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Islamic schools threat exaggerated
 A World Bank related study has said enrolment in Pakistani madrassahs, or Islamic schools, that critics believe are terrorist training grounds and widely popular, is exaggerated. The working paper published and sponsored this month by the World Bank criticises local and foreign media for inflating the threat posed by Islamic schools and their educating potential 'jihadists'. Madrassahs are often accused of cultivating religious radicalism and inciting militancy. Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, a key ally of the United States in its war on terror, has come under intense pressure to clamp down on these schools.Pakistani officials have always maintained that very few madrassahs are involved in activities that promote militancy, but Musharraf urged his nation on Saturday to curb misuse of the schools. The study also expressed concern at the US 9/11 Commission report into the attacks on New york and Washington in 2001, which said 'millions of families' send their children to religious schools in Pakistan. "Striking, yet unsubstantiated claims such as 'millions of families ... send their children to religious schools' are of particular concern given the emphasis on identifying and curbing potential sources of extremism," it said. The report dispelled general perceptions that enrolment was on the rise saying: "We find no evidence of a dramatic increase in madrassah enrolment in recent years." Posted by: Fred 2005-02-28 |
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