/ world today news/ General Brigo Asparuhov is a Bulgarian intelligence officer and politician. He is a deputy in the 39th National Assembly. He is a former director of the National Intelligence Service. He is known for his very accurate predictions about political processes in the country and in the world. Islamic fundamentalism has become the greatest danger to all mankind. We sought his expert opinion on these processes.
Interview of Albena Borisova
– Is there a danger from “Islamic State” for Bulgaria, Mr. Asparuhov?
– There is danger for all countries in the world. Especially for the European ones. We are not isolated. But I have faith in our security services that they can handle it. I hope that Bulgaria’s potential will protect itself.
– Could the scandal in Pazardzhik be an indication of an Islamist danger for Bulgaria?
– It could be connected in this direction. But the preventive measures of the National Security Agency and the Ministry of the Interior have cooled passions, at least for now.
– You say you believe in the professionalism of our security forces. At the same time, in ten days there were five show shootings…
– Show killings happen everywhere. Including in the USA. It should not be generalized.
– If we go back to the Islamic State, didn’t we, the Europeans, light the fuse? I also mean the Charlie Hebdo cartoons. To put it mildly, it is a lack of taste to make fun of religious symbols?! Not to mention it’s sacrilege. They also make fun of the Mother of God, Christ…
– Yes, I agree. Borders should not be crossed. Especially with the religious feelings and that of the Muslim world. Islam is a religion that has its own characteristics…
– In this regard, aren’t the recently fierce attacks against the DPS dangerous?
– I don’t see an attack on DPS. I take it as an expression of different positions of different political parties. DPS is one of the political parties of Bulgaria.
– Russian journalist Vladimir Dobrynin from “Vzglyad” says that Islam will take over Europe without a single shot, because the population professing this faith is increasing?!
– For 20 years and more, I have seen a continuous increase of Muslims in Europe. But I cannot make such a terrifying prediction as Dobrinin.
– Was the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry an absentee conversation between the US and Russia?
– No. It is a direct conversation between American and Bulgarian politicians. The US wants to activate NATO member countries in our region. Against the background of the conflict in Ukraine and what is happening in Greece with the preponderance of the left party SYRIZA. That’s why American diplomacy makes shuttles. We can say that it is about taking measures openly against Russia.
– But from these measures we only lose, at least for now? “South Stream” became “Turkish Stream”, not to mention the other energy projects before it….
– Yes, it is. We lost. But in this global politics between Russia and the US, we cannot be winners. We are losing in the economic sphere, but we are strengthening the confidence of our European partners. Bulgaria is a small country. And when she takes the wrong steps, she is the only one who suffers. The point is that the US does not make such mistakes, because they affect a very large part of the world.
– Are we on the verge of a new cold war?
– We don’t need a new cold war with an unknown end. This is the place to express my disagreement with Mikhail Gorbachev, who predicted a possible nuclear war. And that means the end of the world. We all have to be smart.
#danger #Islamic #State #country
How does General Asparuhov’s framing of “Islamic fundamentalism” as the “greatest danger to all mankind” potentially contribute to Islamophobia and prejudice?
## World Today News Interview Analysis: Islamic Fundamentalism and Global Politics
**Introduction:**
Welcome to this in-depth analysis of a recent interview conducted by Albena Borisova with General Brigo Asparuhov, a prominent Bulgarian intelligence officer and politician, regarding the threat of Islamic fundamentalism and its implications for Bulgaria and the world. This interview, published on world-today-news.com, touches on several crucial topics, sparking debate and raising important questions.
Let’s delve into the key thematic sections of this interview and explore them with open-ended questions designed to encourage thoughtful discussion and diverse perspectives.
**I. The Threat of Islamic Fundamentalism:**
* **General Asparuhov states that “Islamic fundamentalism has become the greatest danger to all mankind.” Do you agree with this statement? What are the arguments for and against this perspective? **
* **The interview mentions the “charlie hebdo cartoons” incident. How do you think freedom of expression should be balanced with the need to respect religious sensibilities? Is there a line that should not be crossed?**
**II. The Situation in Bulgaria:**
* **General Asparuhov expresses confidence in Bulgarian security services’ ability to handle the threat of Islamic fundamentalism. How convincing do you find his argument? What specific measures should be taken to prevent potential attacks?**
* **The interview refers to the scandal in Pazardzhik as a possible indication of Islamist danger in Bulgaria. How should authorities react to such incidents? What is the role of public discourse in preventing extremism?**
* **General Asparuhov downplays the significance of recent “show killings” in Bulgaria, comparing them to similar incidents in the USA. Do you agree with this comparison? What are the potential consequences of minimizing these events?**
**III. The Broader Geopolitical Context:**
* **Vladimir Dobrynin argues that Islam will take over Europe without a single shot. Do you find this prediction plausible? What factors might contribute to the growth of Islam in Europe?**
* **General Asparuhov suggests that the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry to Bulgaria was aimed at activating NATO member countries against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine and the rise of SYRIZA in Greece. How do you interpret US foreign policy in Eastern Europe?**
* **The interview acknowledges Bulgaria’s economic losses due to the redirection of energy projects like “South Stream” towards Turkey. What are the long-term implications of these geopolitical shifts for Bulgaria?**
**IV. The Risk of a New Cold War:**
* **General Asparuhov warns against the danger of a new Cold War. How relevant is this concern in today’s global political landscape? What factors could contribute to an escalation of tensions between Russia and the West?**
* **Mikhail Gorbachev predicts a possible nuclear war. Do you share his concerns? What steps can be taken to prevent nuclear proliferation and ensure global security?**
**Concluding Thoughts:**
The interview with General Brigo Asparuhov offers a valuable perspective on the complex challenges posed by Islamic fundamentalism and the intricacies of global politics. By engaging with these open-ended questions, we can delve deeper into these issues, fostering a more nuanced and informed understanding of the world around us.
Remember, the aim is not necessarily to arrive at definitive answers but rather to encourage critical thinking, thoughtful debate, and a willingness to explore multiple perspectives.