. Let me take your argumentation bit by bit and tell me where I am going wrong: "This man does not have to join the police force" - agreed. "and if he does not feel that he is British he should choose a profession where his political and religious views do not come into play." - A. does not feel British therefore A. must choose a job where political and religious views do not come into play. What about B who does feel British? Do you have any reason to suppose that PC Basha does not think himself British? "Of course that would make him a second class citizen by choice..." - So, by exercising this choice A. becomes a second class citizen. "Orthodox Jews choose their professions taking into consideration what they regard as their religious duties." So, are Orthodox Jews second class citizens? (Not in my book, btw.)

Frankly I'm glad the man's request could be accepted. This whole affair is a tempest in a teapot.

The UK Guardian newspaper this morning neatly sums up what this story is all about: "The constable, whose wife is from Lebanon and has relatives there, works in the Metropolitan police diplomatic protection group. He has never been stationed at the Israeli embassy, but requested during the summer that he not be sent there because of his family background and concerns for his safety. Muslim police representatives said PC Basha was worried that he might be the focus of groups such as al-Muhajiroun and al-Ghurabaa." It's nothing more than simple concern for his family, and the police were absolutely right to honour his wishes.

He can be assigned to another embassy ,there is lot's of tragic problems around the world needs more attention & comments , Iraq where people are dying like flies due american democracy, per example ,286 posts to comment a nonsence issue the London bobby !...

Thanks for your message, Jeff. The notion that England is being taken over by muslims bent on imposing Sharia law is a nonsense, a fantasy. Last time I went to London it looked more or less as it has always looked (and now fabulously prosperous from the masive building works everywhere). You may be interested to know that I took my 9 year old son to an open day of local school the other night. We were shown around by the sweetest muslim girl - as bright as a button, pleasant, cheerful, ever helpful, well-spoken and well-educated. She's going to be a doctor. Her father is also a doctor. Her whole muslim family is a wonderful asset to Britain. Beware bogey-men, Jeff - they're used by trashy politicos peddling dodgy, dangerous, divisive agendas.

Many, many, many Moslems have made it to the shores of Great Britain. Why? Many come to flee their third world, chorder wearing flee bag countries in search of freedom. Freedom to do what? when they arrive in Britain they spit on the flag, laugh at British behaviour and generally act like a bunch of third world dits on vacation. Pack his ass back to Syria or send him that delightful little Moslem state, Pakistan. In these countries they will be free to be chaunvanistic and small minded. It is becoming obvious that far too many of these folks have no interest in assimilating into their adopted countires.

That there's more anti-arabism in Israel than anti-semitism in the UK. But then of course, arabs have been killing and declaring their intention to kill Israelis since the state was founded. They attack Israelis and Jews every place and evey chance they get. I don't recall that Jews in the UK attack the British. Is it really any suprise that after the appauling murders by arabs and muslims against Israelis that the Israelis don't want Arabs as their neighbors? Think about it. It's really not such a hard concept to grasp. You have twisted logic.

Could you kindly refresh our memories as to who and when such a 'great deal' was tabled & by whom and for what REASONS it was rejected... Please do not be be too economical with the finer details. Rather, more detail would be much more impressive and convincing.

thats because actions of Muslims worldover (yes, we all know, its NOT ALL muslims) is going towards confrontation towards everything 'else'. be it UK, France, Germany, Pope (all of west), Russia, India, Thailand, Bali. go anywhere. It has become the real threat of the present. like it or not, religious consciousness of a lot of ppl has come to the forefront like never before. Its raising concerns of 'normal' ppl and fanning the fanatic tendencies in ALL societies. Its not West vs Islam, its Rest vs Islam. and unfortunately Israel is roughly 30 yrs ahead of others in this confrontation. u cannot now not notice, that there r so many Islamic countries where non-muslims have no serious position in society, while u see Muslims demanding this n that with serious confrontation all over the world. i would repeat. its not all muslims. but then not all Germans or Japanese were backing their govts when they started it. the majority almost always is taken over by the radical, vocal minority.

Whats all the fuss about, for his own peace of mind he asked to be excused from duty outside the Israel embassy because of moral objections to Israels bombing of Lebanon. With his family connection to the area and the fear of reprisals against relatives makes it a valid request,and i'm sure when the Israeli embassy heard what happened they won't lose any sleep over it.

when u accuse Israel of anti-Arabism, do u notice the anti-non-Arabism in any of the Arab states. the fact that u cant build a church or pray to Christ in Saudi, and if u happen to land on their airports with Hindu idols, u r in for trouble? that George Bush senior had to pray on his warship when he visited Saudi, coz Saudi land cannot be allowed to pray to anyone but Allah? while no country/society is perfect, the most instituionalised bigotry happens in Arab states. sponsored and encouraged by their Govts and mosques. Its hard not to notice it anymore. Israelis will need another 100 yrs to reach that level, that is if they seriously try going on that road. Just take about any Muslim country. and when i say. any. its any.

someone help her before her 'formal education' takes over the world! her cries on the TalkBack are still heard loud and clear on the moon and Mars. ahh the liberated and the elevated liberals! they whisper such fresh, sweet thoughts!

Are u trying to say that England should kick out Muslims or just Non-white Christians, or just say it clearly bob , Kick out all NON-WHITES.are we getting close Bob? You say u want a return to WASP values then how will it be achieved ,May be we could get rid of the muslims who are brown skinned and keep the Bosnian, Albanian , white converts who resemble you more? and force them to convert at gunpoint. Then how will u deal with the Indian Sikhs and Hindus living in your country who are not muslim and not white. Then what about the Orientals and Hispanics . If we can get rid of all these groups then we can get down to the "Jewish question". If we are successful at this in Britian then we can do it elsewhere where the same momentum is building like Australia,Canada EU and USA where it will be very hard considering 33% of the people are not to your liking.I hope your not Jewish bob because it would be dissappointing how naive ur hatred of muslims has made u.

Mohamad Ali had been jailed for sometimes when he rejected of being sent to fight in Vietnam War in mid 1960s. The reason: Vietnam war was against his belief. I think it doesn't matter for Omar if British Government sent him to jail because of his moral position on War in Lebanon against Israel. BUT I REMIND YOU, IT WAS NOT HIS DECISION TO EXCHANGE POSITION AS A GUARD FOR ISRAEL EMBASSY.

Thanks British Bob, I could not have said it better myself. I am agreat admirer of the British with their years of tradition, strength and fair-play, but now I am sorry to say they are a mere shadow of their past. How did this strong, proud people become such a bunch of grovelling, left-leaning, radical-supporting apologists?

Why use my name for your nonsense?

I don`t really know what the hell have become of the British. Now we have muslim police officers setting the rules in their own country.

Would it be considered 'racial profiling' to question Muslim police about their loyalties after this example? He should be fired for not performing his job and placing his loyalties with people hostile to the laws of the UK. But if this is allowed, then the police have an obligation to thoroughly investigate Muslims before allowing them into the police force. Sorry, but he started this discussion by his actions. If he won't protect all people in UK, then he should get another job. He can't be trusted.

"The security risk of having him protect the embassy would be immense." Colin Once again you show your low opinion of Muslims. Several weeks ago you said the Iranians and Muslims should put up with dictatorships; (you said the Iranian regime was progressive). I guess you believe we don't aspire to the same things you do. We're just primitive right? Well we live in the 21st century, just like you. Now you imply that a Muslim man can't do his job professionally, because he will always be swayed by personal or emotional considerations. How demeaning and condecsending can you be.

over and over again. Your side deliberately chose war and intifada as an opposed to peace. What was their answer to ALL of the West Bank and Gaza in return for Peace? The settlements started AFTER the outright refusal by the Arabs to take all the West Bank and Gaza. Talk about ordure when you chose war then complain about its outcome.

Orthodox Jews choose their professions taking into consideration what they regard as their religious duties. The problem with this case is that the man chose his profession without asking himself whether his political or religious feelings might conflict with his duties as a professional. It is obvious that a policeman might be asked to perform duties that conflict with political or religious views. Yet a policeman has an absolute duty to perform his function to guard the society in which he lives. I am sorry to repeat what I had said before, but it is rather obvious that some Muslims think that they are entitled to special treatment in Europe. Just yesterday, a little Muslim girl died in a fire set in a case of "honor" killing. There are Muslims who believe that they have the right to impose their political and cultural norms on the West. In France, there are Muslims who in the case of a medical emerency refuse to let their female relatives to be treated by a male physician.

Is a Talmudic reference law in Judaism?

Must be true and must be serious victimisation.. Hopefully the mentality is not exported to the West.

with family in syria and lebanon outside the israeli embassy. i'm not sure that makes sense. you never know when the jihad yen might strike. however the arrogance to britain of so many responders to this article, knowing israel regularly remove those whose close families have been subject to terrorism from service in the territories (in case they do a jihad), is breathtaking. talk about double standards next.

Just read your rant and couldn't help thinking that if you're representative of the state of British academia at present, our students are in far deeper sh*t than I previously believed. Your sloppy grammar and non-existent punctuation are almost as depressing as your sweeping generalisations and casual racism - you're not Martin Amis (who recently stated that "people of Middle Eastern and Pakistani appearance" in the UK should be forcibly strip-searched, stopped from travelling and otherwise have their rights curtailed, with deportation "further down the road" in a Times interview)by any chance, are you?

I am a fan of democracy,but not so much that because of the vote that it can vote itself into a Totalitarian state. With saying that democracy is a great system,if as every other system is,its imperfect. In this democratic system,religion is a choice (or not)and those that believe in the elitism and racism that is rife in religious fundamentalism cannot have it both ways. Democracy is there for people to discuss and debate issues without a gun put to their head. This democratic system with the built in idea of self defence (even if it sometimes uses undemocratic means) has been the best system of all. But people,Jew or Muslim or anyone else cannot have it both ways.It is not there as a stepping stone to some great divine plan that works for just one group alone.

Justice is supposed to be blind and the police are part of our system of justice.

