SATS Loc: Belgium

This is not a usual subject.

ISIS achieved one of their objectives by having military placed on the streets of Belgium. It was not a popular move and the government was damned if it did and damned if it didn't. Fortunately there were no further incidents following the Brussels airport attack although in places where folks gathered, like cinemas etc, ladies had to have the contents handbags and purses inspected and men had to open their coats to show they were not carrying weapons. Following the demise of the Caliphate and the large reduction of so called internet 'Hate sites' and ISIS recruiting sites, the government yesterday reduced the alert level from 3 out of 4 to 2 out of 4. After Brussels there were 1800 military on the streets which has been gradually reduced to 1000. Now there there will be a reduced less obvious presence as things hopefully return to normality.

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rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Nice camouflage color pattern.

SATS Loc: Belgium

Thanks for looking in.

pdsdville Loc: Midlothian, Tx

Nice captures. They look ready for trouble.

SATS Loc: Belgium

I think that is their job. It is not so pleasant that they have to be here at all, those are not toy guns they are walking around with. I just hope that we are not being prepared for something and the other foot is about to fall. Thanks for the comment.

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

Sad times we live in. There is a lot of hatred out there and we have to be prepared. Hopefully these will just be painful reminders some time in the future. Very nice shots-well done!

SATS Loc: Belgium

Thanks Bob, I agree with you, let's hope it is all something we can put behind us.

Stephan G

I also wish the same. History and reality say different. We have to remain vigilant for the evils that will erupt.

"Hope for the best. Expect the worst. And be pleasantly surprised."

SATS Loc: Belgium

There are some disquieting predictions for 2018 for those who like to future watch, so keep a wary eye out, be ready and hope that none of it is true.

Ted H. Funk

Very good images of a most unfortunate current situation! The last time I was in the Old Town Main Square (Market Square) with its picturesque historic buildings surrounding it, there was nothing like this and I hope perhaps Brussels can someday return to normalcy! The only time I did see something similar was when I was in Cairo, less than two weeks after Anwar Sadat was assassinated and there was Egyptian military all over the place who seemed very nervous!

SATS Loc: Belgium

Thanks for commenting Ted, it really is appreciated. Mostly you hear about this sort of stuff on the news in some other part of the world but it is different when it is on your own doorstep. Brussels centre is very beautiful. I came to Belgium with my work about 25 years ago and ended up marrying a girl from greater Antwerp so that is 'town' for me. I don't know how much you managed to see over here but Leuven, Gent and Bruges are also beautiful cities (amongst others).

I think Sadat was a very brave man. He had some forewarning it was going to happen but he stood up anyway. It was not at all like this coup that wasn't in Turkey recently. Since the Egyptian thing was a military coup they didn't know if there was going to be a backlash or where it was going to come from so the fact they were twitchy is understandable. Our soldiers were calm, professional and didn't cause any alarm amongst the public. In general, people knew why they were there and went along with the situation. The only disturbing thing so far as I am concerned is that it sets a precedent so that if people have accepted it once it is easier to implement should there be any problems in the future.

Thanks again for looking in.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

We have a lady friend in the diplomatic corps who said Belgium was the most dangerous place she has been posted - longest 2 yrs she spent anywhere.

Stephan G

One thing that shows strongly about coups and revolutions is they never result in for what was hoped. Generally here in the US, many do not comprehend the forces working around the world. It is almost unbelievable how things can change so quickly.

Not many study how Gaius Julius became Imperator of Rome.

PS, those troop wear targets on their backs.

Ted H. Funk

I've been to beautiful & picturesque Bruges twice, once specifically to photograph the Festival of
the Golden Fleece which was fantastic, not to mention the lovely city itself---as you know, it's called "The Venice of the North" and it is MUCH cleaner in the waterways than Venice itself!

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee