Middle East Monitor - The Latest from the Middle East The BDS Movement in 2015 Home News Africa Middle East Europe & Russia Asia & the Americas MEMO News Press Release Articles Africa Middle East Europe & Russia Asia & the Americas Monthly Guest Writers Debate by Ben White Inquiry by Asa Winstanley Activism by Dr Sarah Marusek Letters from Cairo by Dr Fetouh Blogs Politics Culture Lifestyle Sports Media Review Book Reviews Film & Documentary Reviews Event & Article Reviews Monthly Digest Reports By Dr Daud Abdullah By Silvia Nicolaou Garcia By Samira Quraishy By Dr Hanan Chehata By Senussi Bsaikri By Zulaikha Abdullah By Shazia Arshad By Sawsan Ramahi Resources Infographics Interviews Profiles Commentary & Analysis Fact Sheets Briefing Papers Reports and Publications Documents Diary of War Crimes Palestinian Prisoners Political Prisoners Solitary Confinement Prisoners Articles by Author Dr Hanan Chehata Zulaikha Abdullah Samira Quraishy MEMO to the Editor Country Profiles Week in pictures Friday, January 08 2016 About UsCommunity GuidelinesContact UsLinksEventsPalestine Book AwardsMiddle East In London Back Europe & Russia Criticise our mosque, Cameron? We could teach you a thing or two about British values Criticise our mosque, Cameron? We could teach you a thing or two about British values Mohammed Kozbar Thursday, 07 January 2016 10:59 2 0 0 2 British Prime Minister, David Cameron. British Prime Minister, David Cameron. [File photo] The British Government's publication of the findings of the review of the Muslim Brotherhood has raised more questions than answers. By declaring it to be a "classified report" and releasing 11 pages of what he determined to be the "main findings", the government has acted in a manner that is far less candid and transparent than expected. Having refused repeated requests from lawyers acting for the Muslim Brotherhood to view the report, the government has, by default, committed the very act which it accuses the Brotherhood of; that is acting in a "secretive, if not clandestine" manner. Inevitably, this sad state of affairs has provoked questions about political motives and credibility of the entire review process. Unsurprisingly, the Muslim Brotherhood Review commissioned by Prime Minister David Cameron and prepared by former Ambassador to Riyadh, Sir John Jenkins, has singled out a number of British organisations, charities and institutions – most notably the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB). Despite many years of distinguished community service, the report depicts the MAB in a wholly negative and patronising light. Not only did the MAB work alongside the Government and Metropolitan Police to oust the notorious preacher Abu Hamza from Finsbury Park Mosque in 2005, it has since then successfully transformed this important pillar of the North London community into a beacon of community excellence and a model for others to follow. “Rather than wait for a time when he would have to seek the benefit of hindsight, the time is right for Cameron to act upon all the principles that he so passionately preaches – honesty, fairness, impartiality and moderation.” As part of its endeavour to present an enlightened understanding of Islam, the MAB has conducted welfare projects; it provides shelter for the homeless and feeds the poor. It has done this at a time when the phenomenon of food-banks has proliferated across the country amid cuts to the Government's welfare spending. Also read: UK Government to publish UK Review on Muslim Brotherhood following 'deeply flawed process' Egypt welcomes British report on Muslim Brotherhood Downing Street dumbs down as flimsy Muslim Brotherhood report is published Azzam Tamimi: David Cameron's shameful U-turn on Muslim Brotherhood While many armchair experts were theorising about the perils of extremism from the comfort of their luxurious offices, the MAB and other Muslim organisations mentioned in the report were busy organising scouting activities for the youth, teaching them useful life skills and steering them away from the scourge of criminality. Yet for whatever reasons, Cameron and Jenkins saw no need to acknowledge or appreciate these initiatives. The report also claimed that the MAB has continually objected to the Government's Prevent strategy. True, but they are not alone. There is in fact a growing chorus of high profile public figures and academics who have denounced Prevent as a "toxic brand". They include the chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee Keith Vaz, and retired senior judge Baroness Butler-Sloss. In the circumstances, it is a matter of grave concern that Cameron's government views the