Demagogue

The Dutch government has announced its anti-terrorism program for 2005. The Netherlands has a reputation among Americans (at least those Americans who have heard of the Netherlands) as being wildly left-wing. This, as I have said before, is not accurate.

The authorities will also be allowed to take action against terror suspects or alleged extremists even if no evidence of criminal activities is found. The suspects will be forced to periodically report to police or be banned from contacting other suspects or coming in the vicinity of potential terrorist targets.

Religious leaders, imams for example, may be banned from giving sermons if they are found to be inciting hate or violence. Teachers may also be banned from working in schools.

The cabinet has decided to designate permanent security zones in which random members of the public can be searched.

"Imams for example?"

If Ashcroft is over here advising, then it seems he brought Tom Ridge with him, though the Dutch are threatening to undermine the beauty of Ridge's methods by applying them to intelligently selected priorities rather than using the scattershot method familiar to Americans.

[T]he previously announced colour-code terror warning system is expected to be introduced on 1 March. The system will initially apply to the rail sector, Rotterdam (to secure the city's port), Schiphol and the water and electricity industries.

Break out the duct tape.