> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.opendemocracy.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # George and Mahmoud - URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/george-and-mahmoud/ - Published: 2007-07-11T14:07:12.000Z - Updated: 2019-02-14T22:56:41.000Z - Author: terrorism.openDemocracy Terrorism.opendemocracy - Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 19:37 **UK counterterrorism under the spotlight** The failure of a British jury to reach a verdict on the two remaining 21 July bombing suspects has revealed [**serious blunders and errors**](https://www.opendemocracy.net/) in the efforts of UK counterterrorist forces in the build-up to the 7/7 bombings and the botched attacks two weeks later.To receive our daily security briefings, click [here](mailto:kanishk.tharoor@opendemocracy.net?subject=Subscribe&body=Please%20add%20me%20to%20the%20toD%20security%20briefing%20list.%20Thanks.). Former British Hizb-ut-Tahrir member Ed Husain writes an op-ed in *Newsweek*, claiming that the "rank-and-file of Islamist organisations, the precursors to terrorism, are filled with [**activists with a technical education**](https://www.opendemocracy.net/)". All the suspects connected to the recent failed bomb attacks in Glasgow and London are linked to the medical profession. Security forces found plans of the [**Sizewell B nuclear plant**](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk%5Fnews/england/suffolk/6288094.stm?ref=opendemocracy.net) in the possession of the 21 July bombers. Analysts fear that the UK's nuclear facilities may not be adequately prepared to ward of terrorist threats. **Indian al-Qaida link investigation grows** Indian investigators believe Mohammed Haneef, an Indian doctor linked to the failed Glasgow and London bombings, was radicalised by an Algerian national who he met while [**studying in Ireland**](https://www.opendemocracy.net/). Indian authorities have also chastised Australian officials for "casually" and "informally" attempting to solicit information from Indian police. Haneef has been detained in Brisbane for questioning without charge. Any approach from Canberra must go through [**"proper channels"**](http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/11/stories/2007071158150100.htm?ref=opendemocracy.net), with a letter from an Australian court. **Turkish Kurds head into elections** By exploiting a [**loophole**](http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav071007.shtml?ref=opendemocracy.net) in the Turkish electoral system, Kurdish candidates from the historically marginalised southeast of Turkey hope to make a splash in upcoming national elections. Two people were injured when a [**percussion bomb**](http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L11682146.htm?ref=opendemocracy.net) exploded in an Istanbul parking lot this morning. **Bomb strikes Algerian military post** [**Eight people**](http://www.dawn.com/2007/07/11/rss.htm?ref=opendemocracy.net#16) were killed in a blast near an Algerian military base in the eastern province of Kabylie, as security forces continue to grapple with the militant group "Al-Qaida in the Maghreb". Internal violence and external pressures are squeezing out [**democratic spaces**](https://www.opendemocracy.net/madrid11/articles/algeria190407) in Algerian political life, says Kanishk Tharoor on terrorism.openDemocracy.net. James McDougall writes about the [**resurgence of Sufi mystical belief and practice**](https://www.opendemocracy.net/democracy%5Fpower/africa%5Fislam/algeria%5Fpolitics) in a terrorised country on openDemocracy.net. **George and Mahmoud** With the Iranian economy deteriorating fast and the majority of Iranians disgruntled, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad finds one of few remaining [**pillars of support**](http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story%5Fid=3904&ref=opendemocracy.net) in George W Bush, according to *Foreign Policy*. **After the siege** [**Abdul Rashid Ghazi**](http://www.guardian.co.uk/pakistan/Story/0,,2123386,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront&ref=opendemocracy.net), the iconic leader of the intransigent radicals at Islamabad's Lal Masjid, was killed when Pakistani special forces stormed the mosque compound, ending the controversial week-long siege. Ghazi claimed that his "martyrdom" would trigger an Islamist revolution in the country, but only a scattering of localised unrest took place in the wake of his death. A report released by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace lays the blame for terrorist activity across South Asia squarely at [**Islamabad's feet**](http://www.dawn.com/2007/07/11/rss.htm?ref=opendemocracy.net#7), and urges the White House to consider imposing forms of sanctions on Pakistan should it continue to fail to meet its commitments. **Ending the siege in north Lebanon** The Lebanese army is preparing to [**storm**](http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L11201680.htm?ref=opendemocracy.net) the Palestinian refugee camp still occupied by al-Qaida-linked militants, thereby ending the standoff that has left hundreds dead. **Grizzly fate for Philippine marines** Muslim separatists in the south of the Philippines killed fourteen marines, [**beheading**](http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Philippines-Kidnapped-Priest.html?ex=1341806400&en=2868152da032724b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&ref=opendemocracy.net) some of them, in intensifying clashes as the army steps up its search for a kidnapped Italian priest. **Mexico to safeguard vulnerable pipelines** With the waking of a long-dormant rebel group, the [**Popular Revolutionary Army**](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/11/world/americas/11mexico.html?ex=1341806400&en=abbfb2b4f73adcd6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&ref=opendemocracy.net), Mexican authorities have scrambled to protect the country's miles of pipelines after the PRA planted eight bombs along pipelines in the state of Guanajuato. **FARC mea culpa** The main Colombian rebel group FARC have apologised for the deaths of [**11 kidnapped lawmakers**](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/11/world/americas/11briefs-guerrillas.html?ex=1341806400&en=a3f1f3ecc83d1222&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&ref=opendemocracy.net) killed in their custody. "We failed in our mission to care for them and bring them to a hostage exchange," FARC said in a statement. **Nato airstrikes kill more civilians** Last week's Nato air-strikes in Kunar province left [**27 civilians dead**](http://www.dawn.com/2007/07/11/rss.htm?ref=opendemocracy.net#15) after bombs hit a funeral gathering and a house. Human rights advocates are growing frustrated by the heavy toll on civilian life exacted by air-strikes. Marcus Skinner argues on terrorism.openDemocracy that [**Nato and US military tactics**](https://www.opendemocracy.net/madrid11/afghanistan%5Fculture%5F100707) in Afghanistan are in dire need of an anthropology lesson.