This got me a little riled up today when I heard it on the radio. Carried by the Telegraph, the headline says it all: Muslim police officer excused Israel guard duty.

If you read the first paragraph of the article I think it puts things into perspective. I have to say I doubt that that was the reason. Politically speaking the PR spin is unbelievable. I mean seriously, come on, who here thinks that this ‘policeman’ (and I quote it because I don’t believe he should be called one any longer) wanted other duties because his family might be in danger. I’m sure that Hamas keeps tabs on all the muslim officers in the Metropolitan police…

The second paragraph echoes my own belief on the matter.

What made me think about this though, is this: if this ‘policeman’ Omar Basha was afraid for his family then, and he assumed that Hamas was watching them or keeping an eye on them for reasons or retaliation, why is it ok to release information about him now? He still serves as a policeman right? He seems ok about protecting the Israeli Embassy now, right? Does he believe that Hamas now thinks it’s ok because Israel have stopped attacking Lebanon?

If they were a target then, they’re just as much a target now, Omar…

I’m not the only one that thinks the same way mind you. Look at these bloggers who also feel that the Telegraph’s reporting of the Scotland Yard PR spin is BS: Moonbattery makes a great point about a fire in a synagogue, what is Muslim fire fighters refuse to put out the fire on moral grounds? Infidel Bloggers Alliance has a great tag line, about Jewish doctors refusing treatment to muslims. Blackfive goes a little further, but still thinks that the Met’s decision to allow Omar’s request is shameful. Hillbilly White Trash thinks a little more extremely but still… Samizdata is another blogger that raises a good analogy, with BNP and african nations’ embassies.