William Hague shows his lack of understanding or maybe just the influence of the Arabists at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office

William Hague, a man who my respect for diminishes almost daily, has issued a statement to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Here is is in full, followed by my comments:

'Tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

11 September 2011

Foreign Secretary William Hague has commemorated the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001, and of other global acts of terrorism since.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

"Today we commemorate the citizens of the United States and over 90 countries who perished in the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, including 67 British nationals. We remember the courage and dignity of the American people in the face of such appalling loss. And we also recall the victims of other global acts of terrorism since – including the attacks in London in 2005. Such attacks have only served to bring the international community closer together, and to bolster those who seek change through peaceful means, not through barbaric violence.

"In the decade since the 2001 attacks on the United States, terrorists have succeeded only in the murder of innocents, often from among those they claim to represent. Al Qaeda is now weaker than at any time in the decade since 9/11 – and political progress through peaceful protest in the Middle East and North Africa has shown it to be increasingly irrelevant to the future. The true expression of what people in the Muslim world aspire to was seen not at Ground Zero in 2001, but in squares and streets across the Middle East and North Africa this year. So while we remember the victims of 9/11, stand firm with our allies and remain tirelessly vigilant against future threats, we also face the future with confidence in our values and faith in human nature."'

In the first paragraph William Hague manages not to mention that the terrorists were Islamic terrorists carrying out their diabolical plan in the name of Islam. He might not like that fact, he may find that fact an 'inconvenient truth' but a fact it remains.

In the second paragraph William Hague ascribes motives and aspirations to the 'peaceful protest(s)' in the Middle East and North Africa that he should know are not true. The protests and revolts in much of North Africa and the Middle East have been shown time and time again to have an Islamist tinge. The cries of "Allahu Akhbar" have resounded across the squares, souks and mosques of the area and the number of placards and chants calling for the destruction of Israel and death to Jews have been noticed by many who do not rely on the BBC for the approved version of the news. Has William Hague not noticed what has happened in Egypt over the past few month, let alone the last couple of days?

I used to admire William Hague as a politician, however since the last general election he has shown himself to have little more understanding or interest in the truths of the world situation than did the leaders of the last Labour government.