It won't take long for western "idiots" to start attacking Muslims, physically and verbally, holding them personally responsible for these atrocities. It is to be expected, deplored and stopped.

HOWEVER, I want to take a big shocking step here, and say something to the Muslims in Western Countries, that I'm sure everyone will deplore. "You are responsible!"

As Muslims in Western countries, you have two responsibilities. One of these is to your country, and the other is to your religion.

The first question you need to ask yourself is: "Where is my country?" If the answer to that be "Not this western country I am living in," then you have placed yourself justifiably as the target of public angst.

The Second question you must ask yourself is: "What is my religion?" If the answer to that is, "The same religion as these terrorists." Then you have placed yourself justifiably as the target of public angst.

However, If the answer to these questions is that your country is that western country in which you now live, and your religion is not that of the terrorists, then you place yourself justifiably as the target of the terrorist angst.

Muslims in England are now deploring the behaviour of the Terrorists, and are naturally concerned for their personal safety. They are now going to be seen as victims, and this in turn justifies further the future activities of the terrorists.

In the Western World, once called the Christian world, Christian countries warred with other Christian countries, sometimes on the basis of religion, and sometimes on the basis of politics. Every citizen had a duty to defend the realm, and those who chose religious alliances as more important than national safety, were rightly called traitors.

Today, Muslims in Western societies must decide "where" their place is in life. If it is on the side of a country in which they don't live, they should go live THERE. If it is on the side of the religion of the "terrorists," then they are Traitors and deserve to be treated as such.

If however, you see yourself as a citizen with a religion different than the terrorists, you need to make a stand, before the terrorist strikes, not after.

All citizens have a duty to inform security organisations of suspect people, people who in some concrete sense, pose a threat to national security. If that means informing on fellow Muslims, or former countrymen, then it is your duty.

It is your duty for two reasons. Firstly, it is your duty as a regular citizen. Secondly, it is a duty you have toward your fellow Muslims, who are not party to the religion of the terrorists. Muslims who came from other countries to western countries presumably did so because they were looking for a better life. How will your life be better if the terrorists succeed?

Muslim communities everywhere must not just publicly "deplore" terrorist actions. They must play a leading role in rooting out those who are hiding within their communities, who pose a threat not only to the nation, but to the peace and security of the general Muslim society, but the true Islamic Religion.

In the West, we each have a right to think and speak our thoughts, to disagree on religion, to disagree on politics, to protest, and to vote with our feet. We do not have a right to hold allegiances with any religion or country or group that threatens our national security.

Muslim communities must begin to put their money where their collective mouth is, and Non Muslim religious communities must put their money where their religious beliefs say it ought to be: in compassion, understanding and tolerance.

As for the non-religious ... Well, they believe in nothing except their own egos. Just Chill out, guys!

I have firm beliefs about religion and politics as well as firm criticisms of multiculturalism and immigration as political footballs. Nevertheless, I believe in tolerance, friendship and community spirit.

I have Muslim family members, and while I don't want them to suffer because of what some terrorist has done, neither would I hesitate to call them traitors if by act or omission, they permitted "our" nation to suffer at the hands of terrorists.

R.P.Bendedek

Email: rpbendedek@hotmail.com

Note: Because of the recent Server change, some links may not work. This file was amended September 2007.

R.P. BenDedek (pseudonym) is a conversational English Teacher in China (Hubei Radio and TV University Wuhan), and writes for Magic City Morning Star News. In addition to his 'Stories from China', he is the author of 'The King's Calendar:The Secret of Qumran' at www.kingscalendar.com.

The 'King's Calendar:The Secret of Qumran is a chronological study, of people and events listed in the Bible, Josephus, and The Damascus Document of the Essenes. It both confirms and challenges many cherished concepts in relation to Biblical Infallibility and Bible History, The Dead Sea Scrolls, the writings of Josephus, the Reign of Nebuchadrezzar, Moses and the Exodus, Jeremiah's Seventy year prophecy of the Babylonian Exile, Daniel's Vision of Seventy weeks, and discrepancies between the Septuagint and Masoretic Texts of the Bible. www.kingscalendar.com.