A hard question to answer in the Belgian capital
Updated: 2015-11-23 08:37
By Fu Jing(China Daily)
|
||||||||
Fueling the fear is the fact that a 25-minute walk from the center of Brussels brings you to the Molenbeek area of the capital, which has been linked to Paris attacks and a number of other terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, it has been reported that more than 100 militants might be in Belgium, with hundreds more in other European countries.
People's normal daily lives have been changed by such reports and the heightened terror alert, and many people have canceled their scheduled weekend activities, and have chosen instead to stay at home.
Of course, ordinary people should follow the instructions of the government. But in the face of such a threat, the government should do more to eliminate the loopholes that may give terrorists a chance to attack.
It is true before the terror alert was raised to the highest level, European institutions and other governmental offices were protected by the soldiers during office hours on weekdays.
But as my son told me, schools are not well protected. And the airport and train stations are free to enter without any luggage checks before moving into the halls.
These are obvious loopholes; especially in a time of emergency such as this. Police and soldiers should be with the ordinary people to boost their sense of security.
A message has been widely spreading on WeChat, the most popular instant messaging service in China, teaching how to pronounce "Brothers, please don't open fire" in Arabic language. And people are suggesting ways to teach kids what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.
It is distressful to learn this kind of survival knowledge. Europe is one of the most wealthy and livable continents in the world. Why has it come to this? How can the roots of terrorism on the continent be dug up has become the question on most people's lips.
The author is China Daily chief correspondent in Brussels.
fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
- Landmarks of Paris reopen for tourists after terrorist attacks
- UN condemns terrorist attacks in Paris
- President Xi extends condolences to France, condemns terrorist attacks
- Criminal Law amended to combat terrorist activities
- China condemns terrorist bombings in Ankara, Turkey
- China's anti-terrorism efforts: Xinjiang terrorist suspect tells his story
- Global health entering new era: WHO chief
- Brazil's planning minister steps aside after recordings revelation
- Vietnam, US adopt joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
- European border closures 'inhumane': UN refugee agency
- Japan's foreign minister calls A-bombings extremely regrettable
- Fukushima impact unprecedented for oceans: US expert
- Stars of Lijiang River: Elderly brothers with white beards
- Wealthy Chinese children paying money to learn British manners
- Military-style wedding: Fighter jets, grooms in dashing uniforms
- Striking photos around the world: May 16 - May 22
- Robots help elderly in nursing home in east China
- Hanging in the air: Chongqing holds rescue drill
- 2.1-ton tofu finishes in two hours in central China
- Six things you may not know about Grain Buds
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |