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Successive waves of immigrants to Australia largely abandoned disputes in their homelands after reaching our shores. Indeed, many immigrants from Europe, Asia and elsewhere specifically came to Australia so that they could escape violence and conflict.
Unfortunately, this inclination to leave troubles behind is not universal. Australia's Muslim community features a small but troubling minority who actively seek out opportunities to take up arms. It is estimated that more than 100 Australian Muslims, many from NSW, have so far travelled to Syria and joined in the civil war.
Another reminder of local links to the Syrian war came on the weekend with the arrest of a young woman at Sydney International Airport. The 29-year-old, who allegedly was caught attempting to ferry cash and equipment to her husband in Syria, was charged with supporting incursions into a foreign state with the intention of engaging in hostile activities.