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Muslim letter 'misjudged' - Reid
BBC ^ | 13 August 2006

Posted on 08/13/2006 5:19:53 AM PDT by Jack2006

Home Secretary John Reid has described as "a dreadful misjudgement" an open letter in which Muslim groups criticise British foreign policy. The letter, signed by three Muslim MPs, three peers and 38 groups, suggested some policies provoked terrorists acts. Mr Reid said no competent government would remain in power if policies were "dictated by terrorists". Echoing this stance, former Tory leader Michael Howard said the letter had given "ammunition" to extremists.

He said: "It is, I think, completely misconceived to suggest that we should change our foreign policy because it might cause some people to take up arms against us. "That's a form of blackmail and I think that letter was completely misconceived."

The letter pointed to the "debacle" of Iraq and the UK's stance over the Middle East crisis as examples of policies which fuelled extremism. Downing Street said Tony Blair "stands ready" to meet Muslim representatives when he returns to the UK. The letter urges the prime minister to redouble his efforts to tackle terror and extremism, and change foreign policy to show that the UK values the lives of civilians. MP Sadiq Khan, who was among those who signed the letter, said British foreign policy was seen by many as unfair and unjust.

"Whether we like it or not such a sense of injustice plays into the hands of extremists," he said. "As moderates we will do all we can to fight extremism. We hope the government will join us in this, not just by changing the rules on hand luggage, but by showing itself as an advocate for justice in the world." The home secretary said he would not question the motives of those who signed the letter, but said it was a "dreadful misjudgement if they believe that the foreign policy of this country should be shaped in part or in whole under the threat of terrorist activity".

Mr Reid told the BBC: "No government worth its salt would stay in power in my view, and no government worth its salt, would be supported by the British people if our foreign policy or any other aspect of policy was being dictated by terrorists.

That is not the British way, it is antithetical to our very central values. We decide things in this country by democracy, not under the threat of terrorism."


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; United Kingdom; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: eurabia; globaljihad; islamicnazis; jihadineurope; wot
John Reid is an excellent politician and should the UK Foreign Secretary.
1 posted on 08/13/2006 5:19:54 AM PDT by Jack2006
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To: Jack2006

Ok, I thought we were talking about Harry Reid at first. LOL


2 posted on 08/13/2006 5:22:24 AM PDT by neodad (USS Vincennes (CG-49) Freedom's Fortress)
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To: Jack2006

bttt


3 posted on 08/13/2006 5:22:50 AM PDT by Dark Skies
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To: Jack2006
"We decide things in this country by democracy, not under the threat of terrorism."

As opposed to, well... Spain.

Stand fast, Britain!

4 posted on 08/13/2006 5:25:24 AM PDT by MarineDad (Whenever mosques and JDAM's meet, civilization benefits.)
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To: Jack2006

Take that CAIR!


5 posted on 08/13/2006 5:26:13 AM PDT by OldFriend (I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.....and My Heart to the Soldier Who Protects It.)
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To: MarineDad

Don't forget the UK has suffered Terrorism for 35 years.


6 posted on 08/13/2006 5:26:33 AM PDT by Jack2006
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To: OldFriend

They hate the West. Why are they here ?


7 posted on 08/13/2006 5:39:56 AM PDT by Eric in the Ozarks (BTUs are my Beat.)
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To: Eric in the Ozarks

They are here to KILL us and convert the West to Islam.


8 posted on 08/13/2006 5:42:39 AM PDT by doberville
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To: doberville

If your son or daughter is a terrorist the whole family should be sent packing.And he or she should serve the sentence in the country of origin.


9 posted on 08/13/2006 5:52:16 AM PDT by magua
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To: Jack2006
"no competent government would remain in power if policies were "dictated by terrorists". "

How do you translate that into Spanish? In Spain you get into power by obeying the dictates of terrorists (e.g. leaving Iraq).

10 posted on 08/13/2006 5:58:27 AM PDT by trek
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To: Jack2006
The Muslims are mad that their plot to blow up the air planes did not take place. They are mad at the UK government for stopping the actions of their terrorist devils.
11 posted on 08/13/2006 5:59:08 AM PDT by YOUGOTIT
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To: Jack2006
Well it looks like this none too subtle blackmail has given the Government some true grit. Hope they continue like this....
12 posted on 08/13/2006 5:59:18 AM PDT by vimto (Blighty Awaken!)
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To: OldFriend

Talk about the enemy from within. CAIR! throw their ass*s out of the country today.


13 posted on 08/13/2006 6:21:18 AM PDT by HANG THE EXPENSE (Defeat liberalism, its the right thing to do for America.)
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To: Jack2006

The group that wrote the letter should be rounded up quickly. It's pretty clear they are part of the problem.


14 posted on 08/13/2006 7:08:37 AM PDT by muawiyah
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To: muawiyah

The group that wrote the letter should be rounded up quickly. It's pretty clear they are part of the problem.

______________________

Not hard to find. Here in the US their ilk is ably represented by the entire DNC.
They are willing to fight extremism by any means precluding fighting extremism.
They seek justice for all but not for those adorable Islamofascists.
CAIR Marxist twits' teats dribble with the bitter milk of ingratiating cowardice.


15 posted on 08/13/2006 7:21:09 AM PDT by Louis Foxwell (Here come I, gravitas in tow.)
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To: magua

If they can kick a family out of public housing if their sone or daughter is dealing drugs, why can't we kick the families of these terror plotters out of our country.


16 posted on 08/13/2006 7:21:46 AM PDT by OldFriend (I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.....and My Heart to the Soldier Who Protects It.)
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