Muslims Communities and Counterterrorism: The Dynamics of Exclusion and Possibilities of Inclusion

Abstract

An effective counterterrorism strategy needs to have a detailed understanding of Muslim communities in the UK. A complex picture of the diversity of Muslims in Britain is needed to ensure a clearer understanding of the various ways in which counterterrorism policies impact on different parts of Muslim communities. It is also critical to be alert to the dangers that counterterrorism polices can reinforce existing processes of social exclusion and alienation. The importance of socio-economic marginalisation to counterterrorism policy arises from the role that it plays in the “radicalisation” process. Engagement with Muslim communities in needed for effective policy development. Yet there are potential risks and dangers that Government in the processes of engagement with Muslim communities and in the creation of new laws and offences for tackling terrorism is increasing a sense, among Muslims, of being treated as a “suspect community.”