Lyon / France

Drs. Hulsman and Dr. Burslem provide a detailed report on Muslim-Christian relations based on a review of Dr. Hugh Goddard’s book, commenting on a number of issues including Western perceptions, mis-interpretations, and examples of recent incidents involving Muslims and Christians.

The article discusses a conference entitled, ‘The Status of Religious Minorities in Europe and in the Middle East.’ It highlights the topics discussed, including the need to foster inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, and stresses that Muslims in the Middle East should learn from their Muslim counterparts in Europe on how to improve relations with minorities.

“Democrats in London are paying for fanatics in Arabia to indoctrinate children in Pakistan, and a thousand other places, and - yes - right back at us, at the end of the District line,” explains Hari. The article argues that curricula funded by oil dollars from Saudi Arabia teach children racialism and the hatred of all non-Muslims.

The author argues that Muslims and Arabs, whether inside their own countries or abroad, fail

to

adopt strong positions in the face of challenges.

Unknown persons threw flammable materials upon a mosque in Lyon, France. They opened a crack in the ceiling of the mosque’s prayer room and threw down flammable materials which burned part of the room’s floor.

In the aftermath of violence and arson attacks that swept a number of French suburbs, French authorities have imposed curfew in a bid to curb riots and to restore public order.

About 12 imams have been arrested and deported from France since June 2003 because of their extremist ideologies. According to official statistics in France, there are about 32 mosques and zawya [small mosque attached to buildings] under the control of fundamentalist groups [in France] with an increase of 10 mosques in comparison with the statistics of 2002. The total number of mosques and zawyas in France is 373.

"Le Nouvelle Observateur", a French weekly, reports that London has become a haven for terrorists and a protector of Muslim extremist leaders from around the world. Many headquarters of terrorist extremist groups can be found in London. The "Observateur" tells many stories, describing the life of luxury of these extremists in London and how they use London as a propaganda center and a launching pad for terrorism throughout the world.

Hardline militants of Algeria’s Armed Islamic Group (GIA) threatened on June 27 to create a "bloodbath" in Belgium if the authorities there do not release several of its leaders jailed last month.