Mark Steel is brilliant writer, with a great mix of humour and politics. His lectures are normally funny and educational [to white people] He even brightens up Radio 4. Read to the end, this is great The Sun newspaper has come over a bit modest. Following a Channel 4 documentary about media reporting of Muslims, the paper accepts some of its stories were "distorted". But they're not doing themselves justice. They weren't distorted – they were entirely made up. For example, a story about a Muslim bus driver who ordered his passengers off the bus so he could pray was pure fabrication. But if reporters are allowed to make up what they like, that one should be disciplined for displaying a shocking lack of imagination. He could have continued, "The driver has now won a case at the Court of Human Rights that his bus route should be altered so it only goes east. This means the 37A from Sutton Coldfield will no longer stop at Selly Oak library, but go the wrong way up a one-way street and carry on to Mecca. Local depot manager Stan Tubworth said, 'I suggested he only take it as far as Athens but he threatened a Jihad, and a holy war is just the sort of thing that could put a service like the Selly Oak Clipper out of business'." Then there was a story about "Muslim thugs" in Windsor who attacked a house used by soldiers, except it was another invention. But with this tale the reporter still claims it's true, despite a complete absence of evidence, because, "The police are too politically correct to admit it." This must be the solution to all unsolved crimes. With Jack the Ripper it's obvious – he was facing the East End of London, his victims were infidels and he'd have access to a burqua which would give him vital camouflage in the smog. But do the pro-Muslim police even bother to investigate? Of course not, because it's just "Allah Allah Allah" down at the stations these days. Maybe Muslim newspapers should retaliate by publishing their own made-up stories. So it will be reported that "Barmy PC teachers in Leicester have banned children from playing Noughts and Crosses, claiming the cross reminds Church of England kiddies of the suffering undertaken by Lord Jesus. A spokesman for the Board of Education said, 'We have to be sensitive. Which is why we've replaced the game with 'Noughts and Hexagons'. We did look into calling it 'Noughts and Crowns of Thorns' but decided Hexagons was more appropriate." Or, "Doctors have been told that patients are no longer to be referred to as 'stable', as this is offensive to followers of Jesus, who was said to have been born in one. So medical staff have been informed they must use an alternative word, or if they can't think of one just let the patient die." The most common justification for ridiculing Islam is that the religion is "backward", particularly towards women, as a fundamental part of its beliefs. The Sun's old political editor suggests this as a defence of his newspaper's stance, saying that under Islam, "women are treated as chattels". And it's true that religious scriptures can command this, such as the insistence that, "a man may sell his daughter as a slave, but she will not be freed at the end of six years as men are." Except that comes from the Bible – Exodus, Chapter 21, verse 7. The Bible is packed with justifications for slavery, including killing your slaves. So presumably the Sun, along with others who regard Islam as a threat to our civilisation, will soon be campaigning against "Sunday Schools of Hate" where children as young as seven are taught to read this grisly book. And next Easter they'll report how, "I saw a small child smile with glee as he opened a Cadbury's egg filled with chocolate buttons. But behind his grin I couldn't help but wonder whether he wanted to turn me into a pillar of salt, then maybe sprinkle me on his menacing confectionary treat." In his defence of making stuff up, the Sun's ex-political editor spoke about the amount of domestic violence suffered by Muslim women. But there's just as much chance of suffering domestic violence if you're not a Muslim, as one of the 10 million such incidents a year that take place in Britain. Presumably the anti-Islam lobby would say, "Ah yes, but those other ones involve secular wife-beating, which is not founded on archaic religious customs, but rational reasoning such as not letting him watch the snooker." And finally the Sun's man defends the line of his paper by saying that, after all, these Muslims "are trying to bomb our country". So it's their civic duty to make stuff up – the same as keeping a look-out for spies during the Second World War. So we should all do our bit, and every day send in something, until the press is full of stories like "Muslims in Darlington have been raising money for semtex by organising panda fights." Or "In Bradford all nurseries have been ordered to convert their dolls' houses into miniature mosques so that Muslim teddies have somewhere to pray." I could not help laughing my *** off! lol LOL LOL such a good idea, send in our own crazy stories and see if they print them Lol. Haha. Source: The independent

