there are some areas of europe where islam is the dominant belief system, Albania being one that springs foremost to mind.

i work with the national probation service in england, with offenders carrying out community service sentences.

yesterday, myself & a work party carried out some tasks at a local mosque.

one of the mosque officials is white british, & it was he that we liaised with.

i've worked with members of the muslim community locally before now & always have been able to establish a constructive rapport between them & the work party memmbers.

as a professional in this field, its vital as part of offenders rehabilitation to enhance their cognitive & decision making skills, & also to debunk ignorance & ingrained prejudices based on racial & cultural stereotyping.

its been possible even since 9/11 to overcome racist difficulties by pointing out that amongst the moslem population in the area are serving policemen, doctors, firemen, soldiers, as well as owners of 'take aways' & corner shops 'open all hours' & to be able to portray them in a very positive light.