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пятница, 13 февраля 2026 г.

Islamism Poses an Existential Threat to France

By Winfield Myers ● Feb 13, 2026

Smart Brevity^® count: 8 mins...2065 words

We begin with four articles by Jules Gomes on Islamism in Europe. A new report from France's National Assembly details how the French Muslim vote has moved significantly to the Left, with a notable preference for La France Insoumise ("Unsubmissive" or "Unbowed" France), a far-left party accused of strategically collaborating with Islamism to gain control over the country.

Gomes reports good news from Italy, where an Italian judge ordered the pretrial detention of nine Hamas operatives; in an earlier article, he provides background information on their arrest as part of an effort to dismantle a Hamas fundraising network. Meanwhile, across the Ionian Sea, Greece has shut down illegal mosques, leading Gomes to ask if Italy, plagued by an explosion of illegal mosques, will do the same. Back in North America, Joe Adam George applauds Canada's closure of its anti-"Islamophobia" office.

Mardo Soghom reports on the latest from Iran, while Khaled Alyemany analyzes the sclerotic and corrupt United Nations bureaucracy in an age of AI.

Parliamentary Panel: Islamism Poses an Existential Threat to France

While Islamist violence poses a clear threat to France, critics argue that nonviolent Islamism—through cultural influence, institutional infiltration, and separatist activism—may prove a more enduring...

By: Jules Gomes

A new report from France's National Assembly argues that Islamism, in coalition with far-left and anticolonial movements, poses an existential threat to France.

Political collusion with Islamist actors: The report uncovers links between political leaders and Islamist movements, highlighting the danger of political Islam's influence in France.

The dossier warns of Islamist infiltration in local politics, with an increase in mosque projects before elections and a call to ban candidates who conduct sectarian campaigns.

Radicalization of French youth: The report identifies a domestic threat from young jihadists in France, inspired by the Islamic State, planning symbolic attacks with basic methods.

Intelligence services monitor around 4,000 jihadists, 70 percent of whom are under 21, with some as young as 13, raising concerns about youthful radicalization.

Islamist separatism and infiltration tactics: Islamist movements like the Muslim Brotherhood aim to destabilize France by using democratic tools to replace secular values with Islamic ones.

The report emphasizes Islamist efforts to create micro-societies governed by strict religious norms, challenging France's secular fabric.

To read the full article, click here.

It's a Miracle: Italian Court Connects the Dots Between Islamist Ideology, Hamas Violence

An Italian court's detention order, jailing nine Hamas-linked detainees accused of funneling millions of euros through Italian charities to support terrorism and antisemitic violence, affirms an obvio...

By: Jules Gomes

An Italian court ordered the detention of nine Hamas operatives, citing their commitment to Islamist ideology, antisemitism, and support for terrorism against Israel.

Palestine as perpetual Islamic territory: The court emphasized that Hamas views Palestine as a religious struggle, framing it as an Islamic waqf permanently belonging to Muslims.

Judge Silvia Carpanini's ruling highlights that Hamas's Covenant rejects peaceful solutions and declares jihad as the only path to liberation.

Islamist antisemitism rooted in eschatology: The court order notes Hamas's antisemitism is based on Islamic eschatology, citing a Hadith that calls for the extermination of Jews before Judgment Day.

Hamas's charter and speeches reveal a consistent narrative of targeting Jews globally, not just in Israel.

Brotherhood's goal of an Islamic state in Palestine: The court linked the Muslim Brotherhood with Hamas, noting its aim to expand Islam globally as a totalitarian system through jihad.

Investigator Giovanni Giacalone remarked that the arrests exposed a long-standing financial network supporting military operations against Israel.

To read the full article, click here.