I walked out of the computer lab, down two floors, did my wudu and then down two floors to head to the prayer room. I run into one of my lectures, who congratulated me for his module and insisted on shaking hands with me, I thanked him, declined the offer for a beer, and headed back to the toilet to do my wudu again. Once again I finished and headed out again, down two floors. I nearly made into the prayer room, when I saw my dissertation tutor, I told him I was freaking out because my data collection was not going according to plan, he told me to come and see him on Thursday PM, in the duration of this conversation, he had patted my arm/ shoulder several times. I debated about this one, because I thought it is like when some touches you on the train/ bus, but that is not strictly true, I made no effort to move away from his touch. Ishe cleek.! :mad: For the third time I headed back up two floors to do my wudu. You should’ve seen me, poking my head out of the door to see if the coast is clear, before making a dash for it. I run into a friend, I thought better be save than sorry, and taking a few steps back warned [almost shouted] at him “don’t touch me” he looked slightly shocked and lost for words, I walked around him muttering under my breath and almost sprinted the rest of the way only to run smack into a brother coming out of the prayer room. I nearly fell back, the brother had to grab my hand to keep me standing. Oh lord. I took me from 1.20 till 2.05 to do all this and finally pray. Shid. Now my friend wants an explanation for my random outburst. Lol what a day.

Channel 4 Wants to Know More About the Online British Muslim Community Where do British Muslims go on the web? What sites excite them or entertain them? Do social networks and blogs cater to the needs of Muslims? Channel 4 is conducting research into the online habits and interests of British Muslim communities. If you would like to contribute, or have any comments to make, please email: BeeSiddiq@googlemail.com

Enjoy Europe's largest celebration of Islamic heritage, culture & traditions under one roof. 11- 14th July 2008Take your family along, it is good fun if you have kids. :cool: CONCERTS Abu Rateb Junaid Jamshed Kareem Salama Mecca2Medina Outlandish Rachid Gholam Sound of Reason Zain Bhikha URBAN YOUTH STAGE hosted by mecca2medina Arabingi (formerly known as UK Apache) Baby Muslims Fasabililah Lil Mia Craze the Palestinian Minority/Rotation Muslim Belal Nomadic Poet/The Planets Pearls of Islam Truthful Movement Young Ummah COMEDY Aman the Asian Sensation Bilal the Halal Mo Amer Prince Abdi Uncle the Invisible Nigerian Muslim Brother FILM Films, Documentaries & Cartoons for all ages. SILAT Discover the ancient martial art from Indonesia. 14 Spectacular Zones include: SPORTS Meet celebrities from the cricket and football world. Observe our football tournaments and martial arts demonstrations. COOKERY Meet the ExpoChef. Watch our celebrities and London's top restaurant chefs cooking. FUN Enjoy bouncy castles to exciting rides, fun for all the family. FASHION Sister's only Fashion Show and displays of garments from around the world. HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Indulge in health and beauty treatments, get advice or simply put on some henna. ISLAMIC GARDENS Relax and reflect in our Persian, Andalucian, Mughal and Ottoman Gardens. Listen to Quran recitation, storytelling and poetry. LECTURES & SEMINARS Listen to key speakers, academics and thinkers from around the world. ENTERTAINMENT Watch performances, films, theatre, nasheeds & comedy. ISLAMIC ART & EXHIBITIONS Wander through the galleries, explore exhibitions and take a journey back in time through the interactive Islamic history timeline. CAREERS Get help with a new CV and receive advice on a career change. SOUK Look out for hijabs, abayas, perfumes and art, all can be found in this traditional arabian Bazaar. WORKSHOPS Participate in art, textiles, music and sports workshops. Catering for school groups and general visitors. ETHICAL INVESTMENT IN BRITAIN CONFERENCE Help promote Britain as a major centre for ethical investment. DEBATES BY The Guardian, Demos, Conflicts Forum, Forward Thinking, TUC and NASACRE. For more information check the website or call 0845 108 5101 Venue: Olympia London Nearest Tube: Kensington Olympia Tickets: 0871 230 7138

^^Are you gonna take some people along?? Loool North, why baad ii qarxiisy! Ngonge lol, [shakes head] A&T you might need to work on that.

little your history include your edication no more than 3 line. email this information to somali-idol@hotmail.com you have up to 25 may, first come first go. I think this is a joke