The truth of the matter is that Europe is now under occupation. They have given up their history, identity, and beliefs. Not too hard for most of them as they previously underwent periods of occupation by foreign powers after the war. But dear Britain has been completely conned out of its heritage of democracy and independence by the new left who opened the door to unlimited immigration. The poor old English are being squeezed out of all the top Jobs and are now left doing the menial work. any form of complaint against this new status quo is regarded as racism. Academic boycotts against Israel, top politicians such as Margaret Becket calling for Israel arms embargos,. Throughout all levels of British society it is now the done thing to ingratiate oneself with the occupier. Indeed it has turned into a competition to see who can grovel the best. Don?t get me wrong I am in favour of a Britain where all people are equal but not a Britain which has lost its identity.

The comparison is entirely unacceptable. While israelis has to cope dayly with arab terror and arab hatred toward jews in general, english people do not suffer, and are in no way threatened by jewish people. What about english people disposition to live next to arabs? The mere comparison shows his bias. jewish bias.

"London's police, facing an uproar over a report that a Muslim officer had been excused from guarding the Israeli embassy..." The fact is that Islam has everything to do with this story and the "intimidation" of the current established societies of Europe from Sweden to Britain and the rest of Europe. It is just another small sad episode in the decline of western civilization.

Richard, drop the rubbish gibbirish right now! I have had enough of your twisted logic in this talkback, you have no clue what goes on outside your israeliJewocracy BUBBLE, not the occupied territories, not even the arabs in Haifa, so why do you think we want to here your lies and speculation about what is going on in the U.K?

nechama!! from where did you get this information about kuran... and who said that islam regards all non muslims infidel??? how cheap u talk about things that shows ur ignorance in it.. sorry but it shows ur hatred and u might regard muslims as infidels..

Hi Johnathan, You still are still tying this event to the "Fundamentalist course of Islam". Other events might have been more suitable for your argument, but frankly I still can't see the Islamic issue in this event.(talckback 247) True, Muslims should rally against fundamentalist Islam, and Westerners should also make more effort in distinguishing terrorism from Islam. More of my arguments in comments 237 and 247

Once again you have completely ignored the existence, let alone the rights, of the indigenous people of Palestine. And don't give me all that ordure about your real estate God and how the Jews have been there for 3,000 years. What about the people who were living there when the Zionists began to migrate into the area with the aim of making it their Jewish state?

is still heard loud and clear in Lebanon - the cries of the most recent dead caused by IDF, have joined the chorus of the innocent victims of previous Israeli ethnic cleansing, death raids. It wouldn't be too hard to imagine the angst of a person with family ties in Lebanon - if they were employed to guard the representatives of a Nation responsible for the heinous, disproportionate 'FORCE" inflicted on Lebanon. The request by the British, Muslim police officer to be transferred to other duties, may have nothing to do with religion. However, since my learning of the Talmud and the reference it makes the AKUM........who knows?

Sharon came to speak in Chicago, Muslim cops were interviewed, including Palestinian Arabs. They said they'd do their job in exactly the same, professional manner they would for any other VIP. So why do the Brits make an exception for one of their own? Same reason their country is so messed up. Complete lack of testosterone.

The policeman requested, he did not refuse. His request was considered to be motivated by mitigating circumstances and granted. The pros and cons of the argument are interesting to consider because they bring up the vexed question of divided loyalties. Jews are very familiar with this dilemma as are all minority populations all over the world. Not discussing it will not make it go away.

Sorry, put your name in the wrong place.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ". . . You declare, my friend, that you do not hate the Jews, you are merely 'anti-Zionist.' And I say, let the truth ring forth from the high mountain tops, let it echo through the valleys of God's green earth: When people criticize Zionism, they mean Jews--this is God's own truth. "Antisemitism, the hatred of the Jewish people, has been and remains a blot on the soul of mankind. In this we are in full agreement. So know also this: anti-Zionist is inherently antisemitic, and ever will be so. "Why is this? You know that Zionism is nothing less than the dream and ideal of the Jewish people returning to live in their own land. The Jewish people, the Scriptures tell us, once enjoyed a flourishing Commonwealth in the Holy Land. From this they were expelled by the Roman tyrant, the same Romans who cruelly murdered Our Lord. Driven from their homeland, their nation in ashes, forced to wander the globe, the Jewish people time and again suffered the lash of whichever tyrant happened to rule over them. "The Negro people, my friend, know what it is to suffer the torment of tyranny under rulers not of our choosing. Our brothers in Africa have begged, pleaded, requested--DEMANDED the recognition and realization of our inborn right to live in peace under our own sovereignty in our own country. "How easy it should be, for anyone who holds dear this inalienable right of all mankind, to understand and support the right of the Jewish People to live in their ancient Land of Israel. All men of good will exult in the fulfilment of God's promise, that his People should return in joy to rebuild their plundered land. This is Zionism, nothing more, nothing less.

In English, if a Jew wishes to point out that a person hates Jews, why not say just that instead of using the coy workaround, open to many interpretations, invented by a racist? The term anti-Semitism was coined in the 19th century by Wilhelm Marr, a German who hated Jews but found the German term for Jew-hatred - Judenhass - a little distasteful. Read about him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Marr As Safwat pointed out, the Semitic family is a large and varied one. We are but a very small part of it.

Don't be ridiculous. Nobody is denying that Arabs as well as Jews and others are Semites (which by the way does not refer to race at all but to the fact that they are speakers of Semitic languages(def: a member of a group of Semitic-speaking peoples of the Middle East and northern Africa) However, any English dictionary will tell you that an antisemite is someone who practices antisemitism (def:Anti-Semitism, or antisemitism, is hostility towards or prejudice against Jews on an individual or institutional level). All this semantic nitpicking is a bit tedious. Perhaps you are simply ignorant and not willing to learn something on your own.

"Of course, he would not want to endanger his family because others might see him as a protector of Israel." The very fact that he feels he has to fear for his or his family's life becasue he is performing his duty and doing his job (a public service in a democratic country) says it all, doesn't it?

Thanks for your reply, I think that the situation of this police man concerns among others a real big problem, namely the suspicion of double loyalty. This is something that Jews living in the Diaspora will understand quite well. I don’t think it is a question about anti-Islam but rather against the fundamentalist course of Islam. And it would be good if more Muslims would speak out and rally against this danger. Could you agree with that? Since 9/11 it is difficult to say that these questions are “blown out of proportion”.

Your comments on the (non)effect of the boycotts on SA is what I've been saying all along - but those patting themselves on the back or using this premise about its "success" to promote various boycotts against Israel just ddon't want to hear this.

Thanks for your answer. I know very well the problems and the weaknesses of the Western societies. A few days ago it was an old Mozart opera whose performance was cancelled, another day it was Salman Rushdie and so on. But we cannot speak simply about the “Islamic threat” because Islam has many facets. The real question seems to be, if the moderates can stop or at least restrain the fundamentalists. Again tiny Israel is at the forefront of this conflict, as you can see in Gaza.

Well I'm sorry you had such a rough time Nik, but extremist groups like Combat 18 are very small in number, and I think you'll find other small racist groups like the BNP are now more keen on attacking Moslems than Jews. And as I say, racial prejudice is hardly confined to the UK. Haaretz covered a survey which said that something like 60 per cent of Israeli Jews would prefer not to live next door to an Arab. I hope you'd agree that if you asked the same question in Britain about living next door to Jews, the number saying they didn't want to live next door to Jews would be much smaller than 60%.

I am not quite understanding your post. Do you mean that you have every right to criticize Israeli's but... they do not have the right to give their opinion? I am at work, so I cannot access my notes.... Think that I found the article in Palestinian watch. They can easily be researched on the internet. Last fall a Palestinian Iman spoke about about Eurabia. He declared that France and Britian were becoming Islamic countries, according to plan, but were not yet aware, but they will enjoy living under Sharia law.

And it is just now when he realized wearing a beard can be dangerous. What a coincidence! If wearing a beard prevents him from doing his job, the solution is easy: leave this job or shave your beard.

The Guard did not say that it was against his religious beliefs to guard the Israeli Embassy. It's highly possible that the guy is not religious at all. It's also quite possible that you know more about Islam then he does. It's quite possible that the guy does not pray nor fast. Maybe he enjoys drinking and dancing, even during Ramadan. It is possible that he felt awckward being posted on the Israeli Embassy, because his "Former or second" country is engaged in a bloody war with Israel. I am not sure why his religion has been so much highlighted, as opposed to his ethnic origins. This guy could have very well been a christian or a druze. Maybe he is. So I don't see the event's connection with your "Caliphate stretching from Spain to Iran".

Good riddence to the moslem police officer who asked to be moved from the israeli embassy, as an israeli brit i feel more comfortable that he is not standing with a sub machine gun outside the israeli embassy and is now gone guarding a mosque where they preach hatred to the west read jews ie finsbury park.

The Muslim officer has been honest but he must still be fired because he will never do his job correctly: defend citizens whatever their color, race, belief. Further he is isserving the Arab community because he discriminates Jews and may be others with whom he does not agree and this image is negative. As a police officer he must do his duties however difficult this may be to him. A point on definition: critics against israel or other governments are ok but to deny the rights of the Jews to a state in Israel is anti-semitic. This right has been recognized by the world, even by Arabs. Refusing the legitimacy of Israel but not of Jordan, Sudan, Germany or others is obviously anti-semitic.

...I know lots of Jews that don`t support the polices of Isreal. On the contrary, they are afraid that irresponsibe actions of Isreal might be causing damage to the moral image of the Jewish faith... So I also heard of many, mainly in CA and NY. But if you ever followed my posts, you would have realized it has nothing to do with being born a Jew, and does not make them any less susceptible to the common template obsession. PS There is no country called Isreal. You must be checking the map without Israel on it.

The officer objects to the actions of ISRAEL, not Jews. He does not mention Jews once, so why do you assume he is anti-semitic? The examples you offered are examples of ethnicity, not nationality. A better example would be "What if you did not want to guard the Egyptian embassy during the 73 war?"

The US will know what to do with them. Anyway, they don?t try to impose their customs to the US people nor blow trains. The US is going to build that fence in the border with Mexico. Like any other country, US has the right to allow in the people it wants.

