Why the extremism taskforce will fail
Blair is naive to imagine that moderate Muslim institutions can soothe the breasts of disgruntled youth by Josie Appleton
Blair's order for Muslim organisations to keep their youth in line is a prime example of the British elite's gutlessness. It just won't face up to the source of the problem: that young Muslims feel alienated from mainstream British institutions. Instead, the issue is written off as a theological confusion, which only mosques can sort out. 'Go on - tell them that Mohammed didn't say that!', is Blair's message to the Imams. Passing the buck from the government of Britain to the Muslim Council of Britain is likely to increase young Muslims' sense of grievance. Outside Finsbury Park mosque last night, one young man complained: 'Everything is blamed on Muslims. But you can't just point the finger; you have to try and understand.'
Inayat Bunglawala from the MCB notes that 'the government calls on the Muslim community to engage in introspection, but it itself doesn't engage in introspection'. Rather than twist Sir Iqbal Sacranie's arm, it might be better for the government to look closer to home.
Blair's order for Muslim organisations to keep their youth in line is a prime example of the British elite's gutlessness. It just won't face up to the source of the problem: that young Muslims feel alienated from mainstream British institutions. Instead, the issue is written off as a theological confusion, which only mosques can sort out. 'Go on - tell them that Mohammed didn't say that!', is Blair's message to the Imams. Passing the buck from the government of Britain to the Muslim Council of Britain is likely to increase young Muslims' sense of grievance. Outside Finsbury Park mosque last night, one young man complained: 'Everything is blamed on Muslims. But you can't just point the finger; you have to try and understand.'
Inayat Bunglawala from the MCB notes that 'the government calls on the Muslim community to engage in introspection, but it itself doesn't engage in introspection'. Rather than twist Sir Iqbal Sacranie's arm, it might be better for the government to look closer to home.
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