Refugees reporting Islamic State troops attacking Kobani speak French?

[Lodestar]

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/features/update/movie201410220810.html

[applegrove]

1. Wasn't Syria a french colony? Plus

Extremists from France and Canada. would almost all be able to speak french.

[Lodestar]

2. Perhaps able to speak French, but it seems very odd they didn't seem to understand Arabic.

And why would they speak in French to the Kurdish people? Very odd indeed.

[2naSalit]

3. Several parts of

North Africa and western coast of Africa were colonized by France... from whence now many of the fighters may have emerged.



Maybe they'll export ebola to the terrorists... that would be ironic.

[KoKo]

4. That's an interesting, helpful map..THX

But, please don't wish "Ebola" on anyone....

[2naSalit]

5. You're welcome.

Not "wishing" ebola on anyone, just a thought that came up when I was looking at the map.

Been having the "weirds" this past 36 hours after realizing my mom is in poor health and it's not looking too good, may have to travel to see her really soon to a place on the planet for which I really have no genuine positive regard... and facing the inevitability of mortality. Lack of sleep and appetite with the sense of approaching loss of a loved one can send the mind to strange places.

Anyway, the concept that many of the attackers in Asia Minor speaking French doesn't surprise me at all and the map illustrates why.

Cheers,

2na.

[KoKo]

6. No problem..I read too quickly and...

Sending ((((Good Vibes))) to you and your Mom and that you have a safe trip with strength to get through whatever you face.

I've printed out the map...and put it with other maps that help me makes sense of what is going on in the ME....so again, it's much appreciated.

[2naSalit]

7. Stuff happens

I thank you, too, for the good vibes. They seem to be working as I have just spoken with my nephew - like the son I never had - and he is willing to travel with me along with my favorite niece - his cousin. That way we can share the cost and catch up on our relationships since I don't see them often, they live about and hour apart from each other and have been very close since they were toddlers.

Glad the map helps, I was kind of surprised that the French colonies were as extensive as the map indicates. I knew about maybe two thirds of it.

And I thank you, as well, for all the posts you offer about what we face as a society.