Education, etc. doesn?t matter indeed. The French government has spent zillions in trying to integrate them but they don?t want to. Parents don?t care about their children? s education either. The core of the matter is that they are living in France but want to live as if they did in an Islamic country. Given these circumstances, how can they improve their social level? On the other hand, you have well-off people who commit attacks. And not only do they want to integrate but want to impose other their beliefs and way of life. A French Philosophy teacher is under threat because he wrote an article about terrorism. You say it is only 0,001% who actually get involved in terrorism. Maybe this can give comfort to van Gogh?s relatives or to the relatives of the victims in London.:( Besides, what would you think they would do if they reached a certain number? We have the examples of Lebanon and, more recently Sudan and Nigeria. I believe Muslims shouldn?t come and live with non-Muslims. They should stay there and we can stay here. What I wonder is why they come. If they need to move in order to make a living, why don?t they go to Saudi Arabia or Iran?

...What I want to know is why this incidence didn`t just happen within the wals of the police station or the office of his superiors and why it had to be a news issue in the first place... Thanks for making such great point also. Clearly indicates `nothing behind` other than poor officer`s `offended high moral feelings`, isn`t it?

In answer to your question, no, the Israel did not object to muslims in the UN force. What they did express concern over was the presence of HOSTILE MUSLIM FORCES. Surely your english is good enough to grasp that distinction.

Howdy Jonathan; I used to live in London (Hempstead) during 1964-1965 and I never once saw a British Constable armed with a sidearm much less a assault rifle like the above photograph displays. That sort of thing is just not done in the U.K. What happened during the past 40 years? I can remember being politely asked by a Police Leiutenant to move our "public demonstration" (which consisted of five students from the American School in London in front of the Hilton Hotel during the election returns from the U.S. Presidential election of 1964) a few blocks north because it is illegal to hold a demonstration within a mile of Parliament ever since Guy Faulks trashed the place. Well naturally, we complied and went to a "Whimpy" restaurant instead. The U.K. (like most of Europe) is being taken over by Muslims who do not honor the laws and customs of the countries in which they reside, but instead wish to impose Sharia law instead. This is a major problem for Europe in the near future

"Just because some bigots use Israel to smear Jews generally does not validate blurring the distinction between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism." Words out of context are very powerful things. In making the terms interchangeable you blur the distinction. When the Jews are named as responsible for attacks in Lebanon or Palestine, and not Israel, then Jews, in general, worldwide, will be viewed as responsible, thus, dislike of Israel becomes dislike of Jews. "And you must admit that the refusal to distinguish between Israel and Jews generally is used by some to defend Israeli policies." Is it generally done or done by some? (You wrote that and yet you question my logic?) I personally have never heard it, so probably it is not general. If it is done by some then please provide examples because I can't see how this tactic can work as a defence for Israeli policy. The distinction you choose to place is a worthy one, I applaud the sentiment of fairmindedness behind it.

will see,,, but first, let's us try and solve the issue at hand between Israel and the Palestinians.......and leave Europe to its own politicians to figure that out don't you think?

This is soooooooo funny, you not only want to deprive Palestinians of their own land but also deprive them of their heritage and denying them their race,,,,,,, WOW,, BRAVO well dvora, the Jewish People happened to exist in Europe at the time of the pogroms,,,,,, but you can't deny history........ not most Arabs but ALL Arabs are Semite, whether you like it or not.

... appear, for some, to be very symbolic and revealing, in the context of the growing controversy over Islam. For those who are "anti-islam"( or let's say those who have reservations about Islam), this little event perfectlt highlights the arguments that Moslems cannot adapt to Western rules, that they want special treatment, and that they can be a danger to western societies (+ many other arguments posted on this page). For the others, it's another story blown out of proportion, deceptively "edited" and used by some, to back up the arguments above. This is a very hot topic. And though the incident is somewhat marginal, it brings us back to a very fundamental debate.

No I'm not Jewish, but I've always had Jewish mates (secular ones mainly admittedly). "An astute businessman can still be refered to as being like a Shylock, this is acceptable. No one so much as raises an eyebrow at this kind of talk" I've very rarely heard anybody use terms like that. The few times I have, they have been used by the sort of idiot who refers to Chinese as Chinkies and Pakistanis as Pakis. It happens, but it's not mainstream and certainly not instutionalised. As to criticism of Israel, that's a whole different ballgame. People do criticise Israel, but not in my experience in an anti-semitic context. They're just sick of seeing chaos and killing in the Middle East on their television and wish it would all end. British people tend, in my experience, to blame Arabs, just as much as Israelis and I think you'll find the polls confirm that.

Hi Joe, Well thanks for making your anti Brit feelings clear for all to see. What years did you have the "misfortune" to be there? Sawubona mntanami.

1. Is it the fact that he *dared* ask to be assigned to another posting, while making it clear that he would stick to the rules and stay anyhow if his request was rejected? 2. Is it about the London Police System which accepts to look into such requests in general. 3. Or do you have a problem with the Police officials who accepted the guard's request? 4. Or is it about the very reasons behind his request, which his superiors have found to be legitimate?(They vary slightly from one newspaper to another..) Can those complaining be a little more precise? I should add, to be fair: 5) other

Don't come back, stay in Africa your independent aparhite country, there is no joking around in UK.

...is that? Just because some bigots use Israel to smear Jews generally does not validate blurring the distinction between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. And you must admit that the refusal to distinguish between Israel and Jews generally is used by some to defend Israeli policies. I would go one step further - that we make a distinction not only between Jews and Israelis, but between the Israeli people and the ruling regime. The latter is where I try to direct my own criticism.

I take every bet Mike, that even when the conflict between brothers, the Palestinian Arabs and Jews is settled, Europe will never live a normal life again. And do you know why? Because the Fundamentalists are throwing their people back to the Middle Ages and they feel more and more humiliated because they see, that the rift between them and the Western societies is widening daily. What I don’t know is, if Europe has surrendered already. I do see a lot of Chamberlains walking around, but I don’t see a single CHURCHILL. And this is very frightening indeed.

I rarely(probably never)agree with Clickpool but the Muslim policeman had very real reason to fear for his family and has since expressed a willingness to be assigned to the Israeli Embassy.

from uneducated little kids to be included on this site yet cuts valid comments which might just be construed as pro Zionist & NOT Anti Semitic.

Yes, I missed that.Of course, he would not want to endanger his family because others might see him as a protector of Israel.

Hi David, Re Japanese Americans: eventually yes - 1200 of them but we are getting off the point as interesting as it is. The analogy is not mine, it is Cipora's and I was questioning her logic - I cannot see it. You and I are in agreement there. Where you and I diverge is in his motivations. My point of view is that we do not know the full story (but it is slowly emerging and family concerns seem to be part of the story) whilst you think it is down to him believing in Jihad.

could you not possibly for ONCE in your miserable life tell the truth. That is to say "tell it like it is" of praat jy altyd kak? The cop is NOT Lebanese, the article states quite clearly that his wife is Lebanese & his father is SYRIAN. He was employed in the Diplomatic Protection Group. ISRAELI Diplomatic Staff, Visitors, which could also include Citizens of Nederland & or other countries, & Buildings is contrary to your twisted hateful belief also entitled to this Protection. Your Cop whome you defend so vehemently is in dereliction of Duty. Gaan naai jou hand poephol!

Reprisals by whom? I guess you would blame Israel.

So what has happened to me personally? At 12 I was beaten up by about 4 15-16 year olds skinheads and ended up in hospital. I attended a school with an anti-semitic head of sixth form, endured comments regarding myself, Shylock etc. for two years during English classes. My neighbour pulled a gun on me when I complained after he put a poster on my front door referring to living in a ghetto. (To be fair he did get arrested.) My sister, who attended a Jewish school, used to wait at the school bus stop getting verbal and occasional physical abuse from school kids walking by because they knew the uniform. Her school bus used to regularly get eggs and stones thrown at it. She left the country at 18 as soon as she could get out. I stuck around a few years longer and continued to face, and to fight, BNP and Combat 18 skinheads in the local pubs regularly. Eventually you do get sick of it though. So tell me, do you really think it doesn't exist?

If the Police Service wish to have the confidence and trust of the community as a whole it must demonstrate that no one officer is bigger or better than the MPO. Either those in the Police Service carry out the duties as required, or they find a job that is not so high profile.

I don't know that you are or are not Jewish, however, I am guessing that you are not if you have never been aware of anti-semitism in London, and in Britain as a whole. At one of the top unis in the UK I heard, regularly, someone who wouldn't buy his round/lend a mate a fiver etc. referred to as a Jew, or being Jewy. This is acceptable. All over the UK the jokes about big noses and so on are still told, and this is acceptable. An astute businessman can still be refered to as being like a Shylock, this is acceptable. No one so much as raises an eyebrow at this kind of talk. Criticism of Israel is spoken of in terms of Jews v. Palestinians, not just Israel v. Palestine and the point is, that when the terms Israeli and Jew become interchangeable then anti-Zionism and anti-semitism become interchangeable too.

Jerry I was in the uk UNFORTUNATELY for a few years & yes there were Black Cops outside in the Square FYI eyeonpal, & BTW I would keep both eyes on them, they cannot be trusted, the boycot against S.Africa failed hopelessly. In fact it was you outsiders who suffered more for you never had the opportunity to play cricket against top class players like the Pollock Bros & as I recall it was Basil D'oliviera a coloured player who suffered MOST from your mixing of sport & politics. The change came about from within, a referendum was held & that brought about the BIG change & the release of Nelson Mandela & others. You boycott campaigners Know the truth yet still carry on patting yourselves on the back & claiming credit. BullShit. Moenie Kak Praat Nie!

Interesting link to a BBC website article which discusses the issue: Can the police ever say 'not for me'? By Tom Geoghegan BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5409638.stm

Your first sentence could have come straight out of the Protocols or from Mein Kampf. Considering the regular focus on Israel in the General Assembly, the Human Rights Commission and the rest of the UN, while ignoring Sudan, Congo, Kenya, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and all the other spots where much greater violence and discrimination occurs gives blunt lie to your anti-semitic claims.

