Could this author name just one non-Islamic ‘terrorist’ group that has ever been a threat to Australia? As has often been correctly said, while most Muslims are not terrorists, most terrorists are Muslims.

The statement “…since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the subsequent War on Terror, human rights in Australia have taken a severe beating” is absolute nonsense. The human rights of Australians, including Muslims, have not been affected in any way whatsoever. Instead, there are some Islamist maniacs who were an obvious threat to all of us doing time in jail. And, like all Islamist terrorists, they were as much a threat to Muslim Australians as they were to the rest of us. Throughout the world, these lunatics kill Muslims; far, far more than they kill non-Muslims.

As for being ‘targeted’ for security reasons, people who explicitly display difference and obvious signs of religion via dress should exercise simple common sense and realise that insisting on looking different will ensure that the are treated differently. Western countries are not the place to be flaunting Muslim garb when Islam is generally regarded as a threat to the West, whether or not most Muslims are a threat individually; this is especially important, as most Muslims, like this author, do not condemn terrorism openly and blame everyone else but themselves for perceived ‘discrimination’ against them.

Anyone who says that the Australian Government’s counter terrorism actions are playing into the hands of terrorists has views so far out of kilter with society that she will only further isolated herself from that society. The “paranoia” lies with her and other Muslims who share her views; it is not a disease of main-stream Australia which, unlike Islam, is democratically dedicated to the human rights denied to Muslims all over the world where Islam, not elected representatives, rules.

I have to disagree with Leigh, who is obviously of the opinion that if you wear Muslim garb, you deserve to be treated as a terrorist. This is a prime example of how human rights have been degraded by our various governments since September 11. The Haneef case is another, where Habeus Corpus, one of the foundation stones of civil liberties, has been suspended for the sole purpose of demonising those of a different religion.
There is no paranoia here. The terrorists have succeeded, with tacit support from government. Travel is now delayed and travellers treated as potential terrorists. Civil liberties are curtailed, regardless of what Leigh says by the suspension of Habeus Corpus, the right to legal advice and the right to discuss what you may or may not have been charged with. The throwaway line by past Federal Police Commissioner Keelty that the media should perhaps be banned from reporting on terrorism related cases is frightening.
The line from the US "I love my country, but I fear my government" is rapidly approaching relevance in Australia. It would also apply to people like Leigh who would happily suppress my rights and liberties. Another adage "those who surrender liberty for security deserve neither" is also becoming applicable.
I should mention here that I am not Muslim.

I'd agree with the author as to the threat from anti-terrorist laws It's difficult to understand to what extent the anti-terrorism legislation is justified,the most sinister aspect is the possibility that governments might extend these laws. Are terrorists criminals, or are we at war? I doubt that a Bill of Rights would be much protection when the public,lawmakers and judiciary are frightened,the famous US Constitutional rights provisions didn't protect Americans from the notorious "Patriot Act".

However,when we consider Moslems and terrorism,the question is simple, given any terrorist act,the question is 'what is the probability it was committed by Moslems'? The answer is-"High",so 'profiling' is an efficient method for law enforcement agencies to adopt. Melati Lum didn't, in the article, suggest what alternative measures that should be taken by the security sevices.Why does the author write 'terrorists' in quotes, what else are these psychopaths if they're not terrorists.? After any terrorist atrocity the usual response from the Islamic community seems to be more one of self -pity than denunciation of the criminals who committed the atrocity.
It's much easier to be a Moslem in Australia than a non-Moslem in any Islamic majority country.

Indeed life is tougher for Muslims today.

The more so because of the voluntary, community or religious court enforced decisions of many Muslims to follow a more fundamentalist form of their faith in Muslim countries and in Australia.

For Melati Lum that means that the she no longer is given the choice of wearing a head scarf or not in many Muslim countries that hitherto allowed scarf choic. In many Muslim countries Muslim religious law also prohibits woman wearing such “uncovered meat” items as a simple pair of jeans and T-shirt.

Many would call this blatant "discrimination" against woman - others a renewed act of faith.

But we non-Muslim westerners should be made to feel guilty for what is happening in Muslim attitudes...

Melati has head scarf choice in the West including Australia.

She also has the choice of writing her article in the West - something she couldn't do in the most influential Muslim country (an absolute monarchy) Saudi Arabia without male censorship.

Pete

ianbrum,

I did not say that anyone wearing Muslim garb should be treated as a terrorist. The fact is, though, that they will receive more attention from security. Refer to the author's comments for that fact, and see if you can get into a remedial reading class.

And, don't presume that I, or anyone else you don't know, "would happily suppress my rights and liberties", you silly little twit.

There is nothing in the Koranic trilogy that say that females must wear a scarfe. All it is says is that they must be modest.

However there is a huge amount in the Koran that is against Kaffirs and Jews, ie us.

In fact, it is the most anti -semitic and anti western civilisation diatribe ever written..with well over 60% being so aimed.

With many immigrants coming into Australia for example, being from Islamic oriented failed states..and not being prepared to alter their ways because of this political ideology masquerading as a religion, it is no wonder they are not assimilating well into a freer western society, and want to alter it by any means ..then of course there is going to be tension and because their silly book shows them how... terror and taqqya

If the auther wishes to wear a rag around her head as a symbol this hatred filled political ideology, when she doesnt have to, and then wonders why she gets viewed with suspicion.... then its her own fault.

You would have thought some one working as lawyer would have been able to work that out for themselves.

No doubt the fans of the multiculti ideological nonsense that is stuffing up this country will disagree. Tough.