Muslim Extremists: ISIS - Al Queda: Laws to fight extremism unveiled in Netherlands

The Dutch government unveiled a package of measures Friday aimed at countering radicalization of Muslims in the country, a day after police announced the arrest of two men suspected of recruiting people to fight in conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

The proposals include beefing up the government’s powers to strip people of their Dutch nationality if they join terrorist groups overseas or play a role in foreign terror training camps.

They also are aimed at countering the spread of extremism online and via social media by tackling Internet providers that knowingly allow terror organizations to spread jihadi propaganda.

“In the Netherlands, there is no room for spreading hate or extremism,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s government said in a statement.

Read more: Laws to fight extremism unveiled in Netherlands - The Globe and Mail

Mali: French troops push Mali offensive to Algerian border

French combat troops, guided by Malian soldiers, arrived Friday to the town of Tessalit near the Malian border with Algeria as they continue to track retreating Islamist fighters hiding in the vast desert region.

French forces on Friday arrived in the town of Tessalit, a town deep in northern Mali near the border with Algeria, and one of the last strongholds of Islamist rebels who wielded unchecked power in the region less than a month ago.

Tessalit’s airport has now become the most distant combat outposts in the joint French-Malian effort to re-establish total control of northern Mali.

With a base of operation now established in Tessalit, French soldiers are now busy setting up a vast surveillance operation to track Islamist fighters who are still hiding in this expansive and harsh region.

Read more: French troops push Mali offensive to Algerian border - FRANCE 24 EXCLUSIVE - FRANCE 24

Radical Islam: France deports Islamist militants, imams amid crackdown

France said today (Monday) it was deporting five Islamic militants and Muslim preachers in the latest show of strength by President Nicolas Sarkozy as he clamps down on radical elements after seven people were killed by an al Qaeda-inspired gunman last month.

Imams from Saudi Arabia and Turkey as well as a suspected Tunisian militant, who called for the death of all those who deviate from Islam, are also due to be expelled, the statement said, adding that other expulsions would take place soon. In a statement, Gueant said an Islamist militant of Algerian origin who had previously been sentenced for his role in a 1994 Marrakech terrorist attack, was expelled for renewing ties in radical Islamic movements."We do not accept Islamic extremism. This is not a new policy ... but after what happened in Toulouse and Montauban we have to be more vigilant than ever," Gueant told BFM TV.

A preacher of Malian origin was deported for promoting antisemitism, advocating the full face veil and rejecting the West. Interior Minister Claude Gueant said two people had already been deported on Monday as part of laws aimed at protecting the state and ensuring public security.

For more: France deports Islamist militants, imams amid crackdown | Reuters

Spain reports arrest of al Qaeda recruiter suspect

Spanish police on Tuesday arrested a suspected member of al Qaeda who was key to the terror group's Internet propaganda and recruiting operations, officials said.

The suspect arrested in the eastern city of Valencia "administered one of the world's most important jihadist forums", dedicated to recruiting and indoctrinating Islamic terrorists, Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz said.

The name of that forum and the suspect's name were not given, only his initials, M.H.A. He is Jordanian-born with Saudi citizenship.

"He was known within the organization as al Qaeda's librarian," Fernandez Diaz said, without specifying what that term meant in this case.

For more: Spain reports arrest of al Qaeda suspect | CTV News

Bin Laden death prompts celebrations, reflection - by William M. Welch

From the White House fence to Ground Zero in New York City, the death of the world's most wanted terror kingpin triggered spontaneous demonstrations by thousands of exultant Americans as well as quieter moments of joy at justice delayed but ultimately served.

"This is one of the moments you remember for the rest of your life," said Alex Hongiyo, 19, a college senior who was among the throngs that gathered late Sunday night at the White House as President Obama announced that U.S. military special forces had located and killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

Bin Laden, founder and head of the al-Qaeda terrorist network behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and other acts of terrorism, "was our generation's Hitler," Hongiyo said.

For more: Bin Laden death prompts celebrations, reflection - USATODAY.com

Al Queda threatens Christmas "terror" in Europe and US

Insurgents captured in Iraq have reportedly claimed that Al Qaeda terrorists are planning suicide attacks in the US and Europe over the Christmas period.

Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari said Iraq has alerted US and European authorities as well as Interpol about the suspected plots. He did not specify which European country or countries are facing potential danger - and it was also not possible to verify the insurgents' claims.

However, Western counter-terrorism officials generally are on high alert during the festive period. This time of year is particularly in focus after the failed attack by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the so-called underwear bomber, who tried to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day 2009.