Can't agree with you more. Look @ Moss Side Manchester, I used to live in Prestwich, well live is not quite the right word, EXIST is more to the point. And the funniest is that these Poephols have no sense of humour & "don't unnerstan NUFFINK"

First, quickly, Jerry, Japanese Americans did fight for the US, even though their families were shamefully put in camps. One of their units (US units were still segregated) was the most decorated US unit in the war. Meanwhile, you're both way off base with the analogy, its false. You're comparing WWII and people who were directly involved in a war. Here, it's a British policeman whose job it is to guard people. If one story's true, he let anti-semitism outweigh his duty and asked to be let off. If the other story's true, he was scared his co-religionists would hurt his family if he did his job. Either way it's about Muslims letting their core belief in jihad affect a job where religion shouldn't intrude. That has nothing to do with WWII and everything to do with 1400 years of a violent religion trying to conquer and control all others. Whether he did wrong or was worried about other Muslims doing wrong, it's religion and not anything related to WWII.

It's not a question of being loved. Others have pointed out that you don't get to pick and choose whom you serve. In Jerusalem, there are hospitals that serve Jew and Muslim, Israeli and Palestinian. There are public articles about a children's cancer ward, where the parents sit next to each other as Jewish and Muslim doctors treat their children without any rancor. Hell, there are even Israeli hospitals which have treated suicide bombers that survived their bomb blasts. If a man who swore an oath to serve and protect the public cannot do his job because of ethnic considerations he should look for another line of work.

"the officer was willing to accept the posting, but feared reprisals against relatives in Lebanon if he was spotted guarding the embassy." Interviews with the police, shown in this evening's British news reports, reveal that THIS and no other reason was behind his reluctance to accept this posting. He was afraid for his family back in Lebanon. That's it.

This article is neither about Israel nor the policeman. It is about what everyone has been witnessing... the gradual decay of the western world as they know it. The subtle Islamic threat of yesterday to established western societies is becoming the visible threat of today. British polls and concerns show it just as they do in France and other European countries. The discomfort factor for most is that they are being forced to confront a reality which only the Jews of Israel have had to confront for the last 60 years...a hostile Islamic mentality waiting and working to control a caliphate stretching from Spain to Iran. The culprit is the same only the victims will be different.

I know lots of Jews that don't support the polices of Isreal. On the contrary, they are afraid that irresponsibe actions of Isreal might be causing damage to the moral image of the Jewish faith.

Have you done a google search on "John O' Connor" and "Flying Squad"? The guy is a walking soundbite about everything and anything. Given that he is an EX copper I wonder where he is getting his information from and why.

Hi Cipora, Let me get your logic right: Americans of German descent fought against Nazism, PC Basha asks to be relieved of a duty to guard the Israeli Embassy, therefore his motivations must be religious. Sorry but I am missing a couple of links there in your argumentation, could you fill them in for me? Cipora, that must be one of the best examples of projection ever. You want it to be about religion. You question his Britishness and say that he should choose a profession where his religious and political views do not come into play. You go on to say that that of course would make him a second class citizen. Tell me, as a Jew, if an Orthodox Jew chooses a profession that does not require him to work on Shabbat, does that make him a second class citizen? Or is that a judgement that applies to Goyim only? Incidentally, there were a number of American citizens of Japanese descent who wanted to fight on the side of the USA in WWII. And a sorry story that is as well

Why? Probably because someone in the police station decided to make a few pounds by selling the story to the Sun, which is a sensationalist Murdoch tabloid.

...Is he ever asked to guard the US or the Australian, etc...embassies? After all, there is a war in Iraq and in Afghanistan... Hello Cipora, Thanks for making such good observation. Also very useful for something I did not do, spelling out my post title: Same moral grounds as of Iranian wrestler.

"the British news agency, quoted unidentified police sources as saying the officer was willing to accept the posting, but feared reprisals against relatives in Lebanon if he was spotted guarding the embassy" -Whatever his personal feelings about the fighting in ME, he asked to be assigned elsewhere because he feared for his family members in Lebanon. He was afraid of having his face seen on a TV program that showed increased security at Israel's embassies during the war with Hezb'ullah. He was afraid that angry and savage people would murder his relatives because he wanted to do his duty as a UK cop. It's a tough call and I understand why he did it. I hope he doesn't set a precedent thought and the police should make sure this is a temporary measure only done during an extremely heightened and sensitive time. Predictably, some of you posters only glimpsed through the article and sought to potray the incident in the way you would like it to be in reality.

Clickfool, some days ago I read about your mouth disease. Now I wonder, if that has developed into a full-fledged foot-and-mouth disease, because you didn’t answer the question about your posting 107 in UNIFIL-Talkback yesterday, the Zionist empire and the Jews controlling the UN and so on. I wouldn’t like to be provocative, but the supreme leader is still very furious about you and now he is threatening to use his first nuke against Sussex! What can I tell him to calm things down?

Did you even read the article? This officer is not making a political statement or acting on emotions. He is acting to protect his relatives in Lebannon from reprisals. If the risk to his family is real, what is wrong with requesting reassignment? Isn't he doing the Israeli ambassador a favor? Could he really perform his best while fearing for his family's safety? And what in the hell connects this officer to suicide bombings? Do you hold every Muslim responsible for the actions of every other? How is his Muslim background even relevant? Wouldn't a Lebanese Meronite Christian face the same threat of reprisals?

Could anyone please explain, why this subject attracts so many writers (me included)?

I think they should its time the US take action and send Latin Americans back home. Most of them illegal and terorrist drug dealers. Its time the US must build a huge metal fence between Cali and Mexico.

A I mentioned in a previos post, a cop asking to be reassigned for persoanl reasons (investigation of relatives/neighbors/friends etc) is acceptable and probably happens on occasion. The same with surgeons. What I want to know is why this incidence didn't just happen within the wals of the police station or the office of his superiors and why it had to be a news issue in the first place.

During WWII, Americans of German descent, and there were many of them, did not refuse to serve in the army, even though they knew that they would be fighting Germans. So it is obvious that this is all about religion, and the Muslim belief that they are entitled to special treatment. This man did not have to join the police force, and if he does not feel that he is British, he should choose a profession where his political and religous beliefs do not come into play. Of course, that would make him a second class citizen, by choice, but that would be his problem.

This isn't a question of morality, this is a public servant and his job is to serve everybody. If he isn't able to put his politics aside he has no business being a police officer. Are we to assume that if he sees an Israeli getting mugged by a muslim wearing a cedar of lebanon patch on his back that he won't intervene on "moral grounds"? The public shouldn't need to worry about whether the police, firemen, hospital workers etc carry out their duties or not based on personal political beliefs. Can you imagine the outcry if he was denied the post for the very same reason he gives, because of a complaint from the embassy?

Perhaps the Israeli ambassador had a bad experience with a Moslem like being involved as a victim in a suicide bombing and learned to ignore it because he is doing a job and not indulging his own feelings, no matter how sensitive.

Firstly no one is bizerking , just making the point. (I would have been had something happened to the embassy on his watch and he was found to be somehow involved). Secondly, the point here is he is a public servant/figure. The idea of him freely requesting something like this, and as freely accommodated, while many nod and applaud, what is so bizarre here. But like I have stated, not surprising at all given the location. Your example is also very confusing. If I drew the comparison, I would say Israeli officer refusing to guard Syrian embassy in London, and the thunderous `wing flopping` from the Muslim communities and your ilk heard round the world.

Jonathan,,,, the jews may not be ruling directly the U.N. but they are behind many crucial decisions taken, with sure Israel's best ally "USA". It is absolutely rediculous to happen to know that one cannot express oneself when it comes to one's own thoughts or obligations hasn't he discussed his opinion with his department,, it's really appaling... the man was honest and i don't see any reason why do we make an issue out of it... afterall, he didn't commit any attrocity, like some contries do???!!!! I have every right to object Israel's actions but that doesn't mean i hate jews or i am an antisemite,, to be honest i kindda sick to hear that all the time whenever Israel is on the news... wake up!!! Palestinians have the right to live in dignity like most of us here do.and we all know that the Israeli attack on Lebanon was blown out of proportion, stop justifying that..This is a message to all: unless the Palestinian Israeli conflict is resolved, Israelis will never lead a normal life

That was really amusing considering the name you have given yourself. Why not just call yourself 'honest anti-Israeli' or some such thing?

Any cop Moselem, Christian liberal Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Shinto or whatever will be repelled to guard the embassy of the Zionist entity which kills and maims children and civilians, sits on land which it has no right to be on, was formed thru terror, whose founding fathers were also the founding fathers of terrorism. All above notwithstanding a cop is duty bound to do his duty and guard the Zionist entiy's embassy if assigned to do so just as he would guard the murderers cut-throats, abducters and kdnappers arsonists in jail if assigned to do so. The cops will wonder why are they assigned to guard the embassy of a terroriststate from terrorists.

...shown in so many of these posts. Is it so hard to accept that this officer, through his family ties, is personally affected by the bombardment of Lebannon? This has nothing to do with religion, and everything to do with war. He has shown great professionalism by identifying to his commanders personal issues which compromise his policing effectiveness. He did not seek publicity. From what I can tell, this uproar has mostly to do with rising anti-Muslim sentiment in Britain.

There's no chance of an Islamic Britain, because Moslems are small in number and small in political influence over here, and because people are already being whipped up over here into Islamphobia. The Sun, the paper responsible for this story is well known for all sorts of Xenophobia (it particularly dislikes the French, and German and etc.) and, of course, it's owned by Murdoch, like Fox News, so it's hardly objective. A Sharia Britain is extremely unlikely, but anti-islamic progroms are quite possible. The extreme right BNP which used to be anti-semitic now conecntrates on being anti-Islamic, because it's realised it's much easier to get people to hate Moslems today than Jews.

