Bradford Muslim Councillor poses with an RPG

First we had the scandal of Bradford Respect candidate Asif Khan pictured on Facebook holding a machine gun, and now we have another involving sitting Labour Muslim councillor for the city's Toller ward, Amir Hussain. On this occasion however, Mr Hussain is not brandishing a machine gun, but holding a rocket propelled grenade with two guns in the background! Where was this delightful picture (see below) taken? Well, apparently it was taken in Afghanistan as was Mr Khan's, this time 20 rather than 10 years ago. What was Mr Hussain doing there? The Telegraph and Argus reports him as saying that he made the trip "as a local businessman, to distribute funds raised as part of a Bradford radio appeal." If you gave money to that appeal, how do you feel now? Duped?

How very strange that Amir Hussain's and Asif Khan's 'charitable' missions to Afghanistan both involved heavy-duty firearms. These followers of the "religion of peace" certainly have an odd perception of 'charity', do they not? Politics in Bradford is a rum old business.

Amir Hussain on his 'charitable' mission to Afghanistan

Respect's Machine Gun Etiquette

The title of this piece could just as readily have been "Muslim Machine Gunner has Bowling and Barkerend in his Sights", but naturally, I resisted the temptation to post something in such poor taste. However, it would appear that the Respect candidate for the ward of Bowling and Barkerend - Asif Khan - was quite happy up until a couple of days ago to have been pictured on his Facebook page brandishing a machine gun. What was depicted in the picture was all quite innocent of course; "charity work" in Afghanistan some ten years ago apparently. Afghan chuggers evidently use rather heavier tactics than a bit of unbidden and jaunty clipboard waving and faux bonhomie whilst you are out shopping. Now, I wonder what manner of charity Mr Khan was assisting? Afghan Heart Foundation? Afghan Water Aid? Perhaps not. Maybe a little assistance with one of the local outward bound youth camps? Should someone ask Mr Khan? Then again, this might not be such a good idea, given that he is not an overly fluent user of English, and thus might not be able to explain himself properly.

Asif Khan: Your charitable Respect Candidate

Khan's relaxed machine gun pose has been a godsend (allahsend?) to his opponents, particularly to Labour, who have been making a big song and dance (behaviours condemned by many 'devout' Afghans) about the picture which has subsequently been removed from his Facebook account. Besides this one image, there are also many others featuring Mr Khan with shotguns, for he has declared that he is rather keen on attending "shooting grounds" in Skipton. "Shooting grounds" - there's a rather chilling ring to this term isn't there? Rather like "killing fields". Still, so far as I'm aware, Mr Khan has not previously opted for a holiday in Cambodia. This particular candidate ought to get together with neo-Nazi gun nut Dave Jones who is standing for election in Todmorden, for they are well matched.

Could it be the case that Khan's opponents have missed footage of his earlier association with machine guns? Who is this turbaned individual introducing the Cramps' 'Bikini Girls with Machine Guns'? Take it away Lux!