9/11 terrorism fuelling growing anti-Muslim sentiment

By: Nabil Raza

LUTON, Britain: British Muslim leaders say the September 11 terror attacks in Washington and New York have left Britain's Muslim community feeling “under siege” and increasingly the target of racist incidents.

Britain is home to an estimated two million Muslims, the majority of whom trace their roots to former colonies in South Asia.

“Things have turned upside down. The community is feeling that it's under siege,” said Akbar Dad Khan, a member of the Muslim association Building Bridges in Luton, Bedfordshire, and home to a large Muslim population.

Racism, aggressive behavior, insulting remarks towards Muslim-looking women and men have increased destabilizing the Muslim community.

A study, conducted by experts and university professors who examined relations between the country's various racial groups, revealed that anti-Muslim sentiment has increased since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The study found that Muslims were subjected to verbal and physical attacks and were discriminated against in the workplace.

“It keeps getting worse and worse,” said Haji Muhammad Sulayman, a well-respected Muslim leader in Luton. “9/11 damaged the Muslim community.”

According to British Muslim organizations a new report by the Institute of Race Relations proves police are unjustly targeting Muslims in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

The report looked at the details of almost half the 609 arrests, British police have carried out under anti-terrorism laws since September 11. Of the 287 arrests which were examined, 199 were Muslims.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission says the figures show an overwhelming bias against the Islamic community.

Keeping in mind such concerns, a parliamentary committee in August called on Home Secretary David Blunkett to scrap draconian counter-terrorism laws passed in the wake of the September 11 strikes.

A Home Office spokesman acknowledged Muslims’ concerns but says they have not been targeted.

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