ICYMI: The Forum Roundtable: The Saudi Pivot Away from the United States and Israel

Saudi Arabia has shifted away from pursuing normalization with Israel and closer alignment with the United States, driven by diminished fear of a weakened Iran following recent conflicts, persistent economic pressures from low oil prices and failed diversification under Vision 2030, and domestic needs to deflect public unrest through anti-Israel and anti-American rhetoric in media and public discourse. The kingdom now competes more aggressively with the United Arab Emirates over regional influence, particularly in Yemen, where Emirati-backed forces advanced significantly, while Saudi Arabia pursues tactical alignments with Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan—moves that revive Islamist-leaning rhetoric and target the UAE-Israel relationship as a new regional threat. Yet, despite public posturing and temporary outreach to Muslim Brotherhood-influenced actors, underlying military and technological incentives continue to favor eventual cooperation with Israel and the United States, as Saudi leaders recognize long-term strategic and economic benefits from such partnerships amid a more transactional global environment.

This week's Forum Roundtable featured three prominent experts: Hussain Abdul-Hussain, research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Victoria Coates, vice president of the Heritage Foundation's Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy; and Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, Milstein Writing Fellow with the Middle East Forum.

To watch the full Forum Roundtable, click here.

Italy Dismantles Major Hamas Fundraising Network

In 2024, Hamas-linked activists used the historic church of San Lorenzo in Lucina in Rome to host an event where they solicited donations for their cause. Shutterstock

By: Jules Gomes

In a major operation, Italian authorities arrested a top Hamas leader and six operatives for funneling millions of euros to fund anti-Israel activities through charities.

Hamas's key fund-raiser in Italy arrested: Mohammad Hannoun, described as Hamas's "best friend in Rome," was arrested for using charities to channel funds to Hamas.

Italian police reported that Hannoun and his associates diverted seven million euros to Hamas-controlled associations, with funds often sent under the guise of humanitarian aid.

Police seize assets worth millions: Authorities raided multiple locations, seizing over 8 million euros in assets and 1.08 million euros in cash, uncovering hidden funds and equipment.

A police reconstruction revealed that part of the cash was sent to Hamas's military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, and in some cases, to Hezbollah.

Terrorism expert confirms Islamist links: Expert Giovanni Giacalone highlights Hannoun's direct contacts with senior Hamas figures, supported by photographic evidence.

The investigation exposed the use of Italy as a hub for Hamas's financial operations, with significant fundraising activities linked to terrorism.

To read the full article, click here.

Greece Moves on Illegal Mosques—What Will Italy Do?

As Greece begins sealing illegal mosques and deporting foreign imams under new legislation, Italy faces a surge in unauthorized Islamic worship centers amid mounting political and legal disputes. Abov...

By: Jules Gomes

As Greece cracks down on illegal mosques, Italy grapples with a surge in unauthorized Islamic worship centers, highlighting a growing Islamist threat.

Greece acts against illegal mosques: The Ministry of Immigration and Asylum in Greece revoked the residence permit of a Bangladeshi imam for operating an illegal mosque, marking the first application of a new law targeting unauthorized worship sites.

Minister Athanasios Plevris announced a nationwide effort to shut down illegal mosques, emphasizing the revocation of legal documents for those involved.

Italy's explosion in illegal mosques: Despite historical restrictions, clandestine mosques proliferate in Italy, with over 1,200 illegal sites reported, fueling concerns about Islamists' ambitions to expand their influence.

Italian officials, including Lega Nord's Susanna Ceccardi, call for stricter controls to prevent Islamists from exploiting religious freedoms to further a political agenda.

Catholic bishops' unexpected stance: While right-wing parties resist Islamic immigration, many of Italy's Catholic bishops advocate for the rights of Muslims to build mosques, complicating the nation's response to Islamist expansion.

Despite the bishops' support, the rise of both legal and illegal Islamic centers raises alarms about the potential for Islamists to undermine Italy's cultural fabric.

To read the full article, click here.

Canada Closes 'Islamophobia' Office

A protester holds a sign denouncing white supremacy, capitalism and

By: Joe Adam George

In a striking reversal, Canada's Liberal government abolishes the Office of the Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia, ending Amira Elghawaby's controversial tenure.

Controversial tenure of Amira Elghawaby: Elghawaby, associated with networks criticized for ideological proximity to the Muslim Brotherhood, faced backlash for blurring lines between anti-Muslim sentiment and legitimate concerns over Islamist influence.

Her appointment was marred by opposition due to her views on Quebec's secularism law and comments equating free speech with racism.
The decision brings to an end a turbulent three-year experiment in identity-based governance that had drawn sustained criticism from civil libertarians, secularists, and national security analysts alike.

