A journey from rootlessness to radical Islam

After the London bombings, many have been written about the young, homegrown, extremist Muslims in Britain and Europe. Some reports have also quoted younsters from similar backgrounds. But the excellent article by Aatish Taseer in Prospect - A British jihadist - primarily a lengthy interview of Hassan Butt in 2004, gives us rare insights into what "they" are searching for and why they have so much hatred. It's no use just saying that they are angry, they are dangerous, and they can go easily within Europe and into the US. You may catch a few terrorists after they struck, catch a few more before they make their moves, but diffusing their anger and hatred is the only long term solution.

Note: Butt used to be a spokesman for the extremist group al-Muhajiroun, and active in recruiting people to fight against the coalition forces in Afghanistan.

According to Taseer, radical Islam draws recruits in Britain mainly from second-generation British Pakistanis. "Somehow they have been worst hit by the populations shifts of the last 50 years and the alienation that came with them. A few have rallied under a banner which brings an intense sense of grievance. And when they are done chasing absurd dreams of caliphates, there is always martyrdom."

On "covenant of security": "al-Muhajiroun ... have this idea ... of a "covenant of security." This means Muslims in Britain are forbidden from any military action in Britain. Now, I am not in favour of military action in Britain, but if somebody did do it who was British, I would not have any trouble with that either. Islamically, it would be my duty to support and praise their action."

On Britain being a liberal country and anti-Islamic feeling in Britain: "Britain is a very liberal country in comparison to America ... Now with Afghanistan gone, the Muslims don't really have a place where they can come back to and regroup, have time to think and relax, without the authorities breathing down your neck. ... The British establishment has always hated Islam. Look at the crusades. ... And I do believe in my heart of hearts that the majority of British people — the majority being outside of London — would do that [kill a Muslim if they could get away with it] if they had the opportunity. Historically speaking, there has always been an enmity. I experienced it as I was growing up, going into majority white schools and having a problem trying to be a Muslim."

On Muslims living alongisde non-Muslims: "We did it in the past, why can't we do it now?" "Would it have to be a Muslim polity?" "Yes." "Or could it be like England?" "No, it couldn't be like England. The so-called liberal countries in the world, France for example, boast about liberty and their so-called revolution, but they are banning headscarves. Where have the rights of the Muslims gone there? Where are the rights of Muslims in Britain to be able to support their brothers who are being attacked in Kashmir? So many of the organisations proscribed by the British government are Kashmiri freedom fighters, or terrorists as you would call them."