ASIO chief’s words about a ‘pressure release’ not reassuring

Hamas’s attack on Israel and Israel’s counter-attack have loosed roiling pro-Palestinian activism across our nation – at times clearly anti-Semitic, aggressive, extremist and supportive of Hamas’s genocidal agenda against Israel.

Incendiary sermons are unleashed at Sydney’s Bankstown Al Madina Dawah Centre, most recently exhorting the “final solution”: global jihad and a global Muslim army directed against the West – which, by definition, includes Australia.

Released into this febrile environment are convicted Islamist terrorists Abdul Nacer Benbrika, Mohamed Al Maouie and Belal Betka. Even with strict control orders, what sway does kafir law have with those wedded to jihad?

Strategic Analysis Australia director Peter Jennings accurately notes that “MPs and police seem to be ­almost fearful of them (the ­rallies)”, and rightly pushes for authorities to be tougher and stop “walking on eggshells”.

Meanwhile, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess asserts such rallies serve as a “pressure release” given a “real risk of a terror attack” (“Rallies a terror ‘pressure release’ ”, 23-24/12) and that ASIO having “previously seen ­direct connections between inflamed language and inflamed community tensions … will continue to monitor emerging trends, drivers and shifts in the threat environment”. Reassuring? Not very.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East, Vic

Where in the job description of ASIO director-general Mike Burgess does it authorise him to accept violent, pro-genocidal pro-Hamas rallies? To suggest they are just a “pressure release” is unacceptable, wrong and un-Australian. What happened to the human rights for the Israeli victims of Hamas’s indescribably savage massacre? Australia has been built on immigration. The assimilation and integration of diverse nationalities, each with wonderful cultural aspects, has added to Australia. But multiculturalism where it creates separated ethnic enclaves, political power blocs and brings in old-world hatreds is unacceptable. Our laws are too lax. The punishments for genocidal calls should be swift and involve expulsions. That would restore some normality.

Lee Smith, Kenmore, Qld

I’ve read and re-read several times the justification by ASIO director-general Mike Burgess for allowing the vicious anti-Semitic demonstrations to go ahead unchallenged, as they represented a useful “pressure release” in reducing the risk of terror attacks. My word, that must be a huge relief to our Jewish citizens who have been on the receiving end of these “pressure releases” since Sunday, October 8.

I’m sure I’m not the only one to wonder if this really is the best that ASIO can manage, or have I somehow woken up in Toytown?

John McHarg, Maylands, WA

The fact actions speak louder than words in keeping peace in the world is well illustrated by Dave Sharma in “Peace at any price often leads to an even greater war” (23-24/12). As Sharma points out, history shows that the philosophy of “avoiding war at all costs” leads to countries falling prey to the most ruthless states.

The Albanese government must act in support of Ukraine and Israel, not offer mere words.

The world will become less safe for all if dictators and terrorists prevail. This is why Australia cannot afford to be a bystander in world affairs.

David Muir, Indooroopilly, Qld

Once again I have read the powerful words of Gemma Tognini on the dreadful situation in Gaza (“Mealy-mouthed slacktivists fail Israelis and Palestinians”, 23-24/12). Like her, I’m shocked at the inaccuracy of statements coming from the mouths of people who should know better. They should have some knowledge of history before they parade their views in the media or, as some have done, on the stage.

I was born during World War II and, like then, the world has chosen to close its eyes to the situation or condemn Israel for defending itself. At least in World War II nobody condemned Britain for defending itself and its people.

Thank you for speaking so strongly about an abhorrent situation that will continue until Hamas lays down its guns.

Funny the squawking luvvies haven’t considered that option. Lay down your arms and release the remaining hostages, and Palestinian lives will be saved. Why didn’t we think of that?

Sandra McVitty, Beaumaris, Vic