fundamental democratic right to object to Government policy as reason to consider objectors subversives – or even worse. The problem with government officials and cheerleaders who vilify the MAB and similar British Muslim organisations is that on the one hand they accuse them of not integrating or assimilating into society, and then when these organisations actually attempt to do so, they are accused of "entryism". This inherent contradiction and inconsistency in the government's approach to the Muslim community was underscored recently when the prime minister lavished all praise and extended every possible courtesy to India's prime minister Narendra Modi. As Leader of the Hindu Bahartia Janata Party, Modi failed to stop the 2002 massacre of more than 1,000 Muslims in Gujrat. As a result he was deemed a persona non grata to Britain for more than a decade. However, for obvious economic reasons Cameron chose to afford his Indian counterpart a state visit in November 2015. There are, of course, other occasions when the government has sacrificed British values of tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions, the protection of individual citizens, and the rule of law. The Guardian newspaper published an exclusive report on how United Arab Emirates threatened to block a billion-pound arms deal with the UK, stop inward investment and cut intelligence cooperation if Cameron did not act against the Muslim Brotherhood. It is no secret that the UAE has been the main financial and political backer of the military junta that overthrew Egypt's first elected civilian president, Mohamed Morsi. The coup killed thousands of civilians and incarcerated tens of thousands of opposition figures and activists. In this light, most reasonable and fair-minded observers would be more inclined to deem the MAB a greater champion of British values than David Cameron, while he supports undemocratic countries like UAE and the military despot who currently rules Egypt. After spending taxpayer money on its review into the Muslim Brotherhood, the government must now demonstrate the moral courage and publish it in full, and in the manner it was written by John Jenkins. Failure to do so and accept responsibility for its flaws will only further poison community relations and fuel the climate of suspicion and hostility toward British Muslims, as Cameron was reportedly warned by MI5. Rather than wait for a time when he would have to seek the benefit of hindsight, the time is right for Cameron to act upon all the principles that he so passionately preaches – honesty; fairness; impartiality; and moderation. It is ironic that former Prime Minister Tony Blair adopted a similar condescending approach to British Muslims. When faced with criticism and protest over his Iraq policy, he famously accused British Muslims of harbouring a sense of "false grievance". In the end, he has admitted that the invasion of Iraq could have possibly contributed to the rise of Islamic State, and al-Qaeda before them. Before more damage is done, David Cameron must now demonstrate the same humility and accept that he was ill-advised in his approach to British Muslims, and the Muslim Association of Britain in particular. Mohammed Kozbar is vice president of the Muslim Association of Britain and chairman of Finsbury Park Mosque. This article was first published by International Business Times on Janaury 6th 2016. 2 0 0 2 Comments Please respect and abide by our Community Guidelines when leaving comments. 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The British Government's publication of the findings of the review of the Muslim Brotherhood has raised more questions than answers. By declaring it to be a "classified report" and releasing... Our Regular Contributors Dr Daud Abdullah Ibrahim Hewitt Jessica Purkiss Nasim Ahmed Dr Amira Abo el-Fetouh Samira Shackle Amelia Smith Ramona Wadi Ben White Asa Winstanley Alastair Sloan Abdulrahman al-Masri Diana Alghoul Christine Petré MEMO to the Editor Latest News Africa Americas Europe Middle East In-Depth Articles Monthly Digests Commentary & Analysis MEMO Commentary Guest Writers Blog - Politics Blog - Culture Blog - Lifestyle Book Review Letters from Cairo Reports & Resources Briefing Papers Fact Sheets Reports Documents Interviews Regular Contributors Amelia Smith Dr Amira El-Fetouh Ben White Dr Daud Abdullah Ibrahim Hewitt Jamal Kanj Ramona Wadi Samira Shackle Memo to the Editor The Independent The Guardian The Financial Times The New York Times The Times The Telegraph The Catholic Times Stay Informed Facebook Twitter Google+ RSS Feed Newsletter Middle East Monitor About Us MEMO News Book Awards Press Releases Privacy Policy Community Guidelines Contact Us Middle East Monitor Creating New Perspectives © The Middle East Monitor 2009-2015. 