“Foreign Office minister Denis MacShane told the leaders of the UK’s Muslim community today that they must make a choice between the ‘British way’ of political dialogue and Islamic terrorism.
“Following the Istanbul bombs, Mr MacShane likened the terrorists to the Nazis and urged [imams] and other Muslim leaders to use ‘clearer, stronger language’ to speak out against them.
“‘It is time for the elected and community leaders of British Muslims to make a choice: it is the British way – based on political dialogue and non-violent protests – or it is the way of the terrorists against which the whole democratic world is now uniting,’ he said in a speech in his Rotherham constituency.
“‘I hope we will see clearer, stronger language that there is no future for any Muslim cause anywhere in the world that validates, or implicitly supports, the use of political violence in any way.
“‘Democracy has no place for terrorism and – like Nazism and other forms of tyranny – it must be defeated by the common will and determination of all who live under rule of law and in democratic freedom.'”
It is refreshing to see any public official in Europe speak forthrightly about the incompatibility of republican government with radical Islam. Especially in Britain, where advocates of violent jihad operate openly.
UPDATE: After Muslim protests, MacShane has toned down his remarks. “But,” says the latest report, “he stood by his most inflammatory comments in which he told Muslims they must be stronger in their condemnation of terrorism.”