Hi Romany and Foxy

The rise of Islamic fundamentalism is one factor that influences our judgements about Muslims. The comments you both make about globalisation are valid to some extent but terrorism has been with us for a long time and is based on more than just the effects of a global stage. Globalisation has not solved the problems of equity, poverty, disempowerment and disenfranchisement which are the root causes of terrorism. There are many other deep rooted socioeconomic factors at play.

Certainly, with changes in technology and the way in which the world interacts so will this create opportunities for terrorism and transnational crime (the rates for both identity theft and international money laundering have increased markedly in recent years).

Globalisation should in theory provide opportunities for fairer and more equitable foreign and international economic policy which might serve to stem the tide of terrorism, but alas it also provides opportunties to exploit and thus create the wellspring for terrorism to breed and feed.

Greed is probably the biggest factor contributing to terrorism, Religion is just the wood for the fire.

Dear Mko,

Every religion has its share of zealots, fanatics, and extremists.
In Australia out of approximately 340,392 people (according to the 2006 census) or 1.71% of the population - it's only a small minority that cause problems.

The history of Muslims in Australia dates back to the 17th century, well before European contact with the mainland. The Makassan traders from Indonesia had a harmonious relationship with the Indigenous people of northern Australia.

The early fleets of settlers also used Muslims, from coastal Africa and the islands and territories under the British Empire, as slaves and navigators.

However, in the 1860's a large number of "Afghan" cameleers arrived in Australia to work the camel trains which opened up the interior of the continent.

They also accompanied the great explorers and were instrumental in guiding the teams through the hot and arid terrain. They eventually settled in the areas near Alice Springs and in the Northern Territory and many inter-married with the Indigenous population.

Muslims have continued to contribute positively to this nation. The Bosnian and Kosovar Muslims participated in the Snowy Mountains Scheme in the 1960s and in recent times, the largest and most lucrative Halal food export trade in the world is operated by Muslims here in Australia.

As I stated earlier Muslims in Australia come from more than 60 ethnic groupings. While a large number of them come from Turkey, Albania, Lebanon, there are Muslims from Indonesia, Bosnia, Iran, Fiji, Sudan, Egypt, the Palestinian territories, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, among others.

Many have settled in Australia under the "skilled migration program" after completing studies at their own expense. Muslim doctors, engineers, lawyers, scientists, academics, tradespeople and blue-collar workers are participating in Australian life.

Muslim leaders - as with Catholic, Anglican, and Uniting Church leaders have promoted interfaith religious dialogue in order to encourage greater mutual understanding between peoples. Integration of the Muslim community is an on-going subject of debate in Australian society as with the interest of minority groups.

Education is the key to greater understanding.

I feel bad because Muslim people was victims in their countries, no democracy no respect to human rights, and they have problems as migrants although they have nothing to do with an extremely small minority of Muslim extremists. I have Muslim friends, very generous and honest persons and I trust more them than the Greeks (I am Greek).
TRUST MUSLIMS, THEY ARE VERY GOOD PERSONS, THEY HAVE STRONG MORAL CODE.
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide

Foxy, there is a part of this tied up in the actions of a small number of people from a specific regional area that have contributed to the issue. Like it or not some young males with lebanese backgrounds have done a lot to contribute to the issue.

The lead up to Cronulla was as far as I'm aware almost entirely a backlash against the activities of that group. A former girlfriend of mine used to live near a house occupied by a group of young men who appeared to be lebanese and she had to change her exercise routines because of the perceived threat their verbal behaviours provided. A common theme seems to be a complete and utter contempt for women who are not part of their grouping.

I think that they are relatively small in number and not typical of muslims but the failure of their own communities to speak out combined with a perceived failure of the authorities to do anything about some of the more serious activities of the gangs along with the determination of the anti-muslim brigade to play on that stuff has had a significant impact on perceptions.

It's a situation where I think some of the harm could have been avoided if muslim spokespeople had been more willing to address the issue in public. What I saw was mostly avoidance and denial. Some were suggesting that they might be lebanese christains (a possibility but unlikely) and few seemed willing to clearly condem their activities. The actions of former mufti in appearing to excuse sexual assault also added fuel to the flame.

Our resident anti-muslim brigade have done much but muslim leaders have also played a big role by not being public in their condemnation of the activities of a minority doing real harm.

R0bert

Dear Robert,

I fully agree with you. I can't understand why the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) which has its headquarters in
Sydney is not more vocal. AFIC represents the Muslims of Australia at the national and international level. They have offices in each state.
But we don't hear much from them. And we should.

They would have more sympathy and understanding from the general public, - if they made it clear that they did not condone violence.
It would certainly help distill the image that is being presented in the media. I sometimes think that Muslims have now replaced what the
communists used to be - hated and feared.

Foxy said

Muslims have continued …
Pale comments.
Foxy you are correct when you said education is the key. The lucrative Halal food export is something that requires a very close look.
Yes a Halal slaughter man is appointed to bless animals (which are offering to Allah) as a sacrifice dueing slaughter) and the Halal Authority is charged with giving that plant their Halal Accreditation.

Halal Is not just a word but a way of life. It is the law and no law from any other country may have any say despite the fact that he country you are in may declare one or some of the procedures illegal in this country.

To add to the confusion their are many many Halal certified authorities and as with us this is very competitive.

Some Muslims insist that their people readily accept pre stunning of Animals which ismore humane.

Others refuse preferring that animals are left to gasp for a very long time drowning in their own blood while fully conscious.

Just prior to the last federal elections Muslims approached the Australian Government and there is to be a review of slaughtering methods in Australia.

Muslim leaders around six years ago approached the Howard Government to ask that all abattoirs in Australia were made Halal without stunning. He said no.

Now leaving animal welfare out of the argument for just one moment this must bring to the attention of any fair minded person that never before in the history of migrants have we ever been challenged on our laws.

So if the Australian Government rolls over at the poor animal’s expense yet again asks you what laws next will they demand is changed.
No we have never had these types of problems with other migrants and I know only too well how very much further the word Halal Goes if we don’t stand up now and say NO
That includes especially our Australian Muslim Leaders. It is up to them to lead the way and teach Muslims to respect our laws in our own country.
Pre Stun Animals and abide Australia`s Laws.