This was not just any policeman, but a Diplomatic Protection Officer. When he joined this prestigious corps, did he think that Israel really does not exist and therefore he would never be asked to guard the Israeli Embassy? Is he ever asked to guard the US or the Australian, etc...embassies? After all, there is a war in Iraq and in Afghanistan also, and many more Muslims have died there than in Lebanon. Europe is sliding into chaos. Europe better do something before it is too late. Muslims better wake up also, before it is too late.

Tareq,you obviously lose the essence of what I am saying,locking into a short phrase. People cannot have it both ways.They cannot savour the wonderful benefits of democracy while holding on to their individual biases. Police in London cannot be racist,peacekeepers in Lebanon cannot show bias or Cyprus cannot show bias and the Muslim policeman mustnt show bias.This is the point that you sadly miss,or choose to miss.

A man asks to be reassigned because he finds his present assignment personally distasteful. His employers are able to grant his request and do so. A continent away, dozens of people go berzerk. Why? Because Israel has to be uncritically loved. ANY suggestion that there is anything wrong with her behavior, that anyone might find it objectionable, that her victims have any humanity at all, is totally inadmissable. After all, picture the uproar in England if an Israeli asked to be reassigned from guarding the British embassy in the wake of whatever. Just picture it.

Most of Europe has a deep vein of anti-semitism, and, i think, understandably given the history of any of the European countries (not just world war II what side you were on) when it rears its head in any context we ought to take it seriously. Unlike the London or French Bashing that goes on, Jews are such a small percentage of the world population, that when anti-semitism spirals out of control there is an existential danger--and of course then there is, historically, some segment of the Jewish population that is said to be responsible for causing the anit-semitism. Polish, Ashkenazy Jews (primitive, religiously supersitious) were seen as a reason other Jews weren't given rights as european countries became 'enlightened,' the capitalists and communists were really what people hated--it wasn't anti-semitism til hitler made it that, and now its Israel--or as has been said a number of times on this talkbalk - the Zionist lobby, polity etc--not the Jews.- but ...

Commissioner Blair last week backed a proposal calling for consultation with a panel of Muslim leaders before mounting counter-terrorist operations. The Muslim leaders, who must undergo security checks, will advise the police on the potential political consequences of terrorist interdiction raids upon London's Muslim immigrant communities. Are there still any doubts about where this is all going?

The officer should be sacked post-haste. Garbage like this wasn't put up with over the Koom Valley Memorial Riots. Bigots like that do not deserve to be on the force.

The officer should be sacked post-haste. Garbage like this wasn't put up with over the Koom Valley Memorial Riots. Bigots like that do not deserve to be on the force.

I would have loved to hear the `defenders of oppression` voices, beginning with Amira, had I been a firefighter or a doctor for example, and refused to provide my services to Muslims based on the moral grounds. But this act coming from Europe, especially places like London or Paris are very old news. Granted, the Muslim officer, at the gates of Israeli embassy, in London these days. I am not going to lie, I probably would have been looking for ways to excuse him myself.

His talents would best be served fighting in Iraq. That way, he would have a substitute for his national service. It is probably better that he didnt serve, as he would aid terrorists in attacking the embassy

I get tired of this semantic argument. Technically the term semite applies to both Jews and some Arabs. But technically the term Oriental was applied to both Jews and Asians and certainly since Said's Orientalism, even though he acknowledges the common history, it definitely no longer refers to Jews. So since European anti-semitism has focused so horrifically on Jews stop pretending to share it

Thats the way I think of them

If Israel's actions are abhorrent to him, how doe he feel about Arab slaughter of non-Arab Moslems?

The article says he objected to Israel. W/O any source, Javed in Oh Calcutta!, claims something completely different. Of course, he has to mention, not link sources. For instance, at Bloomberg, it says the same as in haaretz: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aOvp8_fVVFsA it quotes the Sun article, where it originated. Meanwhile, the Times article, says it all, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2390082.html. The latest excuse is that he was "concerned about the safety of his family in the region if he was spotted guarding the embassy." In other words, if Muslims saw him on the job, he was worried Muslims would hurt his family. Nothing's mentioned about a beard. So, Javed, is it anti-Islamic to point out that a Muslim fears Muslims will kill his family if he guards the Israeli embassy? Nope. It seems like you have the shortcut keys for Islamic ignorance.

...I guess you are not a cop. But if you were and you refused to serve your country and the strong arm of the law by refusing to guard a muslim countries embassy (or for that matter go between a muslim inhabitant and a blade), then yes - you should be fired immediately. If you are a cop your duty is to protect and serve, If you are a doctor it is to safe lifes and heal, if you are a teacher to tech to those who will create a better tomorrow. Some professions are not jobs, they are callings. That simple. Chag sameach, Jack

An event like this is, for some, is an opportunity to "throw stones" at the "other". Getting the real facts might might make the guard look less "immoral" and the event less dramatic. This could spoil the party.

He is paid by and serves the British government and people, not the Lebanese expatriate or Arab or Muslim population of the UK. Unlike Lebanon. There is NO State within a State in the UK. No, one rule for Muslims and another rule for others. As with army personnel, they don't get to chose which wars suit their complexion.

I believe his nationality is British or else he probably wouldn't be on the police force.

He doesn?t mind serving in front of embassies or terrorist arab coutries though....this guy is clearly impartial and fair alright. He should be fired. A cop who cannot do his job is nothing more than an ex-cop.

i suggest Australian look at his own country before he advises others. Bullets have again been fired at a mosque

How can they swear to "protect and serve" only the ones they want to?? This is the most shocking action I have ever seen in the British Police. The influx of foriegners to the UK is deviding and spliting the whole country. Migrants or so called "British Citizens" should be made to put the UK first, and these stupid racial biases should be banned, and heavily punished - by striping of their citizenship.

Maybe the people marching back in 2003 were from all walks of life as you put it,but they were colored in only 2 colors:green(Moslems)and red(all the others).

Ever hear about lying on the application to become a US citizen?????, maybe the Nazi should have been truthful and admitted to being a guard, there would have been a review, and if found not to have done anything wrong, the person would have been a citizen and not have that citizenship stripped and deported from the US because of the initial lie.

When will people learn that the term 'anti-semitic' refers specifically to anti-Judaism, and nothing else. Yes, we know Arabs are semite. Thank you for reminding us. Just accept that in the English language the term has one meaning and one meaning only and stop posting these attempts at semantic argument, they have no credibility and only serve to undermine any sensible argument that may be hidden within. I know that English is not the first language of many ofthe posters and respect your eloquence when speaking outside of your mother tongue, but please believe me, as a native English speaker, that in this case the term does not mean exactly what the words appear to say.

It's just another excuse. He's hired to do a job. If he can't fullfill his obligations in full, he should start looking for new employment.

"The French intifada"??? Please, that is too much. Riots and uproar, okay. Here education and social level and frustration about it does matter I think. And France can be rather racist. And all the other examples you give are true, but as I wrote, there are jihadi's, and the 0,001% who actually get involved means a few hundreds of them at least. Theo van Gogh was murdered by a jihadi born and raised in Holland, yes. He does not represent Muslims living in Holland. Do you think Europeans should declare Muslims 'unrein' and deport them with our history? What else can you mean with the 'risk is to high'? They are here where I live, I think the experiment in Europe is more important then the experiment in Iraq for the world and we could use some support. And the 30% opinion poll disaster is the battle ahead.

Brits can hold either anti or pro American positions. That is not the issue. Having those among you who are openly hostile to the Western way of life is. Anjem Choudary who lives in London, said those who insulted Islam would be "subject to capital punishment". Choudary is a 39-year-old lawyer who organised demonstrations against the publication of cartoons of Mohammed in February in Denmark. Protesters carried placards declaring "Behead Those Who Insult Islam". Yesterday he said: "The Muslims take their religion very seriously and non-Muslims must appreciate that and that must also understand that there may be serious consequences if you insult Islam and the prophet. Choudary: "Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subject to capital punishment." Choudary is the tip of the iceburg.

If you check in the Koran, if I'm not mistaken, a Muslim is not allowed to testify against or arrest a fellow Muslim in a non-Muslim country. If that is true, how can you have Muslim police in a western country and expect them to do their jobs if the victim is non-muslim and the suspect is Muslim. According to the Koran, thou shalt not kill only pertains unless the target is an infidel - any non-Muslim. We in the west need to do a better job learning about Muslim teaching and beliefs before we entrust them with our security as police.

A rule of thumb from Jewish history..."they" always start with the Jews and end up with "everyone else."

Deputy Comissioner Paul Stephenson - "It was as a result of this risk assessment - and not because of the officer's personal views whatever they might have been - that the decision was taken temporarily not to deploy him to the embassy. The public would expect us to conduct such a risk assessment and review the suitability of any firearms officer undertaking such duties." Get facts right before throwing him to the lions

Muslim Bashers , who will pounce on any half-baked rumour or one-sided story just to get your 2 cents in. He objected because he feared he would be singled out by demonstrators because he was muslim "looking" and his personal and family security was at stake.He felt a white cop would not draw so much hatred and stares from demonstrators during leb war. It was a safety issue otherwise London police would fire him on the stop for disobeying.Check other sources like Bloomberg ansd London times before unleashing your vile anti-islamic comments at a momonts notice.Curious,by now do you all have short cut keys for these anti-islamic comments on your keyboards?

Israel was, Israel is and Israel will always be! Get over it!

You think Britain should wake up and scour the country for 'openly blunt Jihadists' whatever those are. We think you in America should wake up, chuck out Bush and his useless crew and try a foreign policy that doesn't include invading countries unnecessarily and encouraging others to do do. Who's right? Only time will tell. How exciting.

Who needs racist cops anyway? He should be fired. No cops can possiby be allowed to engage in racism of any kind (even disquised as anti-zionism..the biggest garbage excuse ever). Racist cops in any country would be fired immediately. If he cant handle it, he shouldn?t be such a racist fool to begin with. Maybe he can get a job patrolling a muslims-only mall or something.

an interesting situation indeed; the duties of the Police are to uphold the law; the placement of civilian leadership over the military is likewise intended to make the diplomatic or political objectives take priority over the often short sighted military objectives of a situation. What are the consequences of a police officer refusing his duty to protect the diplomatic interests of the host nation? Very troubling. The police officer should be fired for insubordination. Unlike Danite who I find erudite and considered, I think that if someone chooses a career in policing, that they are bound to the duties, including protecting the diplomatic integrity of ANY nations diplomatic corps. It's part of the nationstate game Danite, no?

