In the aftermath of the bombings in Manchester our political leaders were quick to condemn the atrocity. In long winded speeches they repeated well rehearsed and carefully worded sentiments of sorrow and regret. They spoke in general terms to assure us that the Australian government and indeed all Australians were united in the war on terrorism. The one thing that we should all be worried about is the fact that not once did our leaders point the finger at or even mention the religion in whose name so many acts of terrorism are committed. When ordinary people see the graphic images of death and destruction on their TV screens and read harrowing accounts of suffering and misery they see themselves or family members in the faces of the victims.
These are people like us; everyday people going about their daily activities. Surely when our way of life is threatened we are entitled to ask why and who is responsible. We light candles and hold night time vigils. We lay floral tributes and we offer words of support to those effected because this has become the normal thing to do after terrorists strike fear into our lives. Symbolic and futile gestures because we do not know what else to do.
Surely we must take a stand, knowing full well that Islamic terrorism is real and it is not just the work of a handful of radicals. Attacks are always well orchestrated and carried out with military precision against defenceless people. We should be worried here in Australia because every day young home grown Muslims leave our shores to to be trained as soldiers and to arm themselves in the name of Allah. Our security agencies protect us well but for how long can our luck last before Australia is the centre of international headlines as we become victim to a major act of terrorism carried out in the name of Allah?
We know that not all Muslims are terrorists but please do not call us racist or Islamophobic when the confusion and fear that exists compels us to ask questions of Islam. Maybe it is time to get serious and maybe it is time for our leaders to stand up and lead us in trying to understand the obvious link between terrorism and Islam. Maybe leaders within the Muslim community in Australia should speak out and help us to understand. Or, on the other hand should we as a nation, along with our allies, fight fire with fire and adopt a policy of zero tolerance to rid our world of this very real threat?