Australian fires not terrorism
Reader comment on item: Bushfire Jihad in Australia?

Submitted by Lorna Salzman (United States), Mar 29, 2009 at 17:06

Australia has been victim to wildfires since its formation. It is irresponsible to raise the issue of islamic terrorism. The vegetation there is extremely fire-prone, containing highly flammable oils and resins, and the incredible dryness of the interior together with the very high temperatures that the continent experiences have made towns and the suburbs of large cities, which extend into what is called the "bush" (the undeveloped interior with few people is called the "outback") vulnerable to these fires, which occurr with regularity every year. Now, with the even more extreme temperatures that are very likely associated with warming oceans and global warming, these fires are becoming not only frequent but more intense than ever.

One wildfire can easily spread rapidly and destroy whole towns as recently happened. Before you develop conspiracy theories you need to educate yourself on the ecological history and make-up of Australia. It is irresponsible and inflammatory (an appropriate word here) to concoct theories about muslim arsonists. ... There are enough real stories about islamic violence ...

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