Birmingham
Police said they foiled a terrorist plot this week when they arrested eight men in a dawn raid. British media, quoting unnamed sources, said the eight were planning to kidnap, torture, and behead a British Muslim soldier who had served in Afghanistan, and then post a video of the killing on the Internet. All eight alleged terrorists were picked up in Birmingham, a city with a large Muslim population. “It certainly seems to confirm Britain is particularly vulnerable to al Qaida-style attacks because of the historic links to Pakistan and the Pakistani community here,” said British terrorism expert Shane Brighton. The 330 Muslims serving in the British armed forces are often described as traitors on jihadist Web sites. The first one who died in Afghanistan is depicted in one video as burning in hell.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What has the Dalai Lama achieved?The Explainer Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader has just turned 90, and he has been clarifying his reincarnation plans
-
Europe's heatwave: the new front line of climate changeIn the Spotlight How will the continent adapt to 'bearing the brunt of climate change'?
-
Crossword: July 13, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
