No. I have looked at the links, as you have done, and it hasn't changed my mind about Qaradawi.

For a start, female circumcision is not the same as male circumcision, where only the foreskin is removed. Female circumcision is more akin to mutilation.

Qaradawi has also ruled that a grown up Muslim who decided to convert to another religion or become an atheist "is a traitor ...and thus deserves killing."

Yes, beating your wife is the last resort, but he does condone it. Well, I ask you, in these post feminist times, if you would like to call it that, is this acceptable for a so called progressive like Livingstone?

You say that English people also support the Palestinian cause, which is fair enough. [You can be English and muslim.] But to support the murder of young children? This is a step too far. This is the voice of hate.

Do you see Livingstone inviting a Jewish rabbi from Israel over to London to put their case while drooling obsequiously over them?

He recently attended a rally, organised by the Muslim Council, to defend the freedom of worship - as if freedom of worship was in danger in this country - but have you heard Livingstone defend the right of writers to speak freely against religion, such as Rushdie? Livingstone, so vocal in voicing his opinions, was, at best, mealy mouthed on this; but vigorous in supporting Qaradawi.

Livingstone's actions belie someone who will say anything to garner the support of alienated Musims, say whatever to win them over, and if it is at the expense of another group - the Jews- then so be it.

There are worse clerics than Qaradawi, but he is still bad. (I'm still hunting for his approval of Mein Kampf and Protocols, although these books are popular within a hard line circle of Muslims throughout the world. I shall find them.)

If Livingstone is so progressive, why has he not, in terms, unequivocal, condemned the murder of Theo van Gogh; the murder of Israeli citizens, including children; female mutilation; and come to the defence of Rushdie and that teacher in the middle east who named a teddy bear after Muhammad which resulted in thousands of Muslims to come out on the street and demand her death? Mealy mouthed mumbles at the best of times: accommodation of these people at the worst of times. For example, when Qaradawi was over here, why didn't our Mayor ask these questions of him? Because it was not in his interest to do so.

People have got wise to Livingstone and hopefully democracy and our personal liberty will be well served when the people of London throw him out.