Muslim leader threatens to kill Paul McCartney over Israel gig

[oberliner]

An Islamic militant leader warned that former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney could be the target of suicide bombers unless he cancels his first concert in Israel, reported the British Sunday Express.

The celebrated rock star plans to arrive in Israel as part of a world tour, and give a single concert at Tel Aviv's Park Hayarkon on September 25.

Omar Bakri, an Islamic preacher, said McCartney's decision to perform as part of Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations made him the enemy of Muslims worldwide.

"If he values his life, Mr. McCartney must not come to Israel," Bakri was quoted as saying. "He will not be safe there. The sacrifice operatives will be waiting for him."

http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1020917.html

[marylanddem]

1. This sounds like bullshit to me - I don't believe it.

another piece of propaganda trying to get us to hate Muslims...Although, if true, he could try just burning/melting Sir Paul's records like they did down south after John Lennon said he was more popular than Jesus...Much easier than killing Paul (which brings to this old hippie's mind the "I buried Paul" Abbey Road brouhaha...geezin' out...)

[oberliner]

5. Here is the Sunday Express article cited in the OP

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/61355/Sir-Paul-Terror-target

Explaining his comments, Bakri told the Sunday Express: “Our enemy’s friend is our enemy.

“Thus Paul McCartney is the enemy of every Muslim. We have what we call ‘sacrifice’ operatives who will not stand by while he joins in a celebration of their oppression.

“If he values his life Mr McCartney must not come to Israel. He will not be safe there. The sacrifice operatives will be waiting for him.”

[marylanddem]

6. Thanks for that - interesting article - seems threats are real...

[LeftishBrit]

7. Usually I'd be thinking the same, but in the case of Bakri it probably isn't bullshit

There are Muslims and then there is Bakri. He is very extreme, and when he lived in Britain, he spent a lot of time preaching hate and supporting violent 'jihad'. Eventually, he was told he wasn't welcome in Britain. For a Christian equivalent, imagine a cross between Ian Paisley and Fred Phelps and then cube it.

[oberliner]

8. Do you think he is full of hot air?

Or do you think there are indeed "sacrifice operatives" waiting for McCartney?

How connected is Bakri to the sorts of groups that might actually carry out such an attack?

[LeftishBrit]

9. It's hard to tell on any given occasion

Usually hot air; but sometimes more. Bakri is what is here called a 'hate preacher', not an actual terrorist leader. On the other hand, he certainly knows and meets with lots of people who have links with Al Quaeda and other nasty organizations.

If I were advising McCartney, I'd say go ahead and give the concert, but make sure you've got good security.

[saltpoint]

2. I would suggest to Mr. Bakri that if he does not care for

McCartney's music that he not attend the concert.

[Phred42]

3. Rovian perhaps?

[bluestateguy]

4. Fuck him

Any harm brought upon one the Beatles should be considered an attack on one of our NATO allies.