Unite Against Fascism Wales - Recent Statement
Former Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain MP is one of many high profile community figures to provide his signature on an open letter released by Unite Against Fascism Wales giving public backing to the Muslim communities of Cardiff.
Mr Hain, who is a patron of UAF, is joined by Andy Richards the regional secretary of Unite, Roman Corria of the Cardiff Trades Council and Cardiff County Councillor Cecilia Love in signing the letter.
In the letter, UAF Wales argue that “no apologies are necessary” from the Muslim community leaders in Cardiff who cannot be held accountable for the actions of the three individuals, believed to be Aseel Multhana, his older brother Nasser and Reyaad Khan.
Instead they argue that the rise of Islamophobia, primarily through fringe right-wing Fascist groups but sustained by media outlets has alienated too many young Muslim men, driving them into the hands of welcoming extremist groups such as ISIS.
It states: “Not a week goes by without an anti-Muslim demo somewhere in Britain. Fascist groups are allowed to demonstrate while young Muslims are subject to harassment. The increased use of racism in the European elections raises the spectre of racism being made acceptable in an accepting and diverse society.”
http://peterhain.org.uk/campaigns/open-letter-from-uaf-wales-and-supporters/
I'm prepared to concede some ground here and accept Islamophobia MAY have played a part in the radicalisation of young Muslim men in this country. I don't think it's THE most significant factor by any means. Maybe I and millions of others are wrong and the likes of Abu Qatada, Abu Hamza and Anjem Choudary preaching their own perverted brand of Islam have had little or nothing to do with it.
But Peter Hain still thinks he can ride his old campaigning warhorse, wielding his Sword of Righteousness not only against his favourite prey of fascists and racists, but also against people who have expressed legitimate and real concerns at the Islamification of areas of the UK. Before someone gives him a leg up onto his trusted steed, because he seems to be getting increasingly desperate and pathetic these days, I'd like to remind him of the Iraq War. None of us will forget, and many not forgive, the Tony Blair Government's cynical manipulation of intelligence data and cosy armchair deals with George Bush, which took us into this war. Peter Hain should remember this as well as anyone because he was part of Blair's Cabinet. He voted for the invasion of Iraq and, just like Blair, has consistently backed this stance since.
However it is our very presence fighting "wars" in Iraq and Afghanistan that are quoted by the likes of Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale who slaughtered Fusilier Drummer Lee Rigby on the Streets of Woolwich, South East London. When they encouraged innocent bystanders to film them THAT is what they ranted about, not - you're letting the EDL march in the streets, and voting for the likes of nasty Parties that don't give us Muslims a fair crack of the whip!
Then we have the 7/7 bombers. In the video recordings they produced as "suicide tapes", one of the bombers Mohammad Sidique Khan described his motivation, which included the following statement:
“ Your democratically-elected governments continuously perpetuate atrocities against my people all over the world. And your support of them makes you directly responsible, just as I am directly responsible for protecting and avenging my Muslim brothers and sisters. Until we feel security you will be our targets and until you stop the bombing, gassing, imprisonment and torture of my people we will not stop this fight. We are at war and I am a soldier. Now you too will taste the reality of this situation. "
If anyone is in any doubt, one of the democratically-elected governments he was referring to was the one that Peter Hain sat in and despite massive public opposition, took this country into a conflict that cost the lives of 117,000 Iraqi civilians, as well as 179 British soldiers. Was it really worth that, plus the continuing problems in that country, in hindsight?
Another bomber, Shehzad Tanweer, said:
"What you have witnessed now is only the beginning of a string of attacks that will continue and become stronger until you pull your forces out of Afghanistan and Iraq. And until you stop your financial and military support to America and Israel."
Again - nothing about them blowing themselves and others up because of Islamophobia, fascists and racists on the streets, or people supporting politicians who hold the same views as the Daily Mail.
Quite frankly that letter issued by the Wales UAF does not deal with the real reasons Muslim men have become radicalised, and it is disingenuous - and Hain and his UAF cronies should know it. It really is time that sensible people challenged these outrageous statements which because they are supported by a politician of some previous standing are meant to carry some extra gravitas. Well they don't with me.
Maybe Hain and the UAF would like to reflect on the remarks of the terrorist killers and bombers above, and Hain particularly consider his and his own Government's complicity in the radicalisation of young Muslims. I think you'll find they have been driven to extreme views and actions far more by British foreign policy in Muslim lands rather than fringe groups such as the EDL, the National Front, BNP and Britain First being allowed to demonstrate on our streets, and by the right wing press. Read the attached New Statesman article by Hans von Sponeck then compare it with the pro-war arguments put forward by Blair and Hain in their inevitable autobiographies, cashing in on their political careers. Then try and picture the mindset of certain young Muslim men who are perhaps more aware of these issues than Joe Public or even some members of the UAF. People like Blair and Hain need to face the unpleasant truth that they bear some responsibility for the bloodshed and loss of innocent lives. Hain could have done what Robin Cook did and resigned if he didn't support Blair's Iraq policy. He didn't - and he has to carry that decision with him for the rest of his days.
http://www.newstatesman.com/middle-east/2010/09/iraq-humanitarian-sanctions
Maybe Blair and his Cabinet members, especially Peter Hain, would appreciate the following saying that I found on the internet describing hypocrites:
Many of us believe that wrongs aren't wrong if it's done by nice people like ourselves. - Unknown
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