A Task force of prominent Muslim individuals and organizations set up by the British Home Office aimed at combating Islamic extremism has hardly had time to convene properly and already the knives are out to undermine its work. The Task force, whose convener is the Labour peer Lord Nazir Ahmed, has a wide remit including the education of Imams, the organization of mosques, and how to better engage with young British Muslims. The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), headed by Iranian Massoud Shadjereh, who is on the Task force, came under attack for having exiled Saudi dissident Dr. Muhammed Al-Massari, allegedly a supporter of Osama Bin Laden, as an adviser. Al-Massari, who a few days ago removed offensive footage from his website of three Black Watch British soldiers being blown up by a suicide bomber in Iraq and encouraging insurgents in Iraq to attack foreign troops. Al-Massari is also a prime target for deportation under new rules published last week by Home Secretary Charles Clarke. IHRC Chairman Shadjereh stressed that Al-Massari is âone of many advisers we have. Having an adviser in one particular area does not mean we endorse all activities that an individual believes in or does. There is no doubt that he is an expert on Gulf States. If anything is proven against him, then there will definitely be a review of his position as an adviser.â
| I hope Shadjereh isn't a musician, since it sounds an awful lot like he's got a tin ear. |