Sir, – The attack by a Danish born radicalised Muslim which killed two men in Copenhagen has been depicted by some commentators as either an assault on free speech, or an anti-Semitic attack on Denmark’s Jewish community.
This is in a micro sense, of course true. However, the Danish prime minister Helle Thoring-Schmidt, makes an extremely important point by strongly refuting the growing argument that it "is a war between Islam and the West".
However, although this is essentially correct, this latest outrage can justifiably be described as an internal western war between native-born radicalised Muslim extremists, and proponents of free speech, and indigenous Jewish communities.
These individuals have been identified and exploited by computer experts of the so-called Islamic State. An astute use of social media sites, which is reinforced by an anti-Israel rhetoric in some of the mainstream media outlets has brainwashed some young Muslims, who for a variety of political, social and cultural reasons have become alienated from their host societies.
However, this does not meet the necessary precursors for a pan-national war between the West and Islam despite the shrill warnings of the alarmists, rather it is an internal issue, which needs addressing at a national governmental level. Therefore, it is vital that units such as the Garda racial, intercultural and diversity office are supported in their efforts to build strong ties with Ireland’s Muslim leadership.
Early intervention is a national imperative if we are going to avoid the mistakes of our European neighbours and witness the terrible tragedies of Paris and Copenhagen on our streets. – Yours, etc, DR KEVIN McCARTHY Kinsale, Co Cork.