Danielle, what an excellent post. Thanks for those insights.

What a lot of sobering thoughts - and extremely well argued...

I have to admit - I find extremists of any persuasion - offputting.
But the factions found in the Muslim community scare the heck out of me. Possibly because some of them are driven to violence and the destruction of innocent people. Why? I don't understand.

Are we (as in Westerners) partly to blame for any of it? I think someone in another post said that going in with guns is not the answer and only worsens the situation whereas medical aid and assistance would get better results.

I'm not an expert - I know that we all have our biases - that's a human trait. But Islam to me remains a quandary. One that probably will not be solved in my lifetime.

Where are the calm voices of their communities? Why aren't they heard?
Perhaps the ABC should now do a programme presenting a different,
more rational view of the Muslim Communities here in Australia - to
let us get a more balanced view.

As for the two ladies of "Jihad Sheilas" - if they want to leave
Australia - let them.

Danielle,

I too would like to thank you for those excellent posts.

For once I agree with C J Morgan, or at least his second sentence about these women being deluded and alienated from us.

To my mind this puts them in the same catosgory as David Hicks. Not capable of planning anything but dangerous because of willingness to obey.

The best I can find to say about them is that none of the three are not very bright. Sad really.

It is a worry isn't it ?
The incompatibility was well demonstrated in the program.
The problem is not that their peculiarity of dress matters it is just
the complete illogicality of their belief that is the problem.
If I was in business I would refuse to deal with someone who would show her face.

The parts of the Koran that were quoted earlier is why those who
would never harm another person are silent and would probably shield a
terrorist, because they feel a religious solidarity with them.
The wording of the quotes I have seen place a heavy emphasis on the
its us against them mentality.

Islam is a religion that came into being some 400 years after Christ.
To establish a new regime in an Arab region who are not Jews nor
are they westerners means that you have to make a political
declaration as well as a religious declaration.

I am unaware of the politics of the area of the time but I will bet
that with the decline of Rome Mohammad found it necessary to form
a new political system and to back it up with a new religion.
Does not Islam say that there is no difference between religion and
politics ?

I'll bet Boaz David is full bottle on this.

Dear Danielle,

Once again, you've shared your experiences and provided all of us with a keener insight into the situation.

You really are what I would call a "Plus" person. You make us see things in a different light.

Thank You.