Useful Idiots

Simon Jenkins is probably the best of The Times' regular columnists. Obviously this isn't saying much, but what his column is often insightful and thought-provoking. This article on the way the response of various "useful idiots" on the right is actually furthering the cause of the terrorists is a classic example. Consider this highlight:

Terrorism’s “useful idiots” have had a field day this past fortnight. They have jumped from “nothing can justify the bombing” (true) to “nothing can explain the bombing” (absurd). They have jumped from “Britain’s war in Iraq is no excuse for killing innocent Londoners” (true) to “Britain’s war in Iraq has nothing to do with the bombing” (palpably absurd). They jump from “we must not be driven to alter our way of life” (true) to demanding that we do just that. The “useful idiots” demand new powers, new restrictions and new measures against the Muslim community. Above all they declare “war on terror”, turn murderers into warriors and incite Islam to proclaim jihad in response.

(Kudos to Nosemonkey for picking-up on this.)