CarolC

The Afghan people want our help- most don't want a return to Taliban fundamentalist Islam. Further, there is a distinct difference between moderate Islam and extreme interpretations of Islamic values and Sharia law. The NATO forces in Afghanistan are not trying to impose anything on the Afghans, save peace- and least of all our Judeao-Christian religion and values.

But back to the issue. Look, if I went to Saudi Arabia (as I have) do you think I would have the freedom to challenge their social Wahhabi Islamic based norms- I can tell you absolutely not, I wouldn't last five minutes. So when I am there, I live in an isolated compound, behind brick walls and keep myself to myself. And although I cannot subscribe to their way of life and social norms, we get on famously. We have had Muslim's living harmoniously in Britain for a very long time, most follow a moderate version of Islam and integrate well into our society and I count many of them as my friends. However, what we are seeing in recent years is a concerted effort, by some- to push the boundaries of our society and introduce fundamental Islam and Sharia laws into mainstream British culture. This is socially divisive as these fundamental Islamic values are simply incompatible with our culture and way of life- or if you like, the things that make Britain British. But don't take my word for it- do some research for yourself.

Should we, for example - accept that it is OK for girls and boys to be denied an education that includes art, music, drama, swimming, mixed sports? Well if the Muslim's who follow their religion according to a strict interpretation of the Koran have their way- then that's the way it would be. Should we tolerate that sort of thinking in our nation? I say no, we shouldn't. My issue is with values which are not compatible with mainstream Britain society; we are not a multi-cultural nation, despite what many would have you believe. Multi-culturalism hasn't worked- if it had we wouldn't be having this debate now would we.

But back to the original topic; if the press reports I am reading regarding Old Palace School are accurate; then these Muslim parents, who have kicked off this fuss about boys- of all things, being in proximity to their daughters; are pushing for a British school to adopt a fundamental principle of Islamic culture, i.e. the segregation of the sexes outside of the family. That, in a British public or private girl's school for that matter, is not acceptable and I am shocked that a school such as the Old Palace as part of the Whitgift Foundation has capitulated to this pressure.

I live much of the year in a moderate Islamic country; I am married to Muslim lass who shares my views. Every morning I see little Muslim boys and girls going hand in hand to school, where they study just as children in Britain study. Women drive cars and work as they please and I can get a beer in the local pub with my local friends. That's the sort of Islam which I do think is compatible with our western values.

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Hi, Bob - please remember to use a consistent name when you post. We had to delete a couple of messages where you didn't include your name.
-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-