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Middle East Monitor - The Latest from the Middle East The BDS Movement in 2015 Home News Africa Middle East Europe & Russia Asia & the Americas MEMO News Press Release Articles Africa Middle East Europe & Russia Asia & the Americas Monthly Guest Writers Debate by Ben White Inquiry by Asa Winstanley Activism by Dr Sarah Marusek Letters from Cairo by Dr Fetouh Blogs Politics Culture Lifestyle Sports Media Review Book Reviews Film & Documentary Reviews Event & Article Reviews Monthly Digest Reports By Dr Daud Abdullah By Silvia Nicolaou Garcia By Samira Quraishy By Dr Hanan Chehata By Senussi Bsaikri By Zulaikha Abdullah By Shazia Arshad By Sawsan Ramahi Resources Infographics Interviews Profiles Commentary & Analysis Fact Sheets Briefing Papers Reports and Publications Documents Diary of War Crimes Palestinian Prisoners Political Prisoners Solitary Confinement Prisoners Articles by Author Dr Hanan Chehata Zulaikha Abdullah Samira Quraishy MEMO to the Editor Country Profiles Week in pictures Friday, January 08 2016 About UsCommunity GuidelinesContact UsLinksEventsPalestine Book AwardsMiddle East In London Back Europe & Russia Criticise our mosque, Cameron? We could teach you a thing or two about British values Criticise our mosque, Cameron? We could teach you a thing or two about British values Mohammed Kozbar Thursday, 07 January 2016 10:59 2 0 0 2 British Prime Minister, David Cameron. British Prime Minister, David Cameron. [File photo] The British Government's publication of the findings of the review of the Muslim Brotherhood has raised more questions than answers. By declaring it to be a "classified report" and releasing 11 pages of what he determined to be the "main findings", the government has acted in a manner that is far less candid and transparent than expected. Having refused repeated requests from lawyers acting for the Muslim Brotherhood to view the report, the government has, by default, committed the very act which it accuses the Brotherhood of; that is acting in a "secretive, if not clandestine" manner. Inevitably, this sad state of affairs has provoked questions about political motives and credibility of the entire review process. Unsurprisingly, the Muslim Brotherhood Review commissioned by Prime Minister David Cameron and prepared by former Ambassador to Riyadh, Sir John Jenkins, has singled out a number of British organisations, charities and institutions – most notably the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB). Despite many years of distinguished community service, the report depicts the MAB in a wholly negative and patronising light. Not only did the MAB work alongside the Government and Metropolitan Police to oust the notorious preacher Abu Hamza from Finsbury Park Mosque in 2005, it has since then successfully transformed this important pillar of the North London community into a beacon of community excellence and a model for others to follow. “Rather than wait for a time when he would have to seek the benefit of hindsight, the time is right for Cameron to act upon all the principles that he so passionately preaches – honesty, fairness, impartiality and moderation.” As part of its endeavour to present an enlightened understanding of Islam, the MAB has conducted welfare projects; it provides shelter for the homeless and feeds the poor. It has done this at a time when the phenomenon of food-banks has proliferated across the country amid cuts to the Government's welfare spending. Also read: UK Government to publish UK Review on Muslim Brotherhood following 'deeply flawed process' Egypt welcomes British report on Muslim Brotherhood Downing Street dumbs down as flimsy Muslim Brotherhood report is published Azzam Tamimi: David Cameron's shameful U-turn on Muslim Brotherhood While many armchair experts were theorising about the perils of extremism from the comfort of their luxurious offices, the MAB and other Muslim organisations mentioned in the report were busy organising scouting activities for the youth, teaching them useful life skills and steering them away from the scourge of criminality. Yet for whatever reasons, Cameron and Jenkins saw no need to acknowledge or appreciate these initiatives. The report also claimed that the MAB has continually objected to the Government's Prevent strategy. True, but they are not alone. There is in fact a growing chorus of high profile public figures and academics who have denounced Prevent as a "toxic brand". They include the chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee Keith Vaz, and retired senior judge Baroness Butler-Sloss. In the circumstances, it is a matter of grave concern that Cameron's government views the fundamental democratic right to object to Government policy as reason to consider objectors subversives – or even worse. The problem with government officials and cheerleaders who vilify the MAB and similar British Muslim organisations is that on the one hand they accuse them of not integrating or assimilating into society, and then when these organisations actually attempt to do so, they are accused of "entryism". This inherent contradiction and inconsistency in the government's approach to the Muslim community was underscored recently when the prime minister lavished all praise and extended every possible courtesy to India's prime minister Narendra Modi. As Leader of the Hindu Bahartia Janata Party, Modi failed to stop the 2002 massacre of more than 1,000 Muslims in Gujrat. As a result he was deemed a persona non grata to Britain for more than a decade. However, for obvious economic reasons Cameron chose to afford his Indian counterpart a state visit in November 2015. There are, of course, other occasions when the government has sacrificed British values of tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions, the protection of individual citizens, and the rule of law. The Guardian newspaper published an exclusive report on how United Arab Emirates threatened to block a billion-pound arms deal with the UK, stop inward investment and cut intelligence cooperation if Cameron did not act against the Muslim Brotherhood. It is no secret that the UAE has been the main financial and political backer of the military junta that overthrew Egypt's first elected civilian president, Mohamed Morsi. The coup killed thousands of civilians and incarcerated tens of thousands of opposition figures and activists. In this light, most reasonable and fair-minded observers would be more inclined to deem the MAB a greater champion of British values than David Cameron, while he supports undemocratic countries like UAE and the military despot who currently rules Egypt. After spending taxpayer money on its review into the Muslim Brotherhood, the government must now demonstrate the moral courage and publish it in full, and in the manner it was written by John Jenkins. Failure to do so and accept responsibility for its flaws will only further poison community relations and fuel the climate of suspicion and hostility toward British Muslims, as Cameron was reportedly warned by MI5. Rather than wait for a time when he would have to seek the benefit of hindsight, the time is right for Cameron to act upon all the principles that he so passionately preaches – honesty; fairness; impartiality; and moderation. It is ironic that former Prime Minister Tony Blair adopted a similar condescending approach to British Muslims. When faced with criticism and protest over his Iraq policy, he famously accused British Muslims of harbouring a sense of "false grievance". In the end, he has admitted that the invasion of Iraq could have possibly contributed to the rise of Islamic State, and al-Qaeda before them. Before more damage is done, David Cameron must now demonstrate the same humility and accept that he was ill-advised in his approach to British Muslims, and the Muslim Association of Britain in particular. Mohammed Kozbar is vice president of the Muslim Association of Britain and chairman of Finsbury Park Mosque. This article was first published by International Business Times on Janaury 6th 2016. 2 0 0 2 Comments Please respect and abide by our Community Guidelines when leaving comments. Latest News Bus carrying Israeli tourists targeted in Cairo Bus carrying Israeli tourists targeted in Cairo Unidentified assailants targeted a bus carrying Israeli tourists in western Cairo, a security source told the Anadolu Agen... Abbas: We will not retreat from demanding our rights Abbas: We will not retreat from demanding our rights The Palestinian people and their leadership will not back down from the rights they have always demanded, President Mahm... Turkey: No relations with Israel before Gaza siege is lifted Turkey: No relations with Israel before Gaza siege is lifted Turkish Ambassador to Amman Sedat Önal yesterday reiterated that there will be no restoration of diplomatic relations wi... Rights group: Erez crossing a trap for Palestinians Rights group: Erez crossing a trap for Palestinians Israel uses the Erez crossing as a trap for Palestinian passengers, Palsawa.com reported the Human Rights and Democracy Me... 5 Kuwaitis acquitted of funding Daesh, Al-Nusra Front 5 