When addressing the Muslim populace of Europe, the minority, problematic sect routinely becomes the center of attention. The predominant judicious and peaceful bloc of the Muslim European majority receives less consideration and must struggle with the innumerable generalizations made about their people, religion, and lifestyle.
Nonetheless, there is an ubiquitous disapproval and condemnation of the violent attacks against Europe?specifically, the March 11 attacks in Madrid , the assassination in the Netherlands , the July 7 attacks in London , the rioting in France , the Mohammed Cartoon tensions ?and the United States and terrorism in general. The vast majority of these Muslims emigrated from their homelands precisely because of the very same conditions that concern the West: tyranny, oppression, totalitarianism, and terror campaigns. Poverty and the prospect of a better future make up a part of the decision to escape as well; however, as many Muslims would verify, the lack of freedom and human rights remain the severest and most intolerable circumstances that prompt emigration.
But, even as they value their adopted countries and better living standards, many are riled by the prejudice they face. They feel insulted by being blamed for the majority of the society’s problems and for being generalized as radical fundamentalists. Most Muslims in Europe can testify about their experiences with discrimination and a deep-seeded indignation that they witness regularly. For some, the reason behind the silence is a sense of embarrassment for the acts that radicals have carried out in the name of their religion; for others, it is the result of a growing resolution and defiance to the society and those who denigrate them. This group’s standing deposition says that they are not guilty of any terrorist acts and that they do not believe they have anything to apologize for. There is no reason for them to assume responsibility for the acts of a small group of fundamentalists who should not be characterized as a symbol of Islam.
Yet, reports confirm that a noteworthy portion of this minority do practice a more fundamental strain of Islam, adhering to radical views and abiding by the most austere adaptations of Islam. These clusters are spread over most of Europe and accrue a dangerous set of followers. Contributing factors to their ability to grow and develop are the radical Imams who continue to recruit and mobilize thousands of followers in Europe. Their radical messages have been protected by the West’s own primary values of freedom of speech, and it is not until recently that amendments have made to national laws to enable law enforcement to obstruct their firebrand rhetoric. Still, there are many militant groups that manage to circumvent regulations, and their messages still reach many, especially Muslim youth who are an easy target for radicalization.
As TRC has long noted in these pages, second and third generations of Muslims compose a dispersed group of youths who struggle with ramshackle living conditions in troubled, poor suburbs of major European cities . This group has become the prime focus of anti-terrorism law officials; they have identified this exposed group as the most easily influenced and prone to join terrorist campaigns. Many Muslim youth seek a mentorship, camaraderie, and a place to belong. The latter is critically important, as they feel no sense of belonging anywhere, neither in their countries of origin nor their country of nationality . Regrettably, there are insufficient strong, moderate, Muslim community leaders who dare to lead young members of their neighborhoods. Moderate preachers live in constant fear, as they are threatened and risk their lives and their families’. Many governments have admitted that in addition to failing to integrate their citizens, they have also not provided sufficient support to those moderate voices that could counter the radicalization process. There is an urgent need to create conditions for sensible Muslim leaders to expand their community work in engaging, educating, and assisting marginalized youth.
However, since these kind of positive initiatives are progressing slowly, the more aggressive radical leaders continually succeed in gaining ground. They possess the power and strength to reach out and influence new followers of their radical belief system. The radical preachers speak louder; their conviction is overpowering and their success is achievable, particularly through the use of the Internet (see Terror Web Watch series). The moderate Muslims refrain from violence and other forms of extremism, so radicals possess a weapon that will remain difficult to challenge. Even so, the moderate Imams must be encouraged, supported, and empowered in order for Europe to prevail in reducing the impending threat of radical Islamic terrorism.
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