Muslim Conference in Blackburn

[Justin]

Yesterday I went to the 'Islam, Terrorism and Human Rights' Conference in Blackburn where around 100 local Muslim community activists gathered to listen to five speakers about how the War on Terror was affecting the lives of normal law-abiding Muslims. I found it to be both troubling and uplifting.

Troubling because all of the speakers, very eloquently and movingly, put the War on Terror as seen from the Muslim perspective and it is quite clear, through all this new anti-terror legislation and media hype, that they, as a community, are feeling under siege and scared for themselves, their families and loved ones. One bearded young man, in traditional dress, asked what he could do to ensure his safety when going to Pakistan to see family and friends to avoid being picked up by corrupt Pakistani officials and handed over to the Americans as a would-be terrorist gone there for training. The answer from Nasir Hafezi, a solicitor who specialises in anti-terrorist leglisation, is there is very little he can do. Jahangir Mohammed, from the Centre for Muslim Affairs in Manchester, gave a brilliant speech and highlighted how the American Neo-conservatives, along with Jewish and Christian Zionists, have declared war on the Islamic world and will not rest until they have brought Islam to its knees. He was followed by a much respected local community leader, Ismail Yusuf Lorgat, who very accurately described how the Crusades by the West against Islam did not end in the 13th Century, but are still being fought today. History seen from the 'other side' can be very illuminating! Another concern brought out repeatedly during the Conference was how Muslim MPs, Muslim members of the Labour Party and some civic leaders (including the current Mayor of Blackburn) have sold their souls and have betrayed the integrity of their faith - they seem more interested in the MBEs, OBEs and the other rewards and advancement you get by sucking up to the establishment.

The uplifting side to the conference was obvious to see. I was greeted with total friendliness and hospitality and I could detect no suspicion towards me at all - I was made very welcome. I was allowed to address the conference but I kept it brief - the other speakers had spoken for two hours. I kept it straight to the point - Muslims did not carry out 9/11 and they can hold their heads up high, they have absolutely nothing to reproach themselves for. I also warned them that it was likely that another 9/11 'false flag' operation by 'islamic terrorists' could well happen to justify an attack on Iran. My input was well received and all my DVDs (thanks to James in Blackpool for those) and leaflets disappeared in a matter of minutes.

Throughout the conference there was never any heated debate, no open unsuppressed anger. Everyone talked in measured terms and brief prayers were said at the end. The 'western' mass media, had they been there, would have been lost - there was nothing 'sensational' to report to suit their caricature of Muslim fundamentalists. The only people there were decent, law-abiding human beings who are scared as to what Bush, Blair, their constituency MP Jack Straw, and Gargoyle Clarke are going to do next to them. The grassroots Muslim community of this country, if yesterday was anything to go by, will give the 9/11 Truth campaign a huge boost once we can get a really good dialogue going.

Finally, I would love to be a fly on the wall the next time Straw holds a constituency surgery!!

[paul wright]

Cheers and thanks Justin for being there
I know you'd rather a muslim had been there putting across the truth
But as you know the colour of the skin or the particular faith doesnt matter
All that matters is your observation of the truth, and the cultural differences dont matter a toss
One thing about these muslims, they dont slurp up the WoT asserttions about their nature and are quite willing to listen to the alternative story
Thanks for going there