Radicalisation - What Is Happening?

[agchristie]

Further to the case of the young female who fled Scotland to Syria, how do we explain the process of radicalisation? The influences, thought processes of those involved, etc. Who is to blame?

Seems a straightforward question - but is it?

[naomi24]

ag, nothing we do will prevent increased sensitivity or the perception that we are meddling in Islamic affairs - fundamentalist Islam looks for offence and glories in anything it can possibly perceive as offence. Whether or not what may be perceived as interference perpetuates or exacerbates an increasingly volatile and hostile situation, we have to stop pussyfooting around the often deliberately manufactured sensitivities of the religious, and if that means becoming more vigilant towards a group of people who, perhaps some unwittingly, harbour among their ranks political enemies of this country, then so be it. The safety and well-being of the law-abiding population as a whole, regardless of colour, creed, or nationality, must take precedence over the political aspirations and the religious foibles of the minority. As for monitoring mosques, perhaps the presence of independent observers is the way forward? If there is nothing to hide, and if moderate Muslims genuinely abhor and wish to distance themselves from the philosophy of the radicals, they would surely welcome it, not only as a beneficial step towards dispelling suspicion and fear, and hence enhancing much needed community cohesion, but as positive publicity for Islam – something it could very much do with right now.

What are your thoughts?

[sandyRoe]

I'm not sure what purpose monitoring Mosques would serve. Abu Hamza preached inside, and outside, Finsbury Park Mosque and the world knew what he was about.

[Svejk]

Hamza operated under a 'friendly' Labour Government who believed that by offering a safe haven to the world's terrorists we'd be safe from attack. A theory that's, obviously, been totally discredited. His nonsense would no longer be tolerated.

[Psybbo]

The ideology of the young?

[TWR]

The Web has a lot to answer for, it is too easy at this Delicate time to get persons hyped up, also each & previous Governments for allowing the likes of that Idiot the One Eyed evil Hook, he was allowed, never removed as he should have done for spouting hatred on the streets on London, that also includes the other evil Idiots that followed him, Ag, the Government are thinking of removing the scum that has gone out there's passports! THINKING, there should be no THINKING about it, it should stop.

[naomi24]

sandyRoe, monitoring mosques might have prevented blokes like this from escaping by going in dressed as a man and coming out in a burka.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/04/suspect-burqa-counter-terror-restrictions

[agchristie]

Naomi, you have hit the nail on the head in a number of respects. I have to concur with you regarding the first point in answer to my question over perception and increased fall-out should mosques be monitored. If it did occur, I also consider that they should be conducted by an independent group. There are several benefits to doing this, many of which you have explained eloquently. I think an agreed protocol could be drawn up to cover a number of agreed issues and to maintain compliance which would surely be in everyones interests.

I didn't reply to your thread quickly as I was expecting somebody to raise Abu Hamza and sure enough sandyRoe did!

Yes, Hamza started to preach outside the mosque and there has been much criticism that the police stood back but surely the point here is that he did so after the mosque was raided. What was found? Chemical warfare protection suit, gun, hunting knives and other weaponry. Near Hamza's office were over 100 forged passports, debit cards and laminating equipment. Obviously, the find was a rare exception but it was damaging publicity.


Your second post Naomi, makes another good case, one of simple identity and how it is possible to change the appearance of sex.

Of course, the radicalisation process can take many forms but the monitoring of mosques has its benefits to Islam itself not purely through malice or suspicion but improving image and community relations as you suggested.

Surely, the vast proportion of Muslims would welcome the opportunity to work towards greater harmony by assisting in devising a workable concordat....

[naomi24]

ag, don't hold your breath.

[agchristie]

As ever Naomi, actions speak louder than words.

[tamborine]

She has married a Syrian, so she should remain there with him....or will our forgiving lefties let her & her Syrian hubby & family reside here at tax payers expense ? You betchya ;(

[agchristie]

Tamborine - that may depend on whether the ECHR places the right to family life ahead of the safety of our citizens. Easy decision isn't it?

[naomi24]

I suggested a solution to that on another thread. Internment camps for life - and if they think they're entitled to a family life, let their families go with them.

[agchristie]

Indeed you did Naomi! ;-)

[jomifl]

It is cult mentality, it begins by not talking to people you disagree with, progresses to only talking to people you do agree with which leads quickly to becoming a self righteous 'persecuted' minority then religion induced insanity. I'm sure the process can be reversed but not in a liberal democracy.

[agchristie]

You can take a horse to water...

...though not even that is possible in some cases....

[Zacs-Master]

We'll said Jom. A good brief synopsis.

[sandyRoe]

But, with the benefit of hindsight, would you like to reconsider your post of 22:47 on Thursday?

[naomi24]

Birdie, thank you.

sandyRoe, no.

[agchristie]

Birdie/Naomi - Yes, I've been in a quandary for half the week wondering which of those two posts deserve 'Best Answer'!! :-)