Abuse of office allegations: Disclosures revealed Elghawaby used her position to advance political causes, authorizing taxpayer funding for pro-Palestinian research and lobbying for religious accommodations in federal buildings.

Her office controversially redefined "jihad" in a federally funded report, dismissing concerns about Islamist violence as conspiracies.

Cautious optimism on governance reset: Mark Milke, founder and president of the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy, and Collin May, a lawyer and former chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission, express cautious optimism about the governance reset.

Critics like Milke and May welcome the move away from identity-based governance but express concerns over diluting efforts to combat specific issues like antisemitism.

To read the full article, click here.

Iran Seems to Succeed in Limiting U.S. Talks to Nuclear Issue

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Shutterstock

By: Mardo Soghom

Unless one believes President Donald Trump is engaged in an elaborate ruse with the Islamic Republic before ordering a large-scale military strike, it seems that his objectives have narrowed from an attack capable of dislodging the regime to one that only secures a nuclear deal.

Netanyahu's push for missile talks: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump to advocate for including Iran's ballistic missile program in negotiations, warning of its serious threat.

Despite Netanyahu's efforts, Trump stated no "definitive" agreement was reached, continuing talks solely on the nuclear issue.

Iran's defiance over missile capabilities: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly stated that Iran's missile capabilities are non-negotiable, emphasizing their link to national security.

Araghchi's remarks underscore Iran's steadfast position, complicating U.S. diplomatic efforts to broaden the negotiation scope.

Internal and external pressures: While Trump faces pressure to expand talks, regional actors like Qatar reportedly influence the U.S. to avoid military action, focusing solely on the nuclear file.

Inside Iran, continued execution of protesters and anti-U.S. propaganda highlight challenges in reaching a comprehensive agreement.

To read the full article, click here.

Succession Rumors Swirl After Khamenei Sends Khomeini's Grandson to Ceremony

Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, left, and Iran's current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Shutterstock

By: Mardo Soghom

In a significant move, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appoints Hassan Khomeini to represent him at a key anniversary event, fueling speculation about future leadership.

Khamenei's absence stirs succession speculation: For the first time, Khamenei was absent from the annual gathering celebrating the 1979 Islamic Revolution, appointing Hassan Khomeini in his place.

This break with tradition highlights the sensitive issue of succession, with Hassan Khomeini's reformist image positioning him as a potential contender.

Political dynamics and strategic positioning: Despite his reformist leanings, Hassan Khomeini aligned with the ruling system during recent protests, suggesting strategic positioning amid succession discussions.

His presence at the event, while symbolic, underscores the ongoing power struggles and potential shifts within Iran's clerical system.

Legacy and future challenges: As the grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder, Hassan Khomeini's lineage grants him visibility, yet questions remain about his experience and ability to lead.

Observers note his role at the event may serve as both a tactical calculation by Khamenei and a nod to the legacy of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

To read the full article, click here.

Can the United Nations Adjust for a New AI Era?

António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations. Shutterstock

By: Khaled Alyemany

The United Nations grapples with a crisis of legitimacy and financial instability, highlighted by the secretary-general's warnings of an imminent collapse by summer 2026.

Questioning U.N.'s funding model: The U.S., as the largest contributor, sees rising contributions with stagnant outcomes, prompting debates on the necessity of continued funding without meaningful reform.

The financial crisis is inseparable from the U.N.'s history of administrative failure and corruption, with oversight bodies failing to prevent nepotism and systemic issues.

Persistent structural problems: The U.N.'s oversight remains captive to its own administrative environment, unable to address high-risk areas like procurement and logistics effectively.

High-profile scandals, such as the Oil-for-Food Program and recent bribery cases, underscore a corruptible framework lacking basic performance indicators.

Proposed radical reforms: To address its issues, experts suggest dissolving the current structure and establishing a new body built on agile governance and technology-driven accountability.

Key reforms include process re-engineering, AI-driven operations, blockchain transparency, extraterritorial oversight, and smart contracts to enforce compliance and integrity.

To read the full article, click here.