The root causes of Islamophobia

In his letter to the Fence Post (July 7), Mr. Afeef seems to be saying there is no basis for Islamophobia. I would suggest otherwise.

What about the man who drew a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad? He has been in hiding for years. Why?

Islamophobia. Why has no U.S. newspaper printed that cartoon? Publishers might say that it is to show respect for Mohammed, but a prudent publisher will refrain from publishing it for reasons beyond respect.

Islamophobia. And what about Theo Van Gogh? Why did terrorists blow up a train station in Madrid? To create fear among the Spanish. And they succeeded.

A high ranking cleric has said that anyone may convert to Islam, but no one may ever convert from Islam. There is a message hidden in that statement.

Islamophobia.

Mr. Afeef says that "Muslims in the U.S. are patriotic and productive members of society."

For many, this may be true, but it is also true that the public cannot tell the difference between a patriotic Muslim and one who is planning jihad.

No terrorist is going to publicly announce plans ahead of time. There are Muslims who seem to be patriotic members of society but are secretly funding terrorist organizations both in the U.S. and in other countries.

Mr. Afeef says that "Islamophobia can only be eliminated through a better understanding of Islam and Muslims by the public."

I suggest that Islamophobia can be eliminated when Islam gives up terrorism.

The purpose of this letter is not to criticize the patriotic Muslims but simply to say that both Muslims and non-Muslims have to recognize that there is a very real basis for Islamophobia.

L. Bowers

Mount Prospect