From the letters page of the Spectator’s Christmas treble issue:
Sir: I was interested to read Sam Leith’s article in which he appears to argue that the language we use to describe those engaged in terrorism or the conflict in Syria doesn’t matter (‘Daesh? Sheesh!’, 28 November).
I wholeheartedly believe that the words we use are important, and they are particularly vital in the current bid to combat terrorism. If we are to succeed in tackling the extremist threat, we must do all we can to cut it off at source. To do this, we must undermine the legitimacy Daesh needs to maintain a steady flow of recruits. Referring to this group as Islamic State, Isil or Isis gives a veneer of authority to a brutal terrorist cult.
This terminology also associates the group with Islamic society, when the vast majority of its victims are in fact Muslims. It’s no coincidence that the majority of Arabic speakers in the Middle East now use ‘Daesh’. We should join them.
Renaming Daesh will, of course, not work on its own, but it is an important thread in the blanket of measures needed to combat extremism across the world, and to bring peace to Syria. We need a plan for peace in the region and rebuilding this war-torn country. I’d welcome The Spectator, with its history of thoughtful journalism, to join our cause.
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh MP
London SW1
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