Muslim groups, MPs criticise UK's foreign policy

Britain's foreign policy has made it a target for extremists, a coalition of prominent Islamic groups said in an open letter published on Saturday. The letter, carried by several major British papers, said that the British intervention in Iraq and the failure to secure an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon was providing "ammunition to extremists who threaten us all."
Among the signatories were three of four Muslim members of Parliament, as well as 38 Muslim groups, including the influential Muslim Council of Britain.
The letter condemned attacks on civilians and urged increased action against terrorism, but it also suggested Britain had not acted forcefully enough to protect innocent Muslim lives abroad. "We urge the Prime Minister to show the world that we value the lives of civilians wherever they live and whatever their religion," the letter said.