Ngonge, it was a public organization,[ Did you think it was a private individual?] which displays their details in public, available to anyone. Stop making me sound like a lunatic who sneaked into their office after hrs and stole their contacts, then asked people to spam or send them hate mail! I know the difference between those accountable to the public and hold a certainly level of responsibility towards society or at least those it claims to represent and private individuals. Otherwise I would’ve asked people to e-mail the presenter and throw stones at her house. I’m being reasonable, so work with me. :cool: North, yes so could I, but from what I can see, we cannot blame C4, rather they found every Muslim with a strange view and looped them all together in 1hr. A&T; W/salam, btw Gaal-ismood is nasty thing to say about a Muslim. Unless they claim that they are indeed, Gaal or gaal-ismood, adigu tambi haa doonani. Lastly East London Mosque, LMC have open days for non Muslims on the 12th and 13th July 2008. Please take your none-Muslims along.

Also Next Monday 9th July, C4 8pm We have The Qur’an The Qur’an has become the most ideologically influential text in the world, but what does it actually say? And how much do Muslims and non-Muslims understand its message and its history? In this fascinating and challenging documentary, award-winning filmmaker Antony Thomas, investigates how a text that has inspired peace, tolerance and creativity down the ages can be used to justify violence and terrorism amongst a minority of Muslims. The Qur’an explores the history of Islam’s holiest book and asks what it says about issues such as women’s equality, mercy and punishment, war, peace and suicide bombing, and relations with other faiths. Muslims believe the Qur’an to be the word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad nearly 1,500 years ago. From women’s rights to freedom of speech, and from punishment to forgiveness, it affects every aspect of their lives. But they don’t all read it in the same way. This documentary takes us to places where women may not vote or drive cars, and to countries where they lead political parties; mosques where devotees pray to saints, and others where this would be seen as idol worship; devotees who dance, sing and feel Allah in their hearts, and imams who insist on an austere version of Islam. This powerful film meets a diverse range of people living according to their understanding of the Qur’an, from ayatollahs to peasant farmers, and from hardline fundamentalist imams to progressive Islamic thinkers. It asks how – if the Qur’an is the ultimate and changeless message of God – such differences are possible.

What a splendid documentary. It was about time such a programme was produced and aired. The main message was: people treat Muslims in a bad way that they would never dare to treat others. Excellent I wanted him to investigate much responsibility Muslim organisations bear for the poor public image of Islam, and whether they should have done more to win the public's confidence in the wake of 7/7. One or two of the statistics looked wobbly too. Is anyone surprised that "only" 50% of Britons have a Muslim friend? :eek: Lastly, the documentary was followed by the documentary on 7/7 and how there are over 2,000 terrorist in the UK. I guess they could not look/sound too positive about Islam on 7/7. P.s. Don't forget to contact Channel 4 and Peter Oborne to thank them for making a brilliant documentary: 0845 076 0191 or e-mail If we don't support positive coverage of Muslims, can't expect more positive programmes! Ngonge, you should do this, since you do not like complaining :cool:

Police embroiled in new race row after claims that at least 20 forces blocked inquiries into discrimination against Muslims. The Home Secretary was asked to intervene in a fresh police race row today as it was claimed at least 20 forces blocked an inquiry into discrimination against Muslim officers. Barely half of the 43 forces in England and Wales co-operated in an audit into the treatment of officers from ethnic minorities, the National Association of Muslim Police said. In a letter to Jacqui Smith, Zaheer Ahmad, president of the association, also claimed information from the forces that did respond suggested routine racial harassment. Referring to 10 years since the inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence found the Metropolitan Police to be 'institutionally racist', an association spokesman said its audit revealed 'we still do not have the level of diversity that the public rightly expects.' Progress on diversity was 'painfully slow', he added. The revelations come just days after it emerged Tarique Ghaffur, Britain's most senior Muslim officer, was considering suing the Metropolitan police for discrimination. From the data provided to the association, it was revealed 95% of black and minority ethic officers were in the most junior rank. Figures also revealed Muslim officers were almost 'entirely absent' from specialist operations such as counter-terrorism - a move Mr Ahmad believed was hampering the fight against terrorism. In the questionnaire, the association asked forces about the promotional prospects, rank and number of Muslim and black officers employed. Initially just 11 of the 43 forces replied - 23 co-operated when the deadline was extended. In his letter sent to Ms Smith and all the chief constables, Mr Ahmad asked: 'Why were some forces unable or unwilling to cooperate while others completed in full and on time? Why did some forces refuse to complete on grounds of the pretext of the data protection act, while others said they did not have the time to take part? 'If the police are serious about ensuring that Muslim officers are able to rise through the ranks at the same speed as their fellow white officers, and ensuring that Muslims are deployed to counter-terrorism duties at a time of heightened national security, we must have reliable data to track progress and measure success.' The letter, which came to light after it was leaked to the Observer newspaper, went on to warn forces the association would lodge a Freedom of Information request if they continued to refuse to take part. It also urged the Home Secretary to order a 'critical review' of racism in the police before the 10-year anniversary of Sir William Macpherson's report. The letter continued: 'Muslim officers are being overlooked, potentially discriminated against in promotion or are failing to receive the necessary training and personal development that would allow them to rise through the ranks.' From the replies it received, just 0.3% of police officers were found to be Muslim, compared with three per cent of the British population. Source: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk

