May
15
Al Qaeda threatens Euro 2008 tournament
Filed Under Euro 2008 |
Here we go again. News today are that the terrorist group Al Qaeda plans to attack during the Euro 2008 tournament. The much anticipated championship is set to begin June 7, 2008, with games played in Austria and Switzerland.
So, where are the new threats coming from? Apparently, there is much activity in online Islamist hubs urging extremist members to “transform the safest countries in Europe to the hell seen in Iraq or Afghanistan”. “The time has come for the fighters of the faith. They must make their voices heard,” said another.
You know, there are many peaceful ways to have your voice heard without attacking innocent people who just want to enjoy a few good games of football in the company of a cold, refreshing beer (or two.) This is not the first time that a major soccer event has been organized under the threat of terrorism. The German World Cup had also been targeted but luckily no extremist elements interfered with the tournament. The Euro 2008 organizers will spend more than 18 million Euro in security for the championship.
I encourage those who plan to visit Austria and Switzerland to watch the European Championship games to ignore these threats and enjoy their time there. Don’t allow these bullies to ruin the largest sporting event in the world. The best way to defeat terror is to ignore it, push through and enjoy life. I only wish I could be there to enjoy what I am certain will be a great tournament.