Dear Prime Minister,
Thank You, as a Muslim, as a female, and as a human being. You have shown me that you are honourable, compassionate and brave. March 15, 2019 is a day that will be remembered by many around the world. We lost 50 innocent lives that day. You stood with the Muslims, you didn’t let us feel alone, you called this incident what it was, a terrorist attack.
"You will never hear me mention his name," you kept him nameless, you denied him what he wanted—recognition. You comforted the victims, you changed gun laws, you offered to pay for the funerals of the victims and take care of the ones left behind.
You are a true leader, you grieved with the Muslim community, you opened up parliament with the Islamic greeting. You showed the work what a true leader looks like, you have earned respect from many around the world. Your actions inspired many, and I hope it inspires more.
On Friday, March 22, The Times newspaper printed the works "Salaam" (peace) in Arabic with all 50 names of the victims on the front page. Women in New Zealand wore the hijab (Islamic head covering) as a sign of respect and unity. There were hundreds who gathered outside a mosque and formed a human chain in Wellington, New Zealand, to protect the people praying inside. The call to prayer was broadcast on television and radio in New Zealand, too. London has also had people in Hijab outside the London Muslim centre handing out flowers to the women coming out after praying, they men also did the same too. Mosques around London saw non Muslims come out and show support, we had the call to prayer played in Trafalgar Square. On social media people have shown their solidarity by standing with Muslims.
These are only a few of the things that have taken place after the attacks, I like you will never utter this terrorists name, I have decided to list only the good that has happened after the attack instead of giving him recognition for the grief he has caused.
You, Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, have brought together many not only in New Zealand but all over the world. I hope the Prime Minister in my country and others follow your suit. I can never thank you enough for making a community all around the world feel like a part of yours.
Sincerely,
A Muslim
About the Creator
Parallel Protests
I haven't written for quite some time, but I have A LOT of thoughts about yesterday's protest rally against our government's involvement and complicity in America's war on Iran, on the harbourside of my home city Bristol, and I need to put them somewhere. My gorgeous girlfriend is always a loving and listening ear and sharing it all with her will always be a healthy and happy way of processing the mental and emotional weight, but getting it straight in my brain to share means writing it all down in straight lines, so, here we are and thanks for being here.
By Steph Cole8 days ago in The Swamp
HMS Prince of Wales Placed on Five Days’ Notice to Sail in Response to Middle East Crisis
UK’s flagship carrier prepared for rapid deployment as regional tensions escalate. The United Kingdom has placed its flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, on five days’ notice to sail, signalling a heightened state of readiness amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move reflects growing concern among Western governments that the volatile security situation in the region could require rapid military or humanitarian intervention. Officials from the Royal Navy confirmed that the carrier strike group has been ordered to prepare for potential deployment, although no final decision has been made on whether the vessel will actually be dispatched. The order means the ship and its crew must be ready to leave port within five days if instructed by the government. Strategic Readiness The aircraft carrier, one of the largest warships ever built for the UK, serves as a central pillar of Britain’s modern naval power. At more than 280 metres in length and capable of carrying dozens of aircraft, the vessel acts as a floating airbase capable of projecting military force far from British shores. The five-day readiness order allows commanders to respond quickly if the security situation deteriorates further in the Middle East. British defence planners have been monitoring the region closely as hostilities and military exchanges risk widening into a broader conflict. According to defence officials, placing a carrier on short notice is not uncommon during periods of geopolitical tension. However, the current step highlights the seriousness with which the UK government views the unfolding situation. Role of the Carrier Strike Group If deployed, Prince of Wales would likely operate as the centrepiece of a carrier strike group, a formation that typically includes escorting destroyers, frigates, submarines, and supply vessels. These ships provide protection, logistics, and additional firepower to support the carrier’s operations. The vessel is designed to operate advanced fighter aircraft such as the F‑35B Lightning II, which can conduct air defence, intelligence missions, and precision strikes. These aircraft are capable of short take-off and vertical landing, allowing them to operate from the carrier’s flight deck without the need for traditional catapult launch systems. The strike group also integrates helicopters for anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and search-and-rescue missions. Government Response to Regional Tensions The UK government has emphasised that the readiness order is part of broader contingency planning rather than a confirmation of imminent military involvement. Officials from the UK Ministry of Defence stated that maintaining flexible naval capability is essential when international crises develop rapidly. The Middle East remains one of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions, with vital shipping routes, energy infrastructure, and military alliances all at stake. Any escalation could have global consequences, including disruptions to maritime trade and energy supplies. British defence analysts say aircraft carriers are particularly valuable in such circumstances because they can provide a mobile military presence without relying on land bases in the region. Signal to Allies and Adversaries Deploying—or even preparing to deploy—a carrier strike group sends a powerful strategic signal. It demonstrates the UK’s ability to project power and support allies during times of instability. Experts note that readiness measures like the current order also serve a deterrent purpose. By positioning naval forces to respond quickly, governments can signal that they are prepared to protect national interests and international security commitments. The United Kingdom, as a member of NATO, frequently coordinates such deployments with allied nations. Carrier groups may operate alongside American, European, or regional naval forces during joint operations or crisis response missions. Crew Preparedness and Operational Readiness For the ship’s crew, the five-day notice means intensified preparation. Personnel must ensure all systems—from aircraft maintenance facilities to radar and communication networks—are fully operational. Logistical teams also begin loading supplies, ammunition, and spare parts required for extended deployments at sea. Large warships like Prince of Wales can operate for months at a time, but readiness for such missions requires meticulous planning. The vessel has undergone extensive training exercises in recent years to ensure it can respond effectively to a wide range of missions, from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. A Flexible Tool of Modern Naval Power Whether the carrier ultimately deploys will depend on how events unfold in the Middle East. For now, defence officials emphasise that the readiness order is precautionary. Nevertheless, the decision highlights the importance of aircraft carriers as flexible instruments of modern military strategy. In an era of rapidly evolving geopolitical crises, the ability to mobilise a powerful naval force at short notice remains a key component of Britain’s defence posture. As tensions continue to unfold, the presence—or potential presence—of Prince of Wales could play a significant role in shaping the international response to the crisis.
By Fiaz Ahmed 4 days ago in The Swamp
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