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Internal British memorandum blamed Israel policy for fueling terrorism LONDON A 2004 Whitehall memorandum, first published in the British press in the aftermath of the July 7 Al Qaida bombings in London, asserted that support for terrorism in Britain was fueled by the government's pro-Israel policy. The memo said a small but significant portion of the 1.6 million British Muslims supports terrorism, including suicide attacks. "From available polls and anecdotal evidence, many Muslims are unhappy and angry about aspects of British and foreign policy, because they perceive it as biased against or unfair towards Muslims in the world," the April 6, 2004 memo stated. "Palestine, the conflict in Iraq and Chechnya are just some of the issues." "Perceived Western bias in Israel's favor over the Israel/Palestinian conflict is a key long term grievance of the international Muslim community which probably influences British Muslims," the memo added. [On July 11, the Independent newspaper reported that British authorities have identified 30 Al Qaida operatives as suspects in the London bombings. The suspects include a Syrian national based in Iraq as well as Mohammed Al Karbuzi, a Moroccan wanted for the Al Qaida suicide strikes in his native North African country in 2003.] The Whitehall memo does not recommend revising Britain's policy toward Israel. But it called on the Foreign Office to address Muslims' concerns. "The issue of foreign policy concerns of the Muslim community needs to be addressed," the memo said. "This is often the area of government policy which generates the most anger and sense of injustice among Muslims generally, but particularly amongst the younger generation. The FCO [Foreign Commonwealth Office] is already in the process of extensive engagement and outreach, and has produced a strategy on building bridges with mainstream Islam." Diplomats said the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair appears to have adopted several of the memo's recommendations. They pointed out that Blair listed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as one of three causes of terrorism after the London bombings. The memo warned of the Muslim perception of a double standard regarding British policy in the Middle East. This perception has been intensified since the Al Qaida suicide strikes against the United States in 2001, the memo stated. "It seems that a particularly strong cause of disillusionment amongst Muslims including young Muslims is a perceived 'double standard' in the foreign policy of Western governments and often those of Muslim governments in particular Britain and the U.S.," the memo said. "This seems to have gained a significant prominence in how some Muslims view HMG's [Her Majesty's Government] policies towards Muslim countries." The frustration over government policy has created pressure within the British Muslim community. The memo cited a survey of Muslims that found 47 percent identified with suicide bombers under the Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The memo said extremist groups have targeted young British Muslims, particularly in schools. They said these groups were linked to expatriate communities from North Africa. "A small number of young British Muslims are known to have committed or participated in terrorism abroad or to have joined violent or militant organizations in other countries, e.g. the British suicide bombers in Israel," stated the report, referring to the 2003 suicide attack in Tel Aviv. The memo cited difficulties in profiling young British Muslims drawn to Al Qaida. These Muslims could include immigrants from the Middle East, third generation British citizens with origins in Pakistan or Kashmir, and Christian converts to Islam. "The government must make a more concerted effort to persuade the Muslim community that it is trusted and respected," the memo said. "That requires a change of language. Public challenges to Muslims to decide where their loyalties lie are counterproductive." -------------------------- Want to discuss this topic? Head on over to our discussion list, [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------- Brooks Isoldi, editor [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.intellnet.org Post message: [email protected] Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** FAIR USE NOTICE. This message contains copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. 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