Convenient Citizenship

"We see certain terrorist organizations in particular target the use of the Canadian passport because of its value, because it facilitates travel so easily and so smoothly. And they will seek out dual nationals for the purpose of using that passport to facilitate travel. And we've seen that, at least some indications, in regard to Hezbollah, for instance. So that document is an extremely valuable document and gaining citizenship in order to be able to use that document is a noted goal."
Michael Peirce, CSIS Assistant Director of Intelligence

Hezbollah, a terrorist group, on Canada's terror list. Their members have infiltrated Canadian society. Greater numbers of sympathizers exist within Canada. Who don't become involved directly, simply give them the status of an admired Islamist group. They think so little of Canadian law and sensibilities that during protests signage with Hezbollah symbols or flags can be seen in attendance.

It is known that illegal activities like drug and firearms and tobacco smuggling profits go into accounts meant to finance their activities.

And now CSIS is openly declaring that Hezbollah operatives are busy working within Canada to inspire others to become aligned with them. Canadian passport holders are particularly valued and conscripted to their cause. And, presumably, that would be from among the immigrant community that would be most susceptible to the blandishments of Hezbollah.

A hearing into Bill C-425, a private member's bill tabled by Conservative MP Devinder Shory, meant to allow government to revoke citizenship from dual nationals who commit acts of war against Canada was the venue where the above declaration was voiced. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is evidently interested in adding those who commit treason and terrorism to those whose citizenship can be removed.

"We ought to read into their actions a renunciation of their loyalty to Canada and indeed their citizenship", remarked Mr. Kenney. No kidding. Those who subscribe to the deadly agendas and the theological-political ideology of Hezbollah have no allegiance to what Canada represents, to begin with. Their presence here is as a port of convenience. Where life is good and civil benefits are attractive and universal.

But when the recruitment call is made, it can all be left conveniently behind for those respondents who find the call irresistible and meaningfully needful, to depart on a mission they feel responsible to be part of. The intention being in most instances to return once the mission's purpose has been achieved. Whether to travel to Syria, to Lebanon, to Afghanistan, Mali or Algeria, or wherever the need is greatest.

Mr. Peirce gave testimony naming Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen as countries whose appeal had attracted "dozens" of Canadians to leave for the purpose of participating in overseas terrorism and armed conflicts. "Tracking Canadians who travel abroad to conduct terrorist activities is not an easy task. They often escape into ungoverned spaces such as tribal regions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, or into conflict zones such as Syria, where the situations are fluid or very difficult to navigate", he explained.

Some of those who go abroad die in the process of being involved in conflicts, while others have returned to Canada, along with the extremist ideologies and skills they have learned while taking part in combat operations. When they return, they are known to have radicalized others to the extremism they have themselves succumbed to. Their experiences abroad tender them the status of admired experience.

The thing of it is, if those who subscribe to that violent ideology are convinced that Canadian values and laws are anathema to their vision of fanatical Sharia, they will also be willing to do as jihadists have done in Europe, attack the very society that gives them and their families haven and sustenance. Canada has seen some of that at work. We have our own home-grown fanatics whose dedication to violent jihad has drawn attention to their presence.

They represent a very small percentage of the immigrant population from countries whose violent upheavals call them to participate in atrocities against the West and against other Muslims whose sectarian and tribal values may not match their own. They represent a menace abroad and a sleeping menace whose potential we can hardly assume, at home.

They are responsible for the suspicion with which the larger mass of Muslims are viewed by Western apprehension of the potential to violent upheaval. The Islamophobia of which Muslims are so vehemently opposed as a threat to their status of equality and respect, owes entirely to the presence of these fanatics within society. They are there, in relatively small numbers, and they threaten the larger numbers.

They inspire suspicion and they inspire fear of the potential prospect of their dedication to virulent jihad. They are the quiet, hidden terrorists within who may or who may not pose at some future date; the risk of violence right here at home, which we may or may not be prepared to counter. Born in Canada, educated within the Canadian system, taught Canadian values, all spurned.