Radical plan to stop Muslim extremism

London - A royal commission to investigate how and why the London bombings happened and a media unit to rebut negative stories about Muslims and counter propaganda from Islamist extremists should be set up, according to proposals to be sent to Tony Blair by government-appointed taskforces on tackling Islamist extremism.

The Guardian has obtained details of the plans drawn up by the taskforces, set up after the July bombings. They were asked to come up with ideas to help prevent British Muslims turning to terrorism, and which would also counter a sense of alienation some Muslims feel from British society and institutions. Their proposals will go to the prime minister and home secretary next week.

Coverage of Islam in the media has long irritated many British Muslims. The proposed media unit would counter press articles considered to be inaccurate or malicious attacks on Islam, and rebut statements by extremist groups. The taskforces consist of seven groups of Muslim MPs, peers, academics and community leaders. One of their proposals is the setting up of a royal commission. Senior Home Office officials discussed the proposal with Muslim groups on Wednesday and are expected to give a formal answer in a week.

If agreed, the royal commission would be held in two parts: an initial examination of the bombings, followed by an exploration of wider issues, such as the role of foreign policy in radicalising the terrorists, and whether victims of the bombings received speedy and adequate financial compensation and support. The government has so far resisted the idea.

The groups all feel that British foreign policy, especially Mr Blair's support for the Iraq war, has fuelled resentment. One proposal is that Islamic schools, or madrasas should teach "citizenship" in an attempt to tackle the conflict some youngsters feel between being British and Muslim.

Under the plans, suspected extremists would be tracked by a monitoring centre. A website would be created to allow young Muslims to discover mainstream Islamic views on issues. Public forums for debating issues such as foreign policy and politics would also be set up. -- Guardian News

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