Yes, terrible news and my heart goes out to all those affected.
I can't even count the number of times we have been in that departure hall with our kids and then when our families had flown in. Add to that had we still lived there my wife would of been in the metro heading to the EU offices for work.
When we lived in Brussles city we tried out day care in Molenbeek too, that lasted a day though because we figured our boy was better off at home but still often walked through the area.
With kids we decided a flat was too small for us so we then moved right next to the airport.
It all hits a bit close to home really, thoughts go out to all.
We lived in Brussels for two years - met up with Jarrod.
A great place... we still have many friends working there.
I hope they are safe - our thoughts are with them.
Hi Ken,
Hope you are well all things considered, I did think of you today and was glad you are back in Oz.
Same here, it is a bit of a media blackout right now and not entirely sure what the official word is yet but do hope everyone we know and you as well, plus all that can be are safe. Tomorrow maybe we may know more when my wife gets to work.
Pity about their not being a worldwide reaction to the bombings taking place in non-European countries as of late.
H
True, though I'm not sure ordinary people can be held responsible for inactivity given the ease with which populations are manipulated by unscrupulous leaders.
While I'd be overjoyed if Afghanistan was a peaceful place with a thriving tourist industry, somehow a Brussels style attack at Tullamarine would be far more disturbing than foreign violence (ie. the closer to home, the greater the impact).
Absolutely terrible news about Brussels and it does look to most of us very similar to an Aussie airport/city so the perceived relevance fear is understandable ie it could have been us huh?...but I think what Humayun and Mark are referring too is not the obvious horrors occurring daily in the trio of Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria and to which most of us have become desensitised to....but rather it is that which is well explained HERE
Very sad news. For the victims and their loved ones obviously first and foremost. But also for refugees fleeing these nutcases. Maybe these kinds of attacks are as much about stopping people fleeing the horrors they are forced to live with in the Middle East as about killing the "infidels". Religious extremism is horrible stuff. The West had to endure it but mostly got over it 300-400 years ago. These fools are still in the dark ages. Maybe the Vatican should resurrect their inquisition: fight fire and stupidity with more fire (and stupidity)... I'm joking of course out of frustration...
ABC Newsradio (via the BBC IIRC) had a good segment interviewing people on the streets: it was very touching. No one was out to blame or hate anyone. They were just grieving and angry with the situation but at the same time promoting unity and love and supporting each other. This BBC video gives a glimpse:
I just finished a book called Blood Year by an Aussie soldier, David Kilcullen, embedded in the US army working on strategies for dealing with Terrorist groups post 9/11 in Iraq and also Afghanistan.
I encourage you to read it because whats actually happening out there is far wider than what the media is reporting. The book is current to the end of December 2015
Yep - its appalling really the inherent racism of western first world cultures .
Rubbish.
These people are openly attacking the west as a whole. It is far more relevant to us than internal struggles of other countries.
Even then, attacks in Algeria, Pakistan, Iraq etc still do make the news, however they are judged less 'newsworthy' as they are (unfortunately) 'business as usual' in those countries.
What is going on in Europe is new and horrible, hence the extra news coverage.
Think twice before you start making accusations next time.
Rubbish.
These people are openly attacking the west as a whole. It is far more relevant to us than internal struggles of other countries.
Even then, attacks in Algeria, Pakistan, Iraq etc still do make the news, however they are judged less 'newsworthy' as they are (unfortunately) 'business as usual' in those countries.
What is going on in Europe is new and horrible, hence the extra news coverage.
Think twice before you start making accusations next time.
I'm confident that Mark has thought about the issue more than twice. That's why he tends to make so much sense. Kudos too to Humayun, Mike, Alex and Steve for intelligent contributions. I'm a bit lost for words so I'm glad others are saying basically what would.
Rubbish.
These people are openly attacking the west as a whole. It is far more relevant to us than internal struggles of other countries.
Even then, attacks in Algeria, Pakistan, Iraq etc still do make the news, however they are judged less 'newsworthy' as they are (unfortunately) 'business as usual' in those countries.
What is going on in Europe is new and horrible, hence the extra news coverage.
Think twice before you start making accusations next time.
I can see you have passionate views on the matter.
Can you point to any particular reasons why the West is under attack.
Why are we being targeted.
In the mind of the enemy what has upset them.
It seems complex but you may know something that may help folk like me understand the mess.
Come and live around Liverpool/Miller. The SWAT teams were around again the other morning. I reckon the centrelink office in Northumberland street is the safest place in Oz. It'll never blow.
Breaking news: Terroist attack at Brussels Airport, Belgium
