Following David Cameron’s speech on extremism, there was much discussion over its content and the impact it will have on future generations of the British Muslim community. Cameron’s speech essentially builds upon what was stated by Theresa May in 2014 in her speech on tackling the threat posed by Islamic State. It was here we first saw a shift from tackling ‘terrorism’ to tackling ‘extremism’, with the focus firmly on preventing radicalisation through the internet.
Bearing this in mind, Cameron’s five year strategy essentially was nothing new. The crux of his argument is in fact where the biggest weakness lies; his belief that for an effective counter-terrorism strategy the ideology itself must be defeated. Cameron argued that many British Muslims feel alienated as a result of a lack of integration with a number of British Muslims choosing to live within their own communities. Thus, it was proudly stated that what is needed is a reinforcement of ‘British values’. I am still unsure precisely what this means, however for both David Cameron and Theresa May it evokes notions of democracy, rule of law, liberty and tolerance towards those of other beliefs or faiths. This appears to me both poorly constructed, and highly reminiscent of the colonial arrogance of the British Empire.
With such arrogance, the British government wonders why it has alienated millions of Muslims and faces a threat of extremism. The large majority of British Muslims have come out and condemned the actions of IS, but for how long must they continue to apologise for actions they had no part in, yet they feel the need to apologise for? Despite claiming to want to integrate British Muslims and create a louder voice for the British Muslim community, it seems his aims are only serving to create more cultural barriers, and may in fact lead to the radicalisation he is trying to prevent.
Under the five year counter-terrorism strategy, parents who fear their child is at risk of travelling to Iraq or Syria will have the power to cancel their child’s passport. Whilst appearing a practical policy, it remains NO parent would ever wish for their child to travel to Iraq or Syria, has David Cameron forgotten that before identifying with their faith, Muslims are human beings first. No parent would ever wish for their child to voluntarily put themselves in danger. Further, building on Theresa May’s proposals, it is being considered that broadcasters will have to take responsibility for banning foreign TV channels which permit “hate preachers” from spreading radical ideas. However despite the number of policies announced to tackle extremism, there was still no mention of recording Islamophobia as a separate crime notwithstanding the facts that clearly display an increase in hate crimes against Muslims.
It seems to me that David Cameron may have underestimated the long term effects such alienation will cause. There are bound to be generations of British Muslims that will be born into a British society that has excluded them to such a degree that the threats of extremism and radicalisation we face now, will seem insignificant.
Sources:
The Guardian
The Telegraph
VICE News
Bearing this in mind, Cameron’s five year strategy essentially was nothing new. The crux of his argument is in fact where the biggest weakness lies; his belief that for an effective counter-terrorism strategy the ideology itself must be defeated. Cameron argued that many British Muslims feel alienated as a result of a lack of integration with a number of British Muslims choosing to live within their own communities. Thus, it was proudly stated that what is needed is a reinforcement of ‘British values’. I am still unsure precisely what this means, however for both David Cameron and Theresa May it evokes notions of democracy, rule of law, liberty and tolerance towards those of other beliefs or faiths. This appears to me both poorly constructed, and highly reminiscent of the colonial arrogance of the British Empire.
With such arrogance, the British government wonders why it has alienated millions of Muslims and faces a threat of extremism. The large majority of British Muslims have come out and condemned the actions of IS, but for how long must they continue to apologise for actions they had no part in, yet they feel the need to apologise for? Despite claiming to want to integrate British Muslims and create a louder voice for the British Muslim community, it seems his aims are only serving to create more cultural barriers, and may in fact lead to the radicalisation he is trying to prevent.
Under the five year counter-terrorism strategy, parents who fear their child is at risk of travelling to Iraq or Syria will have the power to cancel their child’s passport. Whilst appearing a practical policy, it remains NO parent would ever wish for their child to travel to Iraq or Syria, has David Cameron forgotten that before identifying with their faith, Muslims are human beings first. No parent would ever wish for their child to voluntarily put themselves in danger. Further, building on Theresa May’s proposals, it is being considered that broadcasters will have to take responsibility for banning foreign TV channels which permit “hate preachers” from spreading radical ideas. However despite the number of policies announced to tackle extremism, there was still no mention of recording Islamophobia as a separate crime notwithstanding the facts that clearly display an increase in hate crimes against Muslims.
It seems to me that David Cameron may have underestimated the long term effects such alienation will cause. There are bound to be generations of British Muslims that will be born into a British society that has excluded them to such a degree that the threats of extremism and radicalisation we face now, will seem insignificant.
Sources:
The Guardian
The Telegraph
VICE News