I have no interest whatsoever in trying to integrate them because I owe them nothing. If anyone moves to a place it is him who has to make an effort to adapt himself to the new place. Besides well educated people who were studying in Europe and have lived in the US committed the 11/9 attacks. It was the son of Pakistanis, a well-off boy, who had been born in Britain and had attended the best schools who beheaded Daniel Pearl. It is not a matter of education or social level but a different matter. The French intifada was also carried out by young Muslims who had been born and lived in France. Some of the Muslims involved in terrorism had been living in France, Spain, Germany, etc. Maybe some Muslims can learn and adapt themselves to democracies but the risk is too high. According to experts, over 30% Muslims, also those living in Europe, openly declare they are for jihad and believe that Muslim terrorism are right. The policeman the article deals with is not ready to adapt himself to his duties in Britain, even though he doesn?t seem to be discriminated against. As I said above, it is not us who should adapt to them but they should adapt to our customs. If they don?t like these customs nor want to respect them, they shouldn?t come here. Van Gogh was from a democratic country, where his ancestors had been working for him to live better and be freer. Should van Gogh have renounced it? As he didn?t, he was murdered by a Muslim because it was his duty as a Muslim.

Of course, we all know that the press in general is, yes, a business. And a business targets what is valuable. News is money too. And targeting the hundreds of millions of arab and muslim readers is infinitely more lucrative than targeting the twelve million Jewish readers. I suggest you read the following article about how news is made: http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=22055_LGF_Exclusive-_How_Much_Does_It_Cost_to_Buy_Global_TV_News&only. I would say the Guardian and BBC are just passive accomplices, but the BBC has an Agenda that is clear, to support the reactionary left against anything "american" or "colonial". Never hear your enemies enemies are your friends? That's the academic british left and fanatic Islam. The british left hates Israel, and has in turn begun to accept that the murder of innocent civilians is acceptable in the "struggle for liberation." Even on their own soil.

... If his superiors refuse that request and order him to guard the embassy and he found it impossible to do so for what ever reason, then he should resign. Jerry

Basha is just one of a multitude of people who object to Israel. He represents the rule rather than the exception. No Israeli should object since this type of behavior - exclusionary and discriminatory - is de rigour for them. It is their very breath of life, so why should anyone raise an eyebrow when the shoe is on the other foot? Is this not what Israelis crave - isolation from the rest of social humanity?

Hi Nick, What I am saying is that there are inconsistencies and gaps in the story as reported. Furthermore, the Sun is not best known for the accuracy of its reporting and often indulges in xenephobic rabble rousing. What is directed against adherents of Islam today can be directed against adherents tomorrow. Until the full story comes to light we do not have sufficient information to condemn PC Basha out of hand. The UK Guardian posted an Johnathon Freedland after the news article broke (and after my original post) in which some other angles are raised. http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/jonathan_freedland/2006/10/post_484.html Lets get the facts before we vilify someone. Incidentally, there is a policy (now to be reviewed) whereby members of the Police can be asked to be excused a duty. To submit a request within the framework of that policy to be relieved of a duty is not insubordination, neither is it dereliction of duty. Cont...

The battle for the hearts and minds of the (young) Muslims in Europe is on. One side civilization and society, other side jihadi recruters (in the suburbs), radical (on-line) hate-imams, Queda agents, etc. I have good hope, a lot of things are moving now in society after years of looking away from the problem. People should not use the words "Eurabia" and "Londonistan" so cynically. Espescially I have faith in the capability of young good educated Muslims to go forward in society and in their life and to enjoy western cultural freedoms in personal live as I see around me. A very very few become jihadi's (0,001%?), we fight them but not Bush style. But we must put a stop to immigration of non educated rural simple people (sorry folks) and make a true immigration policy like in the US, where you must have a proven asset or talent or craft the nation needs to come in. Cheers.

And in light of Israel's murderous campaign of terrorism and collective punishment against Lebabese civilians I think he is perfectly correct in thinking that he should not be required to protect the embassy of the terrorist state of Israel.

Like I would be willing to put my self at risk guarding the Syrian or iranian embassy? No way! I understand the cop and its better for the Israeli embassy too.

If this policeman cannot make his job, it should be fired. British should STOP to justify hate by Muslims in their own country. My illusions of integration with them are vanishing each day more.

I'm happy you're happy where you are, but I can't accept that the UK is 'institutionally anti-semtitic'. Where's the evidence for that? Ken's not racist, he's against what he sees as imperialism/occupation which was why he was friendly with Sinn Fein and against the war in Iraq. He's pro-liberation, not anti-semite. "anti-semitism is once more an acceptable subject of after dinner conversation" Not at any dinner I've ever been to, or heard of, and I would be disgusted if it was. I'm sorry if you or you sister have suffered from anit-semitism. What happened?

Go home to where sir? Do you care to expand?

Completely agree with you. He also has the right to ask (don't ask don't get). It is the people who agreed to it who should be at blame. Anway seems like it is sorted out now.

I think you are the one who needs an alarm clock actually, if you go back 2003 there were more than 1 million people marched against the war in iraq. Not all of these were muslims. They were from all walks of life, faiths, background, race. According to you they all shouldn't be living here.

John O'Connor, a former Metropolitan Police flying squad commander, told the Sun: 'This is the beginning of the end for British policing.' Why do you think London is now called 'Londonistan'? Is Mr. O'Connor aware that the London Police force agreed to an absurd PC deal to consult a Muslim organization about raids on suspected terrorists before they are made? London's maoyr 'Red' Ken Livingston is very friendly with terrorist apologists. Parliament has members of both Tory and Labor speaking on behalf of terrorists. There are openly blunt jihadists living freely in England. This Muslim policeman was honest. The next one will accept the post, say nothing and one day 'do his Muslim duty' and shoot to death any number of Consulate people. Unless Britian wakes up in the next few years which doesn't look promising, the worst is yet to come.

The man esked to be transferred to a different duty and his request was granted. He did not refuse to obey any orders, or break any oath.

just saying period to something does not necessarily negate the ground realities. For them Islam comes first and then Britain. you want to hide ur head in sand, go ahead. Riots and killings on cartoons, Operas in Germany getting cancelled, Pope being hassled and issued death-threats, Muslim soldiers refusing to salute the Czech flag, Muslims refusing to sing the national song in India and demanding another separate state, Muslims demanding a separate state in Buddhist Thailand, Islamic court in Indonesia ordering death sentence to Christians on flimsy grounds, and all the random threats to airlines and the other numerous threats that might have been thwarted. well to counter that war on terror is being waged in Iraq when Osama sits in Pakistan. so I guess both sides r doing a good job. But bottomline: there r many types of British children.

"Australian PM gave a good example. He told that those who don`t want to observe Laws of the Country should leave the Country. Saluti. Vittorio" So did Blair. Let's see if this cheet has as much balls at home on this case as he asks from his soldiers in Iraq. But I doubt it.

"because he morally objected to Israel's war with Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon." - Haaretz This is no moral reason but a political reason. Everybody commits some moral misdeeds. Does this mean that such a person should not enjoy the protection of the Law? And how long should such a state of moral uncleanliness last, until the person is in Purgatory? The cop simply does not want to guard Israel because he objects to its action politically. He would have been on a more solid ground if he could find a religious reason for this. If he wants to say that his Imam told him Israelis acting wrongly and therefore an outlaw and cannot enjoy protection, this would be harder to decide. Religious law can cause difficulties with many groups. But political objections are easy to dismiss as an appropriate reason. Either guard the embassy or look for another job.

My point is that Moslems are just like every one else and should do what they are paid to do or take another job. It is exactly your point. The Israeli embassy surely did not think he was a potential terrorist just because he was a Moslem. They did not object to him.

If he isn?t prepared to do his duty, he should change job. As for hostile actions, he ignores that it was Lebanon who attacked Israel. He can have the opinion he wants but his duty is to protect the Israeli embassy. Imagine that policeman got ill and a doctor decided that it was against his conscience to treat him because he is for Hizbollah, a terrorist organization.

Why all this dumb rhetoric.When you join the police you pledge to follow their rules, not your own.

I just checked out a British site talkback page. The responses were overwelmingly against the officer and his superiors for having excused him. And the talkbakers actually alluded to the article and kept to the subject most of the time. Ha'aretz is such a free-for-all.

From a British perspective (i.e. actually living here) it's hard to explain to people in far-off countries quite how absurd the idea is that the UK is about to become dominated by Arabs or Moslems. Moslems are such a small percentage of the population with so little political influence, and the vast majority of the population, myself included, would be up in arms, probably literally, before accepting Sharia. The whole idea is so ludicrous and improbable, and it worries me deeply that sane, intelligent people actually believe this stuff. It makes me wonder what other ludicrous notions they have. Get a grip guys. This story is about one police officer who may or may not have stepped out of line. When the Police make praying to Mecca five times a day compulsory for all members, then you have my full permission to be worried!

What is depressing about this is the way it is being reported in the UK media. They are talking about his "moral stance against Israel's bombing of Lebanon". No attempt to balance such reporting by reminding people who started the war and which side was deliberately targetting civilians throughout. It is already the case that most people in the UK are completely unaware that Israel was attacked and that the physical and economic damage was enormous. It is just more of the gradual de-legitimisation of Israel. Especially concerning were the comments of "the UK's top talkshow host" Nick Ferari, who completely disagreed with the decision to allow the policeman to be excused, but used the bizarre and offense analogy of how it would have been just as wrong for a policeman to refuse to guard the German embassy after the second world war. Note the subtle nazification of Israel in the analogy. Anyway I've written more on this at www.edgar1981.blogspot.com/

It is the Muslims who should adapt to the British and European customs, not the Europeans to adapt themselves to the Muslim customs. Otherwise, in a short time, we will have the sharia law, with execution of apostates, stoning of women and homosexuals, etc. Muslims should not come to Europe, whose customs offend them. They could move to Saudi Arabia, Iran and similar countries. If they don?t freely do it, Europe shouldn?t allow them in.

