Fighting Home Grown Extremism

It is comforting to know that two highly educated Muslims (a university student and banker) have taken the time and effort to spread messages of peace. Too little, too late?

http://www.smh.com.au/national/peace-promoters-hope-to-nip-violent-ideologies-in-the-bud-20120205-1qzvd.html

Hopefully, more will come forward and this is not a one-off thing publicity stunt to appease Australians and quell apprehensions. These two heroes of the community must get strong community support and protection, not just in financial terms (counterterrorism funding). In the past, moderators have been afraid to be out the open for fear of being exposed to attacks by extremists. The rest of the community would be inclined along with whoever is more aggressive for fear of ostracism.

However, addressing dangers of home-grown terrorism is fraught with challenges and pitfalls. While promoting multiculturalism, certain individuals have abused their freedom. In a society governed by rule of law, under no circumstances should local tribal traditional practices prevail over secular authority and laws.
The recent trial of male family members killing four of their women folk in Canada is shocking. Sane and morally upright Muslims do not commit murders.

http://ca.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idCATRE8140QP20120205

Those people, not just Muslims, who claim to be firm and true believers and use religion to justify suppression and killing of others will not be tolerated. No one should place themselves above the law in family disputes or commercial settlement, whatever their religion might be. It should be treated no differently or even more harshly as with cases of dysfunctional families, child abuse and bullying.

Ignorance perpetuates the myth that all Muslims are extremists. This must be altered through education for a terrorist is not born but groomed. The fact is that followers of Islam are a diverse group with different emphasis. Many are moderate and observe the cultural heritage, able to think and adapt to enhance peace living among communities of today. More importantly, poverty and social problems which are often the root causes of crimes and terrorism should be examined and redressed.

In the longer term, demonstrating that Australia sincerely adopts a level playing field in domestic and international arena would deprive home-grown of any excuses to destroy fellow human beings.