Muslim warns of Scotland's 'home-grown' terror threat

[Uthman]

SCOTLAND could face attacks by "home-grown" terrorists unless urgent action is taken, according to a prominent Muslim community leader.

Mohammed Akram, president of the Council of British Pakistanis (Scotland), warned there was no evidence that the country would be "immune" to incidents like the 7/7 bombings which targeted London's transport network.

His comments came as a report revealed that almost half of Scotland's mosque leaders believed extremism existed in Muslim communities north of the Border. A study by the council found that the "vast majority" of imams blamed the UK government's foreign policy.

Mr Akram said: "So far, the attacks have been unpredictable. The 7/7 attacks in London were home-grown and there's nothing to suggest that Scotland will be immune to that.

"We want our Muslim community to be more alert to try to combat extremism."

Mr Akram said beyond the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, other contributing factors cited for the rise of extremism were "wrong interpretation of Islam" and "lack of parental guidance".

However, more than two-thirds of Scotland's 31 imams said long-term government action, including financing an Islamic training college, would "help prevent extremism and terrorism".

The survey of head imams and their representatives - which is the result of the Scottish Executive-funded Democratic Participation Project - found two-thirds believed the relationship between Islam and the West would improve over the next decade. However, Osama Saeed, the Scottish spokesman for the Muslim Association of Britain, last night said the findings excluded the views of large sections of the Muslim community. He said:

"There is far more to the Muslim community than the mosques.

"By taking these views as the only ones which are valid, you are effectively ruling out women and people under 25, who don't feel engaged.

"It is similar to what the police used to do to when they went into the mosques but ended up only talking to middle-aged businessmen."

Mr Saeed also said "extremism" was a highly emotive word, which had various interpretations. "You have to question if those who openly espouse it and carry placards saying 'Death to Britain' mean it," he said.

"Secondly, those who are actually engaged in terrorism will be very secretive - the 7 July bombers are a good example."

A spokesman for the Edinburgh Central Mosque said: "Where actual extreme opinions exist, it is unlikely they would be aired in public.

"If someone had extreme views, the imam would engage them in discussion or, if they were talking about a criminal act, report them to the police.

"But there is a huge difference between having extreme views and plotting action.

Source

[Cognescenti]

Interesting post Osman


I am disappointed to see part of the blame ascribed to British foreign policy. That is tiresome.

From the article:

Mr Saeed also said "extremism" was a highly emotive word, which had various interpretations. "You have to question if those who openly espouse it and carry placards saying 'Death to Britain' mean it," he said.

"Secondly, those who are actually engaged in terrorism will be very secretive - the 7 July bombers are a good example."

I see Mr. Saeed's point, but one can't blame the locals for getting upset with "Death to Britain" signs. The secretive business is undoubtedly true. Britain now knows it has a serious potential threat with some of the thousands of foreign doctors brought in for the National Health Service.

[wilberhum]

However, more than two-thirds of Scotland's 31 imams said long-term government action, including financing an Islamic training college, would "help prevent extremism and terrorism".

What? The government should finance the teaching of Islam?
Why not teach them Christianity?

[aamirsaab]

...
I am disappointed to see part of the blame ascribed to British foreign policy. That is tiresome.

It's also true.

..I see Mr. Saeed's point, but one can't blame the locals for getting upset with "Death to Britain" signs.

I completely understand - it is human nature to act like that. The problem lies in when that thought process is generalised to all muslims. In simpler terms, not all muslims suck, but because a few do and society (in general) knows this, they stick the "you suck" label on every muslim. And quite frankly, that sucks because I for one do not suck. At all.

The secretive business is undoubtedly true. Britain now knows it has a serious potential threat with some of the thousands of foreign doctors brought in for the National Health Service.

Percieved threat is greater.

[Keltoi]

Sami....grow up.



On the issue of the article, I feel this is actually a good standard that Scotland's Muslim community is setting. Involving the Muslim community on this issue is critical. If good Muslim religious leaders wish to promote the true face of Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, that is only a good thing.

[Amadeus85]

Sami....grow up.



.

Couldnt say it better Keltoi.

[snakelegs]

this is a good step.
i wonder about this though....

However, more than two-thirds of Scotland's 31 imams said long-term government action, including financing an Islamic training college, would "help prevent extremism and terrorism".

i agree this would be very helpful because i think a lot of muslims who do terrible things don't even know what islam teaches.
however, i think the muslim community must do this itself. if the government did it, i think most would be very wary of it - and they would probably be right.

[Cognescenti]

It's also true.

No it isn't. Exactly what part of British foreign policy makes it Ok for a resident of Britain to carry a sign that says "Death to Britain", let alone give him permission to carry out the threat?

I completely understand - it is human nature to act like that. The problem lies in when that thought process is generalised to all muslims. In simpler terms, not all muslims suck, but because a few do and society (in general) knows this, they stick the "you suck" label on every muslim. And quite frankly, that sucks because I for one do not suck. At all.

I completely understand why you would feel like that but that is not the point Mr. Saeed was making. He was saying don't worry about the one carrying the "death to Britain" sign. Worry about the one that doesn't say anything The only way to solve that problem seems to be inside help.

Percieved threat is greater.

It was a percieved threat had anyone had the foresight to see it as a threat before it happened. Now it is a real threat. Now, you might say that it was an isolated event and the many thousands of other foreign doctors don't represent a threat and you might be right. On the other hand....

It seems it was what the FBI calls a BOG ("Bunch of Guys" self-radicalizing each other).

[Cognescenti]

What? The government should finance the teaching of Islam?
Why not teach them Christianity?

It's back...waaay back..it's outta here! It's a home run!

[Uthman]

Greetings Cognescenti,

No it isn't. Exactly what part of British foreign policy makes it Ok for a resident of Britain to carry a sign that says "Death to Britain", let alone give him permission to carry out the threat?

I think maybe you have misunderstood what the Imaams meant in ascribing blame to Britain's foreign policy. They are not justifying the terrorist attacks, but merely citing the reason for them.

Does that make sense? Or do you think I am wrong?



Regards