Then he shouldnt be a policeman. When he joined the police, he know he would have to follow orders from his superior. What if a pacifist joins the police and he says he cannot persecute or shot at the criminals because this is against his conscience?

Are you trying to say the Israeli embassy in Britain is an embassy in a Muslim country or the police in Britain consist only from Muslims? Why the Egyptian and Jordanian policemen can serve their duties without being ashamed or dishonored or threaten by other Muslims while providing security to the Israeli embassies?

Nothing new and nothing surprising. Will it be 10 or 20 years before Britain is an islamic country? Anyone taking bets?

You know that saying about people 'always fight the last war'. Most of the pro-Israeli lot I see on here seem, perhaps understandably, to be re-fighting the second world war (the Moslems are the Nazis and any attempt to compromise with them or understand them is weak and stupid appeasment). If I'm re-fighting a war, it's Bosnia, where I was an aid worker. Unlike WWII, with all evil one one side and all good on the other, Bosnia was (like 99% of wars in history) more like different shades of grey. I see the West's current confrontation with Islam much more like that. As well as pointing out to the Moslems where they're getting it wrong, we need to be more ready to acknowledge where we're getting it wrong, if we want to bolster moderate Moslems rather than marginalise them. It's the moral thing to do, and, as so often, the moral thing is also the smart thing.

"...I do get very weary of all this Londonistan nonsense..." - Michael As a Londoner, born and bred, I disagree with you, at least in part. I faced anti-semitism regularly, my sister (on her trips to the UK from here) is too afraid to admit to being Israeli or Jewish due to her past experiences. Britain is institutionally anti-semitic, and anti-semitism is once more an acceptable subject of after dinner conversation. On the subject of Londonistan, no, London is not becoming the next Saudi, however, can you deny that 'Red' Ken Livingstone is a raging anti-semite, publicising his views in order to win the Muslim vote? Or that political correctnes is spiralling out of control in its bid to ensure no one can posibly perceive an insult from anything, and that this rapid rise in (over-)sensitivity is fuelled by the Mulism response to any perceived (imagined) slight? It was certainly a factor in my decision to make aliyah.

To compare a police officer refusing an "assignment" on so-called moral grounds, to a sovereign nation taking issue with other sovereign nations that have no diplomatic relations patrolling its borders is simply ridiculous. Why is it that critics of Israel have to spin every issue to the point that rest of us get vertigo? The police assignment was handed down by his superiors and he refused. The UN force was a call for volunteers and Israel took issue. How is that even in the same ballpark, let alone the same sport?

Coming soon to your neghborhood! Although I appreciate your well thought remarks, I must say that after reading Londonistan, Britain is in need of a serious rethinking on what kind of identity they wish to project for their children's future. From the banning on little piggy to the building of the largest mosque in the Europe, England is indeed being forcibly dismantled from the inside. Sharia law is already practiced within Britain. This type of (the moslem cop) behaviour would have never been tolarated twenty years ago. Just wait until your soldiers refuse to shoot terrorists in Afganistan due to "Moral" considerations. What a joke Britain has become.

Watch, there will be some statements made against this farce, then it will soon be forgotten and swept under the rug. Shameful reverse-racism. I think this is only the beginning, sad to say.

Have you ever read Comment is free in the Guardian? You would gather from that that the whole of the British Isles as one man is about to launch thunder and brimstone on Israel. There are attitudes.

Divided loyalty??? HA!!! The ones who suffer from this disease are Zionists like Melanie Philips and Julie Burchill. Even the Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sachs. They've all previously stated that if there was a war between the UK and Israel (however inconceivable), they'd be on the first plane to Tel Aviv to support the Israeli war effort. My wife is Jewish, as are my 2 sons, and she and I are both part of the Stop the War Coalition - a "crime" for which we have been pilloried and condemned by many of her fellow Jews who put the interests of Israel over those of Britian. Zionists in the UK are loyal only to Israel. It's time that patriotic British Jews expose these hypocrites and reclaim their honorable community from the bigots, extremists, and traitors in their midst.Britain is for everyone. And if Burchill et al don't like it, then maybe they should get on that plane a little sooner!!!

The Israeli embassy obviously is preemptively going to attack you for your logic. I am forwarding them your email. Say 'dash' to the ambassador

Plenty of Israelis demand investigations of the Arab deaths. Citizens, police and soldiers are in jail not only for killing, but for just planning on killing Arabs. You'd know both if you'd read past headlines and hate. Meanwhile, I've never seen you complain about the 58 year war against Israel's existence, never about the PLO, PA, Fatah and Hamas constitutions and covenants calling for our destruction. I've never heard you complain about the EU burying an anti-semitism report because it clearly says the hate comes, not from the rihgt, but from the Left and Muslims. You didn't decry a recent poll showing Brit Muslims were the most anti-semitic in Europe. Rather, you support a policeman ignoring the rule of law because his ignorant hatred matches yours -- it's against Jews. You keep proving Israel's point.

Richard, as an American living in London I have to say that I have two colleagues here at work who wear kippa's everyday (one of them sits next to a Muslim colleague!), Your assertion that 'Britain' is a anti-semitic, etc is not only a gross simplification, it is simply wrong. Whilst you might not agree with the Guardian and BBC, they are world renown and recognised for their excellent service. Your own racism is unfortunately clear to see (ie the assertion that a minority that makes up 3% of the population rules it). What you seem to represent is a (white/judeo-christian?) supremicism that cloaks itself in age old guise 'western values.' Which would explain why you, as with the west as whole (as you rightly observe), couldn't give a damn about Dafur.

If all muslims are thinking like the cop in question then all muslim cops with the same behaviour must be fired from british police. There is no other way.

Most of us don't believe that "all moslems, deep inside, sympathise with terrorists." As we regularly point out, polls show that "most" sympathize out the outside, not deeply. However, let me give you an example. In the early 1990's, I did clinic defense at Planned Parenthood against the anti-choice violent folks. Police were always there. I was talking to one who was very much anti-choice. One of my co-defenders asked how he could really defend us if he disagreed with us. Simply put, he said he was pro-law and, as a policeman was honor bound to protect our legal rights. It seems that Muslim police officers don't believe in that same freedom.

Nicole in Tel Aviv/London - have you not been reading the story??? This police officer is of Syrian origin and married to a Lebanese woman. That makes him racially Semitic, and shows he obviously has no problems with Semites from other lands. Please explain to us how a Semite can be anti-Semitic. There are millions more Syrian and Lebanese members of the Semitic racial family than Jews. Indeed, all the Arabs are Semitic. Plus the 70 million Ethiopians. Plus the millions more Somalis and Eritreans. All Semites. Yes a Syrian can be anti-Zionist, or even anti-Jewish (for which he should be condemned), but it's impossible for him to be anti-Semitic.

Whenever you claim the fantasy that sorting out the running sores" will end jihad. Simply put, they are running sores because they are jihad. Surrender does stop, but just speeds up jihad. Considering that a significant percentage of British Muslims demand Sharia law, support violence, and demand dhimmitude from non-Muslims, it is a concern. Considering that the main Muslim organizations only recently started a luck warm set of statements against violence, its a concern. Ken Livingston, British teachers' unions and plenty of other non-Muslim statements show the growing dhimmitude and support the political label of Londistan. The idea that you ignore the Muslims bombing and killing, and denigrate any violent defense to that war, is the most troublesome of all.

Staffing the Police is a very serious matter. Those who admit violation of Laws and Rules, - should leave the service. Australian PM gave a good example. He told that those who don't want to observe Laws of the Country should leave the Country. Saluti. Vittorio.

And for all the Europeans who skew, misrepresent or deny any of Israel's legitimate security concerns or simply enjoy Israel bashing...enjoy your up and coming "moslem" culture, including the prayer rugs and burkas. What a pity that western civilization is falling apart in Europe!

Richard a minority of Brits are still tribal.Soccer is a fine example but it is a very very small minority that actually engages in such acts. A woman wearing a Burka will fall to abuse occasionally as will a Jewish person with a Kippa no doubt,but I agree with Michael its relatively rare. Of course when there is a group of youths around they sometimes taunt etc but if you are from even another part of London and walk in the wrong pub somewhere else,sometimes theres issues. But its not anti semitism.Its lout culture.

Some years ago when Palestinian renegades attcked an Israeli school bus, a deplorable and condemnable thing to do, they were not brought to justice and punished under law. They were ordered to be clubbed to death on the spot by the highest Israeli authorities.The arresting Israeli policemen did exactly that. What the Israeli policemen did was a million times more horrendous than Basha's objection to guard the embassy of a country such as Israel which bombs women and children, kills people randomly, destroys homes, bulldozes to death a western foreign girl who sought to object to Israel's behaviour Basha's objection is wholly understandable even if his ojection to do his duty is questionable. What if Basha is asked to guard murderers, arsonists,terrorists,rapists in jail in future would he object just because he doesn't approve of thir actions? So with guarding the Israeli embassy, however repulsive the assignment was Basha had to do his duty.

I agree about trying to "sort out the running sores" as you so graphically put it instead before any other measures are taken. However, I feel that the West, especially England and Europe are not taking a firm enough stand to protect their western, democratic values. This is what scares me.

The french have a similar problem as you. They have pretty much the same situation as you do in london, only the French never let the muslims integrate into society, as opposed to the british, which did do quite a bit more to integrate them. Today a muslim cop doesn't want to protect the Israeli embassy because of political reasons, tommorow a Muslim medic will refuse to treat your wife because she is not dressed modestly. Where do you draw the line? Perhaps you better not eat pork in your favorite restaurant or drink alcohol for it might make your fellow patrons uncomfortable? Just hope it doesn't make them violent. So when people speak about Eurabia or Londistan, this is what they mean, the slow, perceptible loss of their freedoms in a democratic society. Much like the cancelling of the Opera in berlin due to it containing a "likeness" of the head of Muhammed.

for any duty for any person(s), Jewish / Israeli or not. I still think England has not lost it's mind totally.

