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Most Muslims in Britain Perceive War on Terror as War Against Islam - 2002-12-23

Feb 11, 2026 February 11, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

A recent poll indicates that a majority of Muslims in Britain view the war on terror as a conflict against Islam, with many rejecting the notion of holding Osama bin Laden accountable for terrorist attacks. This sentiment reflects a broader belief that Muslims globally are being targeted in this fight, raising concerns about perceptions of terrorism and justice.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The poll highlights a significant disconnect between Western narratives of terrorism and the perceptions of many Muslims, which could have lasting implications for community relations.

👥 Key Players

British Muslims MENTIONED
Community affected by the war on terror
"Their perceptions shape the discourse around terrorism and Islam in the UK."
Osama bin Laden MENTIONED
Leader of al-Qaeda
"His actions and ideology are central to the narrative of terrorism and its justification among some Muslims."
U.S. and its allies MENTIONED
Key players in the war on terror
"Their military actions are often viewed as targeting Muslims, influencing perceptions and reactions in Muslim communities."

📰 What Happened

A recent opinion poll in Britain revealed that a majority of Muslims believe the war on terror is a war against Islam and many do not hold Osama bin Laden accountable for terrorist attacks. This reflects a significant sentiment that Muslims worldwide are being unjustly targeted in the fight against terrorism.

  • Most British Muslims perceive the war on terror as a conflict against Islam.
  • Half of the respondents believe Osama bin Laden should not be held responsible for the September 11 attacks.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This sentiment among British Muslims could resonate with similar feelings in Iran, potentially influencing public opinion against Western policies.
🌍 Regional: The perception of a war against Islam may fuel anti-Western sentiments across the Middle East and among Muslim communities.
🌐 International: These views complicate the narrative of the war on terror, suggesting a divide between Western actions and Muslim perceptions.

📚 Background

The war on terror, initiated after the September 11 attacks, has led to military interventions in Muslim-majority countries, affecting perceptions of Islam and terrorism globally.

Islamophobia Counter-terrorism policies
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
Polls and surveys can provide insights but may not capture the full complexity of community sentiments.

A new opinion poll in Britain shows that most Muslims in the country perceive the war on terror as a war against Islam and believe that Muslims worldwide are targets in the fight against terrorism. Half of Muslims in England believe that Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network should not be held responsible for the September 11 attacks in the United States and the recent bombings on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Forty-four percent of British Muslims believe that the attacks by al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups are justified, as they argue that the U.S. and its allies, armed with American weapons, are killing Muslims.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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