Muslim minority a concern: Downer (Australia's Foreign Minister)

The Australia ^ | 20 Feb 06

[Fair Go]

A TINY minority of Australia's Muslim population was preoccupied with jihad, causing concern for the federal government, Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said today.

Mr Downer said he shared the views of Prime Minister John Howard, who today stood by his comments that some Muslims were antagonistic to Australian culture. Mr Howard's views are outlined in a book to mark the 10th anniversary of his rise to power written by journalists and commentators from The Australian newspaper.

In the book, Mr Howard said a commitment to jihad and extreme attitudes towards women were two problems unique to Muslims that previous intakes of migrants from Europe and Asia did not have.

Mr Downer said he supported Mr Howard's views.

"My position is, I'm sure, the same as his: that most of the Muslims who have settled in Australia – there are around 300,000 Muslims in Australia – have settled extraordinarily well and are fine, upstanding citizens and make a good contribution to Australia," he said.

"(But) it's a tiny minority who are of concern to us, who have shown sympathy for, or enthusiasm for, the jihadism movement and obviously ... they have been a preoccupation and a concern for us, particularly since the events of September 11."

[Fair Go]

Yes I did do a search. No doubt Howard has the support not only of his foreign minister, but the vast majority of Australians. In one survey, 91% of people were in agreement with Howard's remarks. Perhaps it is time for the jihadists to migrate elsewhere - say New Zealand or Canada.

[Eighth Street]

Step in the right direction...although I'm sure the Liberal Multiculturalists will attack him full bore any second...

[Jeff Head]

Sorry, Canada is too close.

They should all pack up and go to the nearest Turdistan so they can join their jihadist brothers hiding in caves and holes in the ground waiting for the Predator drones to find them.

[Fruitbat]

Perhaps it is time for the jihadists to migrate elsewhere - say New Zealand or Canada.

Or into the ocean!

"My position is, I'm sure, the same as his: that most of the Muslims who have settled in Australia – there are around 300,000 Muslims in Australia – have settled extraordinarily well and are fine, upstanding citizens and make a good contribution to Australia," he said.

"(But) it's a tiny minority who are of concern to us, who have shown sympathy for, or enthusiasm for, the jihadism movement and obviously ... they have been a preoccupation and a concern for us, particularly since the events of September 11."

I wish he could tell us how to tell the difference between the ones that have "settled extraordinarily well and are fine" vice those that he's "concerned" about.

[Fruitbat]

Agreed. If the "good ones" don't have the guts to take on their own within their religious order, then they haven't earned the right to live in a peaceful country. America has been fought for over the centuries much as they need to do within their own countries. They can earn freedom for themselves as those that formed this nation did. Just let them do it in their own lands.

[de Buillion]

"Perhaps it is time for the jihadists to migrate elsewhere - say New Zealand or Canada."

Either San Francisco or Washington State would LOVE to have them!

[starbase]

"(But) it's a tiny minority who are of concern to us,

It's a teeny tiny tiny itsy bitsy tiny teeny little group. In fact, there's nothing to see here, move along.

[BW2221]

What's a tiny minority - 49.9%?

[odds]

"...although I'm sure the Liberal Multiculturalists will attack him full bore any second..."

Not sure if that would be the case.

Even the majority of voters/readers, so far, on the so-called leftist SMH newspaper believe PM Howard's comments were 'accurate and needed saying'.

http://smh.com.au/polls/national/voted.html

[Lancer_N3502A]

Maybe Australia should reconsider that gun ban thingy.

[Fair Go]

Australians are not as disarmed as some would believe.