Channel 4 will be airing the Dispatches documentary, It Shouldn't Happen to a Muslim, next Monday 7th July at 9pm, which investigates the rise of violence, intolerance and hatred against British Muslims since the 7/7 London Bombings. A synopsis: On the third anniversary of the 7/7 London Bombings, political commentator and journalist Peter Oborne investigates whether these attacks and the fear of terrorism has fuelled the rise of violence, intolerance and hatred against British Muslims. He discovers that for many in the Muslim community, Britain is becoming a very frightening place. Dispatches meets a range of British Muslims who now live in daily fear, some because their homes are constantly vandalised, others because they or family have suffered devastatingly violent attacks. An exclusive ICM opinion poll commissioned for Dispatches reveals the extent to which Muslims have experienced hostility, abuse and prejudice since 7/7. The same poll also reveals the general public's attitudes towards Islam and relations with Muslims. Since the bombings there has understandably been much press coverage of the attacks and other terrorist incidents. Oborne investigates whether this coverage has had the side-effect of portraying Islam and British Muslims in a relentlessly negative fashion, leading to the demonization of a diverse group of two million people, most of whom have nothing to do with terrorism. Dispatches commissioned a sophisticated study of press coverage from Cardiff University's School of Journalism. The research examined articles published in the British press over the last eight years and their depiction of Muslims and Islam. The troubling results of the study are revealed in the film. Oborne also investigates the sources and accuracy of a rash of press stories that have entered the public consciousness – such as a London council 'banning Christmas' out of deference to Muslims and a 'Muslim hate mob' wrecking a house rented to returning soldiers from Afghanistan. Oborne concludes that in today's climate the media say things about Islam and Muslims they would never say about other groups. When he replaces the word' 'Muslim' in some recent headlines with 'Jews', 'Blacks' and 'Gays' and shows them to members of the public, they find those headlines deeply offensive. In his first interview since leaving the Metropolitan Police, the man who headed anti-terror operations on 7/7 and afterwards, former assistant commissioner Andy Hayman talks about the poor relations between Muslims and the security services. There will also be an opportunity to put your questions to Peter Oborne in a live web chat that will take place on the Channel 4 website after the Dispatches programme finishes at 9pm on Monday 7th July. Don't forget to write to C4 after you view the program, either congratulate them if it's well made, or complain if it misrepresents us. Be active about your media representation people. Ngonge; I don't care what you think, leave me alone! Salamah

Ngonge, you think the AFRICAN CENTRE is a small organisations in the middle of no where??? lol And you think it is an African organisation! lol I rest my case. As I said I can only guide people. Beyond that Shaaqaad maah.

Ngonge; I will always run the risk of people misusing the information I gave them. For example a contact in Palestine once sent me disturbing pictures, which I posted on the website. I accidently went to a “Islamic talk” a few weeks later, only to see the same images being used to emotional manipulate people into acting irrationally. This is an extreme example, however my point is that many people will use information/ opinions/ research I/ We make available. I am not responsible for this. I can only point people in the right direction, and hope they walk that way. If they run in the opposite direction without my knowledge, that is their decision and they would have found one reason or another to justify their behaviour, with or without me. Now I’m off to Mandela’s concert. I hope it doesn’t rain. P.s. While I don’t always approve of MPAC methods and approach, they are one of the few organisations who have a strategic vision, understanding and actually try to do something, rather than sit on their as*s pleasing uncle Tom. If nothing else, I can honestly say they work for the benefit for the community and Muslims with their own funds, time and effort, for that alone, I am willing to over look minor issues. Ngonge and Thierry, why don't you attend the next MPAC event and find out for yourself. I really don't want to turn this into defend MPAC thread.

