Perfidious Belgium

Spectator, The, Jul 13, 2002 by Belien, Paul

Godelieve Timmermans indicated that the Surete de l'Etat was powerless to do anything about the spread of Islamic fundamentalism. The report admits that the Surete has been understaffed for over a decade, that it does not receive adequate funding, and that many retiring officers are not being replaced. Even after 11 September, the Belgian government refused to allow the Surete to fill up vacant positions. As Charles Pasqua said six years ago, Brussels seems to lack the resolve to fight international Islamic terrorism.

Britain, as America's most loyal ally, had better beware. If al-Qa'eda is planning any actions in this country, the assaults might well be launched from Belgium. The enemy is plotting less than 200 miles east of Dover, behind Manneken Pis.