Revoking Passports?

An editorial by some anonymous person posted in the New Zealand Herald today claimed that it's wrong to cancel the passports of New Zealand citizens who go to fight in Syria. I balked at this and posted a comment along with over a hundred other readers.

Editorial: Drastic move to cancel passports is plain wrong

Here is my comment.

"The vast majority of so called rebels are Islamists who reject Assad's secular government. They don't want a secular government. They want a fusion of mosque and state with sharia law. The most intense persecution against Christians and other minorities today is being unleashed by these fanatics.

The reason that the vast majority of the American public pressured Obama and American politicians to refrain from attacking Syria is because they didn't want their military to be Al-Qaeda's air force. Think about the fact that Saudi Arabia which has an appalling human rights record is the main sponsor of these fanatics. I'm disappointed that this writer didn't reveal their name. Every one can see my name. I really don't like John Key but I agree with him on this one."

I'm disappointed that those who agree with the author can't see the rebels for who they really are. I can see where the power to revoke Edward (and others like him) Snowden's passport is corrupt but any one who goes to Syria to fight with the rebels will be brainwashed by the most fanatical jihad mentality if they're not already brainwashed by the time they get there.

It was only in the past couple of weeks that we saw video of a suicide truck bomb at a Syrian prison perpetrated by a British citizen. My question especially for British and American citizens is whether or not they agree with the author. Is it wrong to revoke passports for citizens who go off to fight in other people's wars?

reply to post by ExPatRat


It's all a big act. A show for entertainment, a play on stage with audience participation.
So avant garde. Telling the true story of just how sick and twisted our rulers really are.
The only verdict is vengence and it shall be realised.

In todays world most likely youd get taken out by a drone strike or a holiday in guantanamo rather than passport revoked.

reply to post by ExPatRat


We've recently had this discussion in Canada under the guise of Immigration reform. I think each case must be considered on a case by case basis if there is no government policy about this. Our government has outlawed certain groups such as Hezbollah, but there are other groups in Syria too. I don't think the situation there is back and white. I personally feel that government needs to discuss this and have a clear policy about this situation.

What about the Ukraine? In the beginning, it looked like the government there was carrying out some badass stuff against the people, but in a week some people are calling for civil war and are urging its expats to come join them. Then there's the Serbian uprising this week. So it really needs to be debated and the results obtained should be the formulation of a clear policy. Failing that, then when those warriors return, your local friendly version of the NSA will be in their life for an impressive amount of activity.

reply to post by ExPatRat


I certainly think they should. I think or first generaton immigrants should only ever have conditional citzenship anyway. Certinaly hsows the lie to them claiming to be asslyum seekers anyway.

Its all one big crock of crap anyways,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,