The base hypocrisy of the Zionist lobby never ceases to amaze me. They were enraged at the possibility of troops from Muslim states which do not have formal relations with the Zionist Entity (such as the moderate Muslim democracies of Malaysia and Indonesia) from being stationed IN Lebanon (NOT in the Zionist Entity) following the recent war, but now have the nerve to condemn a Syrian-British policeman for not wanting to be assigned to protect the embassy of the very government that until a few weeks ago was bombing his family members. Amazing!!!

I'm not talking about what anybody's status is. I'm saying that living as a practicing jew in London is a scary undertaking. And if you really wanted to prove me wrong, trying walking around the streets of central london and riding the tube when you're wearing a skull cap. Perhaps the Muslims don't have total strength politically, but they instil fear in many on the streets, particularly people that are outwardly jewish or Israeli.

Sorry barbados, I'm not the one that categorized them, they did that all by themselves. If you would be so kind to remember, they made "martyr" films pointing that the reason they were doing this was to protest muslim oppression world wide, that the Koran was their guide, that Allah was their god, and Muhammed was gods messenger.

NS from Long Island typed "This so called British copper must be brought up on charges and if found guilty dismissed from the Metropolitan PD." Brought up on charges for what??? Found guilty of what??? The man made a request, not a demand, that his employers use the discretion available to them to reassign him for the duration of the war because of his legitimate and completely understandable safety concerns. As a Muslim Syrian-Briton, with a Lebanese wife, he was naturally concerned that his family members in Syria or Lebanon might be put in danger during the war due to his job. It was perfectly reasonable and noble for him to make such a request. Moreover, he said that once the war was over, he would be happy to return to guarding the Israeli embassy. As such, WHAT POSSIBLE CHARGES can this man be brought up on, and what crime has he committed of which to be found GUILTY??? NS and other like him/her should be less blatant in their ridiculous condemnations.

TO BARRY IN TOKYO NO SIX, YOU ARE ABSOLUTLY RIGHT, CAN YOU IMAGINE SAY IN LONDON THEIR IS AN ATTACK ON A BUS AND A MOSLEM IS THREATENING TO KILL SOME PEOPLE ON THE BUS,SO WHAT DOES THE CRAZY POLICMAN DO, SORRY HE CAN GO ON KILLING THE PEOPLE, IM NOT SHOOTING HIM HE IS A MOSLEM, AND HE CAN CARRY ON KILLING THEM, WHAT A FARCE.

Perhaps Brit-bashing wasn't the right phrase, but I do get very weary of all this Londonistan nonsense e.g. "Britain is sliding down the slippery slope to heavens knows where! Ten years from now, sharia law will apply side by side with British law in certain areas." And, of course, Richard... I get extremely tired of the view from certain parts of America and Israel, that Britain is about to disappear under an Islamic horde. Tired, and worried, because the sub-text is always that we need to bomb and kill people NOW, rather than trying anthing more intelligent, like sorting out the running sores (Palestine, Kashmir, Chechnya, Iraq, Afghanistan) that feed Jidahist fervour.

The officer's wife in question is of Lebanese descent. He asked his supervisors to be excused from gaurding the Israeli Embassy because he felt divided loyalties. He has since guarded the Israeli embassy since hostilities ceased. Personally, I beleive he acted with great moral integrity in explaining his problems with his superiors. Surely a better solution than a sudden rush ofblood to the head whilst carrying a firearm?

I assure you that they do not. But that is their sworn duty. If you are not capable of it then leave the job. If you refuse to do it then you should be fired. This is not religious, political, or anything else. It is, put plainly, dereliction of duty and insubordination. The police as an entity and as a concept is bigger than one man and his personal beliefs. He deservces to be disciplined and if he does not agree to follow orders then sacked.

"I think you`re a bit confused. It was british children, of muslim roots that plotted and murdered innocent people of all faiths in London." So now, there are different categories of British children ??? They were British, period. Don't try to justify the injustifiable.

Basha should not have objected to doing his duty however distasteful. That guarding a Zionist entity's outpost in London would be morally distasteful duty for justice minded individuals is understood in which case they should resign. Policemen if they remain on the force cannot object to doing what is assigned to them, and doing it to the best of their ability.

"If he went to his superiors and said that due to the Israeli bombing of Lebanon, he had split loyalties that could get in the way of his guarding the Israeli Embassy properly, then that is something that, for operational and personal reasons, needs a sympathetic hearing." - Jerry You are 100% and in every way completely wrong. If he is saying, for any reason, that he does not feel that he wishes to enforce law and order and protect property and person in any given circumstance then he is not fulfilling his duty as a policeman and should be sacked. End of story. Do you think the police enjoy protecting people calling for death to Blair (their employer and the head of their state) in Parliament Square? Do they enjoy policing the May Day riots, protecting 'anarchists' calling for the dissolution of the government they are sworn to protect? Do they enjoy guarding accused and convicted paedophiles from mobs who would injure them, and getting injured instead while doing this?

Richard, you obviously have no idea about Britain. "a defact islam nation that day by day is mobilizing against Israel" "a seething cesspool of bigots and hate mongers". Hard to know where to start with such a pile of rubbish. OK, briefly - Moslems are a small percentage of the UK community (far smaller than Israel for instance) and have almost no political influence. Moslems couldn't stop the UK invading Iraq and they couldn't get Tony Blair to call for an immediate ceasefiire during the recent Lebanon war. Jews, by contrast, are a valued part of British society represented at all levels and in all occupations. There are some incidents of anti-semitism, but they are mostly relatively minor (graffiti and name-calling), though, obviously they are still unpleasant and not excusable. Most such incidents relate to the Moslem community, which has issues with the Jewish comunity and its close support of Israel. Have a nice day Brit-bashing.

So if a Jew has an accident in London, a muslim ambulance nurse will not treat him? is this what is in store for Jews in the future? Fire this police man, he has no right to wear the uniform. He made an oath when he was appointed, now he breaks that oath, so fire him !

The point is that although he has every right to his opinions, he has no right to pick and choose his duties as a member of the police force, where he is committed to protect all citizens equally. If he wants to protest he is free to do this in his own free time. That is how democracy works.

to Brad no 1 well what a farce so if their any Catholics guarding the Irish embassy, or protestants, then what are they going to do then. THE HOME OFFICE SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN, AND THIS POLICEMAN SHOULD BE THROWN OUT OF THE.

Walking around central london with a kippa (skull cap)? Or Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam or any other large city with a significant muslim population?

This is particularly ironic as another talkbacck discusses Israelis shooting Arab members of the public, and no one seems to object much to Israeli police shooting unarmed Arabs. Now, Muslim police making requests in the UK, that's big news.

Your post is rather virulent and I think you went a bit overboard here. I actually haven't seen any Brit bashing posts here and this was not the issue. Get a grip, as they say.

Again, you choose to hear only what you please. I did say that the guard's arguments were unacceptable. "He felt unsafe" is not my interpretation. I am simply quoting from Bloomberg their report on the case, which is different from the Sun's claim that he did it because he was against Israeli attack on Lebanon. Many of you think all moslems, deep inside, sympathise with terrorists; does it make sens to have a moslem protect you from them?

Didn't notice any Brit bashing in any of the posts.

Once again the true Anti Semites come out. Those who want to use any action by someone who is a Muslim as propaganda for their cause of Arab Muslim bashing. This guy was protesting at the actions agains the civilians of Lebanon, not Hezbollah. Lebanon is a 50% Christian country. P.s. There has been much in the papers in the UK regarding the attempt by Moseley to march through the East End with his Blackshirts..... would you all be up in arms if the police had not acted as they did that day? Honestly pls?

If he has moral objections to guarding the embassy because of the war on Hesbullah I presume he has moral objection to living in britain and receiving employment and education and health services from a country with troops in Iraq- or is that another story? Britain - Wake up!!!

I think you're a bit confused. It was british children, of muslim roots that plotted and murdered innocent people of all faiths in London. And Iran, Syria and the Palestinian Authority who have all declared it their goal to attack and destroy Israel, not the other way around. Try not to get the facts confused, or better yet, turn them upside down.

You want to go to Arsenal wearing a Tottenham scarf to see bigots!!!!

Knowing very well the metropolitan police,I was surprised that they even put a muslim officer to guard the Israeli embassy. The fact that the officer objected was wrong, as an officer must not put religion or race in the way of his duty. He will probably be dismissed from the MP diplomatic protection unit.

If I was an Israeki diplomat, I would prefer somone neutral but swron to his DUTIES first rather than political hack who is there because he is a Muslim. I think that the beuty of a scoiety is to accept all points of view and not be judgmental in ones task......another reason why Muslims are not nor will nevr be a part of the economy and fabric of Europe unless they have "megabucks" ie the Saudis...They just dion;t want to be part of it but they want the benefits.

Clickfool, I know that it must get hard with all these paste and copy from different right-wing web sites, you might simply get lost. But yesterday you posted in the UNIFIL-Talkback number 107, among your usual garbage “The truth finally comes out. We all knew the UN was controlled by the Jews and the Zionist empire.” And please stop this foolish game with the faked Clickfool. The supreme leader was rightly enraged by your spiritual masturbation, because he has an automatic majority in the UN general assembly whenever he wants it.

You ask a question and proceed to answer it incorrectly! Amusing. Never has Israel objected to Muslims in the UN force. There was some reticence regards nations (Indonesia) without any diplomatic relations with Israel. even in this case objections were muted. Israel actually requested that Turkish troops be part of the UN force. Fortunately there are posters on here with a higher mental capacity who are able to spot your false statements and correct them. Read #27.

I think that it is good that he won't be defending the Israeli embassy in london. The security risk of having him protect the embassy would be immense. The amount of intel gathering on behalf of muslim terrorists would put the embassy and it's staff in danger. It would be like having Osama Bin-laden protecting the US embassy.