Real Islamist terror threat against Norway

Aftenposten:

A prominent Muslim al-Qaida expert assesses the threat to Norway after a new video from the terrorist group vows attacks on Western nations that have taken part in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A new videotape linked to the London terrorist bombings of July 7 also included an appearance by al-Qaida's second in command, Ayman al-Zawahri, who threatened further attacks on participants in the American led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"I believe that it was a terrible error by Norway to give up its neutral role and adopt a policy that puts the lives of the Norwegian people at risk," Abdel Bari Atwan told NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting).

Atwan believes that Norway is no longer perceived as a neutral peace-seeking nation in the Middle East, and that the threats of terrorism against Norwegians are real.

"Threats of terrorist actions will not influence Norwegian foreign policy," Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen said.

The Labor Party's Thorbjørn Jagland, who heads parliament's foreign committee, said that Labor felt that it was time for Norway to withdraw fully from Iraq.

"Among other reasons, to prioritize Afghanistan, as a great deal of the Muslim world believes we should assist there," Jagland told NRK.

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