Posted on 11/09/2006 4:47:32 AM PST by Mrs Ivan
The threat from international Islamist terrorism is growing, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett will say later.
Addressing a conference in London, Mrs Beckett will urge British Muslims to speak out against extremism.
She will tell delegates it is dangerous nonsense to see military action in Iraq as part of an anti-Islamist agenda.
And she will warn those calling for a quick exit by UK troops that this would leave the Iraqi government powerless to prevent even worse violence.
The UK's 1.6 million Muslims have a "special ability" to counter extremist propaganda about a "clash of civilisations" between Islam and the West, she will say.
And she will urge them to act as "ambassadors for Britain" by speaking up about the reality of life in the UK when they visit countries with large Muslim populations.
Addressing the foreign affairs think-tank the Royal United Services Institute in London, Mrs Beckett will warn that the threat from international Islamic terrorism "remains serious and is increasing".
She will point out that MI6 now has more people in more countries than ever before and that MI5 has more frontline staff in Britain than at any time since World War II - all working to prevent attacks.
But she will add: "The Muslim communities in this country did not ask the terrorists to act in their name. The vast majority are sickened by the slur on their great and noble faith.
"They make a huge and vital contribution to the life of this country. And they, the Muslim communities, have a special ability to make a difference in the struggle against extremism."
The UK isn't done yet, and as long as I have breath it never will be.
I want you to know I am being 100% sincere...it is fantastic to see a patriotic Brit. It's a very rare thing for me; it seems like every Brit I meet wouldn't care if this country was taken over by...well...anyone.
I fully expect another 9/11 type attack within 6 months. I hope I am wrong, but the election just told the Terrorists we will not hit them back this time.
And they are so outspoken about it, too!!!
Just talk to them Madam Beckett. Surely they'll listen to reason as they have so many other times before.
I believe you. It is a little unfashionable to support any party right now, but the UK, and specifically England will not be lost until I, and those who think my way are dead.
We are here.
We are here.
That's good to hear. Being American, my loyalties obviously lie elsewhere...but I hope the UK doesn't go down the same path that France did. As one of the US's firmest allies, it would be a tragedy to see the country bend to Islamic fascism.
Unfortunately I can't think of any mainstream political party in the UK that seems to want to take up the fight. :-(
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