"....FT: Were there warning signs of a growing threat to Europe before the London bombs?
J-L B: In my opinion the most interesting attack for analysis is the one in Istanbul. The symbolism is a fundamental element that we neglect in the overall problem. The issue is not just about the number of victims, it is also the value of the event in a media, political and geopolitical context.
Istanbul is a European target, all about Turkey’s application for European Union membership. It is incontestable that the real target was British, with the consulate and HSBC being hit. It was a direct warning. The state visit of President Bush to the UK on that day should also be taken into account. It is the first time that al-Qaeda interfered with the political agenda of states."
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