Is British foreign policy fuelling extremism?

Question

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has met with Muslim leaders, stressing that they have to tackle extremism within their communities.

The meeting comes in response to the call from British Muslim groups for "urgent" changes to UK foreign policy, particularly in Lebanon and Iraq.

Muslim MPs, peers and community leaders say the prime minister's policies in the Middle East and Iraq have given "ammunition to extremists".

Do you think UK foreign policy is encouraging extremism? Do you think a change in foreign policy is necessary and would it reduce the threat of terrorism?
(BBC News)

Answer 1

How precisely are Muslims supposed to "tackle" extremism? What if the Muslim Council said "you must tackle BNP supporters in your community"? How would you do that? I mean you'd get f*ing stabbed for even criticising them! Alright - they could try, but when the G-WOT (global war on terror) really means "the global war on muslims" (cause let's face it, it is - the only member of the Axis of Evil that isn't a Muslim theocracy is North Korea, despite the fact that there are loads of other countries with seriously dangerous governments that AREN'T Muslim) there may be racial profiling introduced (which means anyone who is Muslim gets searched, anyone who isn't - doesn't) people say to Muslims "you're all terrorists, get out of our country, you're not welcome" - it's quite a hostile atmosphere isn't it? If it was happening to you you'd get pretty damn angry. Of course it's no excuse for blowing yourself and innocent civilians up - but then are imaginary WMDs an excuse for blowing up Iraqi civilians? Are a couple of terrorist attacks an excuse for robbing British people of nearly a thousand years of democratic progress overnight?

Answer 2

British foreign policy isn't fuelling extremism.

It is ignorance and the lack of education in the middle east.

Hell, look at the war in Iraq. You had people actually thinking that the US wanted to invade and take over Iraq. Like the US would want to come in and take their mud brick shantees.

We need to modernise the middle east so that education will become the predominant force, not religous fervor.

No matter what stance Britian takes, they'd still be a target.

Now, you could argue that france or germany hasn't been hit, but this is because there are larger targets. However, let me assure you that if everyone had the stance of germany and france, someone would still be a target.

It's hard to argue with someone that wants you destroyed because you allow women to vote, drive and wear jeans.

Answer 3

It is so obvious that extremism is an answer to oppression. The Middle East societies have been oppressed by their governments for a very long time. However, the people perceive their governments as toys in the hands of super powers (USA, England) Therefore they blame the West in General. I believe that people of the Middle East should rise against their governments and stop blaming the West. You have a huge amount of wealth, very large population, Huge landscape. If you guys rise up and bring down your governments, you should be OK.

Answer 4

I feel it is better to strike now before the situation escalates beyond control. There is clearly a movement against the Western world that has been gaining momentum for decades. If we do nothing about it now it will be impossible to control in the future.
I would not change the foreign policy.

Answer 5

Britain is paying the price for its imperial past, its sad loss of manpower in two world wars, the general European appeasement of terrorists and warmongers, and its own self-loathing.

Pakistani and other Muslim workers came to Britain to fill the jobs that dead soldiers could not fill after WW II. They were quiet, peace-loving economic migrants. But their offspring did not and could not -- in many cases fit in. Hostile clergy came to Britain because religious-freedom rules gave them easy visas. They ranted against their host country.

The rest is history: unemployed and disillusioned youth fell for the rants. Some Christian youth converted and -- like converts everywhere -- became even more extreme than those born into the religion.

Welcome to history: shoe bomber Richard Reid and all the others.

Answer 6

I think changing the foreign policy would be doing exactly what the terrorists want, and I don't think doing so would reduce the threat posed. It might even encourage other groups to take similar actions to fulfill their own agenda.

Answer 7

Other way around. Extremism is fueling GB foreign policy.