^No? Ngonge: It worries many people. I’ve come to accept that I am an extremist in many causes. You are not telling me anything I already did not know, I don’t do half measures in life, regardless of the issue. Everything should be done to the point of extremism, all the way or not at all. I do have control over the content. People are lazy. I send them edited versions of my e-mail for them to send. Ngonge why are you not on my e-mail alert system? :confused:

^^^So that is what this is about? I knew it was coming from beyond this story. :rolleyes: I've never asked anyone to insult anyone, in fact I said send a polite e-mail!.

Ngonge; You've wasted far more of my time today then it took me to send 7 different e-mails from my different accounts yesterday. Shiid, wasting my time for no reason. :rolleyes: Now if you can let me go back to my hiding. I hate going around in circles. :mad:

^^^Old man, you are boring me now, I really do not understand your objection. I already told you it is a small issue, and it is not what they did, but rather how. I also told you that I'm just letting them know, that I noticed they are deviating from their own mission statement. I also told that I don't know this dude, but since I saw the story reported in the media, it means nothing for me to take out 5min to send an e-mail. And it is my business, because the man is just trying to help with in his own time to better a community and they are shitting on his time and effort. :mad: Everything that happens, whether it affects one person or many in the Somali and Muslim community is my business. [That is not even a joke] :cool: Cara, patronizing me now and laughing at my expense. I see.

^^Ngonge, no because that is based on your opinion and perception of what you though he did. But if you told me he abused you, beat you up and called you a smelly Somali, you can bet I would not only write a letter to Sir Ian Blair, help you launch a compliant, I would also turn up outside his yard with my little billboards, shouting down down I send many e-mails a day, sending one more on his behalf is no skin off my nose. If I got wronged, I too would like to believe that many who do not know me or care will take 5min to send a *s***** e-mail on my behalf. :cool: It is not a battle, it is a matter of principle.

Ngonge some small wrongs, in small places can set a precedent. In any case we are a small community, who do not have the skills nor organised enough to fight big campaigns and offenses against our community. Therefore they can practise on small campaigns such as this. On a serious note, I think all wrongs should be addressed, regardless of its size and importance. that half page was your fault, with your stuff and nonsense precedent and followers.

^^^Thank you edo Cara. Even if they told him, "hell no" and printed another one off and gave it someone else, it would've been something. It just common curtsy to at least inform of their decision, if nothing else he would not have wasted his time writing an acceptance speech for an award that never came.

^^^I don't get it?? seeking apology mode? My dear I don't want an apology nor do I expect they will give another Muslim one of their worthless awards. They should stop hiding behind their nonsense about their role and purpose. Cara lol, would you believe she did. :rolleyes: I really don't see the point of arguing with you far too liberal bunch of lovely people. So Angui I told you all the news/ alert and what I think is the correct thing to do, ama sameh ama don't. Goodbye.

^^How did they meet him half way dear Lily? Is that not the issue, that he made a request, which they accepted. They could've just said no and maybe someone else would've collected it for him, or he would've just gone about his business.

