Support The Tommy-Quilliam Process – Don’t Let It Become A Missed Opportunity

By • on October 15, 2013
Berlin Wall Monument - no need for more walls

Berlin Wall Monument – no need for more walls

There appear to be many ‘Counter Jihad’ organisations and activists who are concerned about the Tommy-Quilliam Process that was begun rather dramatically only last week.  They are suspicious, just as many in the Muslim community, in left wing organisations, in the media, and in society in general are suspicious.  This is natural and, like many things, if taken in moderation can be a good thing because it helps to keep people honest.  It is a problem when suspicion becomes an obstacle to the problem solving process.  I do not think we are at that point, people were naturally surprised at the news, some even shocked.  When people are in a state of shock they may say things that they do not mean.  However, such utterances can be taken back when the initial shock subsides.

From the rhetoric of some far left groups, and some of the more extreme elements within the Muslim community, they are disappointed with the rapprochement between the Quilliam Foundation and Tommy Robinson.  Many may lament the possible end to their days of violence and provocation as counter demonstrators.  Perhaps they resent the likelihood that they are going to have to actually listen to people who have different opinions.  Are they actually incapable of setting their name calling strategies aside and engaging in rational and civilised debate?

There are Muslims who are concerned about discrimination and there are non-Muslims that are concerned about aspects of sharia law.  Indeed there are probably Muslims who are concerned about aspects of sharia law.  These concerns cannot be alleviated by the construction of the walls of silence that have unfortunately been constructed by political agitators, the media, and indeed, sometimes, by international organisations and the Government itself.

My message to the Counter Jihad activists, and indeed the left wing activists who genuinely want to create a better and more tolerant society is to engage positively with the process.  After all, this is a process, it is not necessary to agree with the individuals or groups involved – it is only necessary to move forward with good will and good intentions.  Those who resort to name calling and unsubstantiated accusations are not helping to solve problems, they are contributing to them!

While representing ICLA at the OSCE meeting in Warsaw, I said, in a side event, that the compilation of the booklet Guidelines for Educators on Countering Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims: Addressing Islamophobia through Education was a missed opportunity to bring people together because it excluded stakeholders.  The Tommy-Quilliam Process should be an opportunity for all stakeholders to have their voices heard.   Don’t let the Tommy-Quilliam Process become another missed opportunity.

Chris Knowles

  • Mark Shiel

    You will HAV my vote an surpport all the way to the end of this road love ur work keep doin wat ur doin. It’s 4 MANKIND!!!!!!!!

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  • fearless kuffir

    I don’t know what Tommy is up to.
    Joining Quilliam for talks?
    Surely he knows that the Quilliam foundation is just a front for islamic terrorism, run by people who have served time in Egyptian prisons for terrorism offences.

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