Sir, – Dr Kevin McCarthy (February 20th) misread my letter (February 18th). I actually wrote that “there is a war between Islamist radicals and the West” and not “Islamic radicals and the West” as he mistakenly thinks. Islamist radicals seek the downfall of the West and the destruction of Jews and pose a serious threat to ordinary Muslims.
Austin Hyland (February 20th) makes the mistake of assuming that until the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is settled, “Islamist radicals are always going to have the fuel to brainwash young Muslims”. The rise of Islamic State (IS) is proof that the Israeli/Palestinian issue is not a major driver of Sunni extremism.
Neither can Israel be held responsible for the formation of European-born Islamists. For example, last Thursday Brusthom Ziamani was convicted in London (“British teenager found guilty of plotting to behead soldier”, February 20th). Ziamani was a Jehovah’s Witness who, within a period of four months, converted to Islam and was radicalised. His former girlfriend testified that he had become obsessed with YouTube videos about death and becoming a martyr. – Yours, etc,
KARL MARTIN,
Bayside,
Dublin 13.