A downward spiral of violence and extremism

posted by: Nick Lowles | on: Thursday, 20 September 2012, 15:50

I really fear we are going to see a downward spiral of violence and anti-Muslim hatred over the coming days and possibly weeks. The so-called 'Counter-Jihadists' (real definition ‘Muslim haters’) know full well that an incendiary video, poster, cartoon or burning will create a reaction from extremists across the world.

I'm sure that most Muslims are offended by insulting language and images of Mohammad but the protests we are seeing with depressing frequency are the work of extremists who are using these incidents for their own warped ends. This is not a case of Muslim rage - as some media outlets have described - but extremists using these insults to further their own extremist agenda.

There have been two protests in London so far. One, last Friday, was organised by Anjem Choudary and his Al-Muhajiroun network. Then on Sunday there was another protest, this time organised by Hizb ut-Tahrir. There were about 1,000 people on this protest, which is a fair number but hardly representative of the wider Muslim community. So incensed were Hizb ut-Tahrir that their demo carried the slogan "America - Get out of Muslim lands."

Last week there was the Innocence of Muslims video. This week we have a French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, publishing obscene cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Next week we will have Pam Geller's outrageous "savage" posters (http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/blog/article/2179/geller-stokes-anti-muslim-hatred)

But I fear that this will only be the beginning. These Muslim haters know that any stupid stunt is going to cause a reaction, and probably a violent one at that. These Islamist extremists and Salafists, who are behind the vast majority of the protests, will happily respond by organising yet more demonstrations. The Muslim haters know that the images of Islamists attacking buildings and murdering people only reinforce the view of some that Islam is a violent and intolerant religion. The Islamists know that offensive and provocative cartoons will reinforce the view of some Muslims that the Western world hates Islam.

There is a depressingly symbiotic relationship between the Muslim haters and the very people they claim to oppose. They need each other. In fact, they welcome the actions of the other to justify their own activities.

This has to stop but this is not going to happen on its own. None of us can stay silent on this now or we risk the whole agenda being dominated by extremists on both sides who have no interest in reducing the tensions. Civil society has to demand an end to this. Community and faith leaders have to speak out before the violence gets out of control. Politicians, who all seem depressingly silent on the issue, need to become more vocal.

These extremists don't speak for anyone except themselves and if the mainstream majority - of all faiths and none - don't speak up soon and isolate the extremists then the downward spiral of violence and extremism will continue.

Comments

Comment 1 | From: Osman | Date: 20 September 2012, 16:23

As a Muslim I am offended by the anti-Islamic video and rest of it, and I encourage Muslims to peacefully protest or just ignore it, but I find a lot of Muslims are downright stupid for carrying out violent attacks make a fool of every other Muslims.

Comment 2 | From: Venyhamin | Date: 20 September 2012, 16:30

Indeed Muslims should be able to refute these 'criticisms' and mockery with humour and intelligent debate but what is the point of this mockery in the first place? As the article points out though all it does it give the extremists the opportunity to inflame and provoke more extremism. Quite a few Muslim countries are emerging out of dictatorships after the Arab Spring and have been conditioned by decades of repressive government to retaliate against attacks on their religion. Instead of this pointless mockery the West (including governments and media) should be encouraging dialogue and friendship.

Comment 3 | From: N Siddiqi | Date: 20 September 2012, 17:50

I agree with nearly all the above however, the fact that 1000 people gathered and held posters urging "US get out of Muslim lands" is not morally equivalent to bombing an embassy / inciting to violence.

Comment 4 | From: B31 Antifascist | Date: 22 September 2012, 11:25

You would assume that in the so-called 'Land of the Free' that protests from the vociferous 'defenders' would be defending the right of the citizen to practice whichever religion he or she chooses to follow in a free society. The freedom to attend a church, synagogue or mosque. The fact that this freedom underpins the 'American Dream'. How false the reality actually is. The use of the 'First Amendment' as an excuse to peddle vicious hatred based upon religious conflict and sheer glorification of war really is the worst possible excuse in the world and is an affront to peace and the common good.

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