Kuwaitis acquitted of funding Daesh, Al-Nusra Front The Kuwaiti Criminal Court has acquitted five Kuwaitis of funding and fighting with Daesh and Al-Nusra Front, the Anadolu... Erdogan criticises global double standard towards executions Erdogan criticises global double standard towards executions Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticised international uproar towards Saudi’s execution of a Shia cleric follow... Egypt seeks $100m loan from Kuwait Egypt seeks $100m loan from Kuwait Egypt has requested Kuwait provide it with a loan for $100 million to fund the electricity interconnection project betwe... More Latest News: ‘Hamas is ready for elections’ France condemns Assad’s siege on Madaya Qatari ambassador arrives in Gaza Saudi Electricity Co signs $1.4bn loan deal Algeria loses $2bn a year to fuel smuggling Visualising the news - MEMO infographics Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit enjoyed a barbeque while in Hamas custody Read about it here >> This week in history... On January 8th 1961, a referendum took place on Algerian independence, resulting in the French people voting in favour with an overwhelming 75% majority, and the people of Algeria voting 69% in favour. This lead to Algeria gaining its independence from France the following year. The Jerusalem Intifada Latest Blogs Bennett’s proposed rehabilitation of settler-terrorists is a deceptive sleight of hand Bennett’s proposed rehabilitation of settler-terrorists is a deceptive sleight of hand UN report highlights Palestinian needs UN report highlights Palestinian needs Focusing on the real solution for Cyprus Focusing on the real solution for Cyprus The parameters of the relationship between Israel and Egypt The parameters of the relationship between Israel and Egypt Why leave now? Why leave now? In-Depth Articles UK MPs speak out about Israeli detention of Palestinian children UK MPs speak out about Israeli detention of Palestinian c... British parliament held a debate on the issue of child prisoners and detainees in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the second time yesterday, following a debate on the issue in 2010.... Israel debates how to stop BDS even as it continues to lose friends abroad Israel debates how to stop BDS even as it continues to lo... On Wednesday, a debate was held in the British Parliament on the issue of Palestinian child prisoners detained by Israeli forces in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The House of Saud is stronger than ever The House of Saud is stronger than ever Last night, the BBC’s Newsnight broadcast a skit about the impending collapse of the Saudi economy. The flagship show's diplomatic editor, Mark Urban, provided grim narration to each new set... The ghost of the regional sectarian war: Has it become imminent? The ghost of the regional sectarian war: Has it become im... The mutual tension and escalation between Iran and Saudi Arabia has reached an unprecedented record when the latter announced it would sever its diplomatic and trade ties with Iran. This was... Criticise our mosque, Cameron? We could teach you a thing or two about British values Criticise our mosque, Cameron? We could teach you a thing... The British Government's publication of the findings of the review of the Muslim Brotherhood has raised more questions than answers. By declaring it to be a "classified report" and releasing... Our Regular Contributors Dr Daud Abdullah Ibrahim Hewitt Jessica Purkiss Nasim Ahmed Dr Amira Abo el-Fetouh Samira Shackle Amelia Smith Ramona Wadi Ben White Asa Winstanley Alastair Sloan Abdulrahman al-Masri Diana Alghoul Christine Petré MEMO to the Editor Latest News Africa Americas Europe Middle East In-Depth Articles Monthly Digests Commentary & Analysis MEMO Commentary Guest Writers Blog - Politics Blog - Culture Blog - Lifestyle Book Review Letters from Cairo Reports & Resources Briefing Papers Fact Sheets Reports Documents Interviews Regular Contributors Amelia Smith Dr Amira El-Fetouh Ben White Dr Daud Abdullah Ibrahim Hewitt Jamal Kanj Ramona Wadi Samira Shackle Memo to the Editor The Independent The Guardian The Financial Times The New York Times The Times The Telegraph The Catholic Times Stay Informed Facebook Twitter Google+ RSS Feed Newsletter Middle East Monitor About Us MEMO News Book Awards Press Releases Privacy Policy Community Guidelines Contact Us Middle East Monitor Creating New Perspectives © The Middle East Monitor 2009-2015. All rights reserved. | Legal Pages Events Facebook Twitter Youtube RSS
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January 08, 2016 at 01:42PM
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