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Trust me when I say that most of us British Muslims detest the fanatics who screamed at British soldiers parading in Luton this week even more than outraged non-Muslims do. We want the ground beneath them to open up.
They cynically betray us and our faith; they don't give a damn, not even about the blameless young Muslim children in the playgrounds and streets of Luton who will now be vilified and bullied. It is the kind of incident that encourages some white Britons to join far-Right parties.
Thank God the police were able to control the situation. We might have had a riot in a locality that already has serious communal divisions.
The abused soldiers took part in an illegal war not of their making. Though some British combatants did not behave with honour, many died for a cause they probably never believed in. Imagine how their families feel.
If demonstrators want to remind people of the cost of that war and countless lives lost, they should have gone to Parliament or even the Ministry of Defence. Instead the desperadoes chose to subvert a local welcome for returnees. Their motives are sinister. They want to incite public fury - the drug that lifts them high, gives them a kick.
Hard though it is, we must stay temperate: in doing so, we will deny the protesters the thrills they seek. Likewise we can deny them their other aim, to "prove" that British democracy is a sham, unable to live by its avowed principles of free speech. Democrats - including those vehemently opposed to the Iraq war - must keep their heads and refuse to overreact.
By coincidence this week, we have witnessed just such steadfastness in the face of far more extreme provocations in Northern Ireland. Years ago, I remember similarly ugly demonstrations by hard-Left groups in London against soldiers returning from those troubles. Peace came, followed by remarkable progress.
Now violent republicans are killing again. They too wish only to stir things up. The Northern Irish will not let them. Through silent protests citizens plan to rebuff those who want to incite unrest.
Real democrats in Luton should do the same. A dignified and wordless demonstration bringing together people of all backgrounds would reclaim the streets from the Islamist boors.
Reader views (12)
Ms. Yasmin Alibhai-Brown:
I'm glad to see you feel the way you do. But it's not enough. We have a few sayings in the USA: "Put your money where your mouth is", "Talk is cheap", "Actions speak louder than words" and "You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" (I'm sure the UK has similar sayings.)
To be explicit, words are not enough. Organize and attend a few counter-protests yourself, and make sure the media cover them. Get some fatwas against the terrorists who give Islam as their justification, and make sure they're publicized.
I have no problem with peaceful, law-abiding people of any religion or background.
But YOU must act. YOU must demonstrate. If you leave it to non-Muslims, they will be dismissed as racists. I can't blame you if you're scared of the radicals. But the alternatives are worse.
YOU must do something. To repeat, WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH.
- Jim C., Chicago, IL, USA
The Police should have arrested the protestors for inciting hatred.
- Sue M, Watford,, Hertfordshire.
I don't believe I am reading this.
- Vanessa, London
Again Yasmin Alibi Brown makes excuses for non-whites. The difference if you missed it in Northern Ireland is that the leaders of all groups immediately condemned the actions of the republicans and then followed that up with a public demonstration of support for the police. Should I hold my breath for this in Luton?
- Mark, London
When I first went to boarding school my dear mother advised me if I was bullied to be calm and dignified and face the bullies down. I tried it and got bullied worse and worse, until one day I had enough and put three of them in the sick-bay. The bullying stopped after that.
- Karsten Duncan, Perth, Australia
in my opinion the extremists protesting are only the tip of the iceberg.dont forget the titanic was sunk by the ice below the water line.
- John Mckim, glasgow.uk
What a disgrace those Muslim fanatics were, they bring shame on Britain. It was a pure evil attack on our brave soldiers. Haven't heard a word from the Muslim Council of Britain condemning their behaviour!!
Go lads, I salute you.
- Theresa, Cardiff
Anthony - I noticed that fact too! Only the people who were offended by the protest were arrested, not the people inciting hatred of our soldiers and country. I truly despise this government and all that they have created.
- Brandon Thomas, London
You give thanks that the police were able to control the situation. I'd like to ask why this 'situation' was even allowed!? This 'protest' to incite hatred should NOT have been allowed. Only a few weeks ago Geert Wilders was banned from entering the country due to his views... So why the double-standard?
- R Barker, London, UK
Are you joking Yasmin , the police didn't control it , they let this vile protest happen in the first place , which should have never been allowed to take place. The islamists were protected by the police not arrested for inciting hatred like they should have been. On the other hand those who came to support the army were actively manhandled by the police and indeed two people were arrested for speaking out against the islamists. The police made the situation worse.
- Stephen Hoffman, St Albans , United Kingdom.
Only counter-demonstrators were arrested in Luton yesterday.
- Anthony, London
I do not support their cause. I found their demonstration deeply offensive, However, free speech is free speech and their right to it is just that. One can only hope that in the fullness of time they will see the error of their ways, but suppressing their political expression would be a retrograde step in this process.
- Bloke, London
