The gunman Haron Monis arrived in Australia as an Iranian foreign national seeking asylum, To clear up a few misconceptions about this attack that is causing hysteria and Islamaphobia, here are some facts.

This was not a terrorist attack – Haron Monis was a lone wolf and a mentally ill criminal not under the direction of ISIS although inspired by ISIS and other Jihadi groups.

Islamic State are not involved -The gunman’s flag was not ISIS he used the flag of  Jabhat Al-Nusra another organisation.

Haron Monis was Iranian –Iranians are mostly Shi’a muslim and are at war with the Islamic state who are Sunni Muslim.

What are ISIS objectives? -To form an Islamic nation in the middle east.

Is Islamic State a threat to New Zealanders? The risk is low, Islamic state doesn’t have any focus on New Zealand or interest in the south pacific.

 What this means to you

Anti terrorism laws –MP Mark Mitchell was declaring New Zealand’s law changes “100 per cent justified.”Anti terrorism laws have never been used to disrupt  Jihadi groups they have been used  to suppress Maori nationalists.

Justification for war -The minister of defence Jerry Brownlee is looking to deploy mechanized infantry to Iraq next year where many defence force personnel will lose their lives.

Lock up criminals and throw away the key -Haron Monis was on parole when the  incident occurred this will be used to as a case to build more prisons and New Zealand offenders to be locked up longer.

Islamaphobia – is a term for prejudice against, hatred towards, or fear of the religion of Islam, Muslims, or of ethnic groups perceived to be Muslim.