'War on Terror' and the future of Muslim minorities in the United Kingdom: dilemmas of multi-culturalism in the aftermath of the Londom bombings

• Published in: Human rights quarterly Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 831 - 878
• Main Author: Rehman, Javaid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-11-2007
• Subjects: Discrimination; Identity; Multiculturalism; Muslims; Political conditions; Religious minorities; Social organization; Terrorism; United Kingdom; War on terror
• ISSN: 0275-0392

British Muslims have substantial claims of social ostracism, discrimination, and denials of a right to identity. There is increasing anger and frustration at the United Kingdom's pursuit of the global 'war on terror.' The draconian legislation and administrative policies of the recent Labour Governments overtly target Muslim minorities. This article critically analyzes the issues confronted by British Muslim communities in the context of a socially and politically strained environment since the 7 July 2005 London bombings. The article laments the increasing negativity about 'multiculturalism,' and argues that Muslim identities deserve an affirmed and celebrated position within the matrix of contemporary British society. Reprinted by permission of the Johns Hopkins University Press. All rights reserved.