Dutch biker gangs join fight against ISIS, government gives OK
There are some Dutch boots on the ground fighting ISIS in Iraq, and they are attached to bodies wearing black leather jackets, apparently. AFP reports:
The Dutch public prosecutor said on Tuesday that motorbike gang members who have reportedly joined Kurds battling the Islamic State group in Iraq are not necessarily committing any crime.
"Joining a foreign armed force was previously punishable, now it's no longer forbidden," public prosecutor spokesman Wim de Bruin told AFP.
"You just can't join a fight against the Netherlands," he told AFP after reports emerged that Dutch bikers from the No Surrender gang were fighting IS insurgents alongside Kurds in northern Iraq.
The head of No Surrender, Klaas Otto, told state broadcaster NOS that three members who travelled to near Mosul in northern Iraq were from Dutch cities Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Breda.
ISIS, with its goal of a global caliphate, military successes, and skyrocketing appeal to Muslims worldwide, is an existential threat to Western Civilization. These Dutch bikers certainly get it, and are spoiling for a fight. Bikers are known for treasuring their freedom and their willingness to defend themselves. If only more governments had their spirit. I give Holland credit for going along with this effort.