DONATE

Are the Next Muslim Anti-Western Protests on the Horizon?

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Are the Next Muslim Anti-Western Protests on the Horizon?

Arab media platforms today (August 9, 2013) reported about a Volkswagen advertisement. The scene takes place in what seems to be a European urban environment (the car’s steering wheel is located on the right hand side of the car). The ad features a person parking a car that resembles a Polo Volkswagen next to a coffee shop. The person is wearing a keffiyeh – an Arab traditional headdress – around his neck. It turns out the man is a suicide bomber; he detonates himself inside the car, yet the car stays intact. The video concludes with the logo of Volkswagen and the phrase beneath says: “Polo. Small But Tough.” The video sub-title says “German Technology vs. Arab Technology.”

Reports about the video have resulted in an angry reaction among Palestinians. Reportedly, The Palestinian Foreign Minister, Dr. Riyad Al-Maliki, announced that the Palestinian Authority intends to file a law suit against Volkswagen.

I contacted Volkswagen and spoke to an official in the Company’s headquarters in Germany. They said that the company is aware of the video. According the official, the video is a fake and Volkswagen has already announced that it has no connection to the video.

Thus far, aside from the Palestinian Authority, the video has received relatively little reaction in the Arab and Muslim world. This may be attributed to the fact that Muslims are currently celebrating the eid al fitr holiday, a three-day celebration that follows Ramadan. Eid al fitr ends on Saturday’s night.

My assessment: It is my impression the video is indeed a fake. However, the reports in some Arab media do not give any room for Volkswagens’ formal response, thus the reports clearly give the reader the impression that the company is indeed responsible for the advertisement. As a result, and based upon past experience, one should not preclude the possibility that these reports in Arab media might spark an outburst of violent protests and demonstrations in different parts of the Muslim world, including Muslim communities in non-Muslim states. In that context, the scenario of attacks on Volkswagen agencies and property should be also taken seriously.

If you want to have a better understanding of the news and what really drives the unfolding events…
Read the latest book of Avi Melamed,
INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | ENTERING A NEW ERA, available now >>>

Follow me on Twitter @AviMelamed; Facebook @InsideTheMiddleEast; for more Videos on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AviMelamed

I can always be reached at Av*@********ed.com

Avi Melamed
Avi Melamedhttps://insidethemiddle-east.com
Avi Melamed is an expert on current affairs in the Arab & Muslim World and their impact on Israel & the Middle East. A former Israeli Intelligence Official & Senior Official on Arab Affairs, Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, he has held high-risk Government, Senior Advisory, Intelligence & Counter-Terrorist intelligence positions in Arab cities & communities - often in very sensitive times - on behalf of Israeli Government agencies. He is the Founder & CEO of Inside the Middle East | Intelligence Perspectives - an apolitical non-partisan curriculum using intelligence methodology to examine the Middle East. As an Author, Educator, Expert, and Strategic Intelligence Analyst, Avi provides Intelligence Analysis, Briefings, and Geopolitical Tours to diplomats, Israeli and foreign policymakers, global media outlets, and a wide variety of international businesses, organizations, and private clients on a range of Israel and Middle East Affairs.

JOIN THE HUB Newsletter

BUY THE BOOK

New book by Avi Melamed, acclaimed intelligence & geopolitical analyst - Inside the middle east | Entering a new era | published in 2022

MORE FROM ITME

Israeli Army Expands Ground Operations as U.S. Continues to Push for Pause | WJS WALL STREET JOURNAL

Avi Melamed’s insights quoted in “Israeli Army Expands Ground Operations as U.S. Continues to Push for Pause", an article by By Dov Lieber, Dion...

Clashes in Ain al-Hilweh, a Palestinian Refugee Camp in South Lebanon

Clashes in Ain al-Hilweh, a Palestinian Refugee Camp in South Lebanon | Intelligence Bulletin March 12, 2013 ******* Information Date: March 12, 2013 Event Date: March 11,...

Biden’s hope for alternatives fade as Israel appears to signal Gaza invasion | THE GUARDIAN

Avi Melamed’s insights about “Biden’s hope for alternatives fade as Israel appears to signal Gaza invasion" were quoted in this article by Julian Borger...

Israel Opening Its Doors to Syrian Refugees?

Israel Opening Its Doors to Syrian Refugees? | Immediate Intelligence Bulletin Information Date: May 11, 2013 Event Date: May 10, 2013               Information Item: Israel Allowing...

Donald Trump’s Golf Course Wrecked by Pro-Palestine Protesters | NEWSWEEK

Donald Trump's Golf Course Wrecked by Pro-Palestine Protesters | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted in this article by by Brendan Cole Senior News Reporter for...