Iraq inspired failed London attacks: Bruguiere

[Barrett808]

Source: Reuters

PARIS, July 16 (Reuters) - Attempted car bombings in England and Scotland show militant Islamists are trying to punish Britain for its role in Iraq, one of Europe's top anti-terrorism investigators said in an interview.

French judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere said Britain's role as the main U.S. ally in Iraq made it a special target -- something the British government rejects -- and its focus for decades on Northern Irish militants had caused it to neglect the threat from Islamists until the last few years.

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Bruguiere said the increased radicalisation of loose-knit Islamic networks had led to a reduction in the time between an individual being recruited and launching operations.

"Several factors are involved. But without question, the main one is Iraq. Iraq is today the motor of jihad (Holy War). Britain is the ally of the Americans. It is present in Iraq and for this reason is being targeted in particular. Above all it is considered by the radical lslamist movement as Washington's main support," he added.

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