I think some of you missed the point by a mile. The issue is not about act itself, but the overall conduct of the African centre, based on what is expected of them and the role it is suppose to play. It is a disgrace that the African centre which boasts respect for diversity as a mission statement, and prides itself in it’s understanding, tolerance of difference and variety can publicly humiliated an individual for their religious practise, particularly as Mr. Sheikh had engaged in charitable work that did not differentiate between Irish or immigrant, male or female. I cannot believe that someone would be treated in such a way, how intolerant and insulting to only merit one worthy of an award because of a handshake. He had one request,[whether that request is correct or not is besides the point] which he respectfully inquired about prior to ceremony. Especially if you consider that the organisers had previously given assurances that this would not be an issue. Since when has abandonment of ones religious convictions been a prerequisite for asylum in Ireland? And when did World refugee day become a day of humiliation for certain communities? African centre is the last place that refugees should be discriminated and humiliated. It should cater to all refugees alike, regardless of religious practise. How insulting that the award with his name crossed out was given to someone else, it certainly demeans the award, its value and the creditability of the African centre. I very much doubt that Mr. Sheikh or any other Muslim would want an award which comes with unspoken conditions about their beliefs and practice. :cool: Many high profile figure, including Tony Blair and Gordon brown have managed to remain respectful when meeting with Muslims and not be offended when Muslim women do not shake hands with them [as has been the case many times] I don’t see what was so special about this presenter. :confused: Yes it is a small issue and I can understand why some of you think the shiek should’ve kept quite, but flexibility works both ways, the majority of refugees in the UK happen to be Muslim and if the institutions that are suppose to help them, cannot be tolerant of minor things, [Do you think anyway would’ve noticed if they did not shake hands?] forget the bigger things. Here is a quote from the African centre: “promote positive awareness about Africa, and to help to empower the African diaspora in the UK” Really?? I’m sure it is just doing THAT. It is no harm to droping them an e-mail reminding them of their responsibilities and holding them accountable for their deviation from their own mission statement.

A Muslim asylum seeker who was to have been honoured for his volunteer work was striped of his award after indicating that he would not shake hands with the woman who was to present him with the prize. Alinoor Ahmed Sheikh, a Somali asylum seeker based in Co. Kerry, had been selected for the accolade by the judging panel of the Africa Centre’s annual World Refugee Day awards, due to his work with the Kerry Volunteer Centre and as a fundraiser for Amnesty International. He respectfully informed organisers prior to the ceremony that he was a practising Muslim and therefore would be unable to shake hands with the female presenter. According to the Irish newspaper Metro Eireann, the organisers had accepted his request and had promised Sheikh that there would be “no problem”. However, Sheikh – who had been writing notes for his acceptance speech during the ceremony – was left stunned when another person’s name was announced as the winner. He said this treatment had left him aggrieved. Sheikh said he does not shake hands with women on religious grounds, and instead touches his upper chest and says ‘I greet you’. Through his volunteer work, he interacted with people of many nationalities, including Irish, and both genders. The person who won instead was accorded a certificate with the original winner’s name crossed out, and hers written above. She was not present to receive her award. Later, Sheikh inquired as to why this happend and was told it was because he refused to shake hands. Email the African Centre at info@africacentre.ie and respectfully voice your disapproval of their actions. This is an example of public humiliation, especially if you consider that the organisers had previously given assurances that this would not be an issue. Sources: Metro Eireann The Times Gorey Muslim Community MPACUK

I take that back, what happened was that for once Muslims voted. Here is what happened: "Rankings are an inherently dangerous business. Whether offering a hierarchy of countries, cities, or colleges, any such list—at least any such list worth compiling—is likely to generate a fair amount of debate. In the last issue, when we asked readers to vote for their picks of the world’s top public intellectuals, we imagined many people would want to make their opinions known. But no one expected the avalanche of voters who came forward. During nearly four weeks of voting, more than 500,000 people came to ForeignPolicy.com to cast ballots. " Such an outpouring reveals something unique about the power of the men and women we chose to rank. They were included on our initial list of 100 in large part because of the influence of their ideas. But part of being a “public intellectual” is also having a talent for communicating with a wide and diverse public. This skill is certainly an asset for some who find themselves in the list’s top ranks. For example, a number of intellectuals—including Aitzaz Ahsan, Noam Chomsky, Michael Ignatieff, and Amr Khaled—mounted voting drives by promoting the list on their Web sites. Others issued press releases or gave interviews to local newspapers. Press coverage profiling these intellectuals appeared around the world, with stories running in Canada, India, Indonesia, Qatar, Spain, and elsewhere. No one spread the word as effectively as the man who tops the list. In early May, the Top 100 list was mentioned on the front page of Zaman, a Turkish daily newspaper closely aligned with Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. Within hours, votes in his favor began to pour in. His supporters—typically educated, upwardly mobile Muslims—were eager to cast ballots not only for their champion but for other Muslims in the Top 100. Thanks to this groundswell, the top 10 public intellectuals in this year’s reader poll are all Muslim. The ideas for which they are known, particularly concerning Islam, differ significantly. It’s clear that, in this case, identity politics carried the day.