UK government report: Foreign policy a cause of UK extremism

db: The instinct of the Blair government to come down hard on all suggestions of a 'link' between foreign policy and the events still unfolding on the streets of London is that of self preservation. Whilst Blair is currently enjoying the public's support for what is seen as a 'statesmanlike' approach to the latest challenges, he is wise enough to know that time will tell - and a combination of future dramas and/or security failures/cock-ups mixed with an open debate could yet bring him nearer to a resignation speech than he thought was possible a month ago.

If evidence is needed regarding the government's real thoughts regarding the threat of terrorism to the UK then the 2004 document 'Draft Report on Young Muslims and Extremism' is a reasonable place to start

Globalsecurity.org:

Draft Report on Young Muslims and Extremism
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office/Home Office
April 2004

There is no simple cause and effect and we must avoid generalising. We need to understand better the causes and extent of extremism, and the nature of links between extremism and terrorism. A strong Muslim identity and strict adherence to traditional Muslim teachings are not in themselves problematic or incompatible with Britishness. Factors which may attract some to extremism include:

* Anger: a perception of "double standards" in British' foreign policy, where democracy is preached but oppression of the 'Ummah' (the one nation of believers) is practiced or tolerated e.g . in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Chechnya; a consequent sense of helplessness over the situation of Muslims generally; the lack of any real opportunities to vent frustration. The following quote by a young British Muslim leader best demonstrates the link between extremism/terrorism amongst young British Muslims and foreign policy issues. "What is needed is a debate about the root cause of terrorism, which is our country's foreign policy. As part of a truly globalised community, many young British Muslims carry the burden of struggles elsewhere - Palestine, Iraq and Kashmir." (Quote from Osama Saeed-Muslim Association of Britain, The Observer- 4th April 2004) .

* Alienation: the struggle to reconcile a modern Islamic identity with modern secular challenges; a general lack of young Muslim participation in mainstream politics and public life; Islamophobia and ignorance about Islam in British society and the media creating alienation, including among educated professionals; a perception that counter-terrorism powers are targeted at Muslims.

* Activism: a proactive desire to forge an alternative Islamic identity to that of parents but often without an underpinning knowledge of Islam, disillusionment with 'sell-out' mainstream Muslim organisations; a desire for simple 'Islamic' solutions; the search for practical goals and a purpose in life, the need to belong: all driving vulnerable youngsters in unpredictable directions .

A number of extremist groups are acriveiy recruiting young British Muslims. Most do not advocate violence. But they can provide an environment for some to gravitate to violence. Extremists target poor and disadvantaged Muslims, including through mosque and prison contact. But they also target middle class students and affluent professionals through schools and college campuses. Others get recruited through personal contact, often by chance, and maintain a low profile for operational purposes .

The Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, which make up nearly two thirds of Muslims in the UK, experience very high levels of economic and educational disadvantage. Overall, Muslims have unemployment three times above the wider population, poor qualifications (over two fifths have none) and high representation in deprived areas. Read Full