British Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced his intent to hold an international conference to address the problem of radical Islam and how the problems caused by it can be prevented.
Blair indicated he wanted Islamic countries to attend the conference as well. He has made a particular effort to address issues with Muslim communities both in Great Britain and abroad since the July 7 bomb attacks on London which killed more than 50 people.
Three of the four suspects in the bombing were British born young men of Pakistani descent. The fourth man was born in Jamaica.
One area Blair is focusing on is madrasas or traditional Islamic schools. Many experts believe these schools are a breeding ground for potential militants.
'We are also looking at the possibility of holding a conference which would bring together some of the main countries who are ... closely involved in these issues ... to try to take concerted action right across the world to try to root out this kind of extremist teaching,' Blair announced.
He noted that 26 nations have been victims of al-Qaeda and similar organizations 'so there is obviously a huge well of support and understanding for the problems that we have faced in this country just recently.'
'The roots go deep. They are often not to be found in this country alone and therefore international action is also necessary,' said Blair.
Blair also met with British Muslim leaders Tuesday in part to discuss anti-terrorist legislation he intends to introduce before the year is over.
According to Blair, Muslim leaders in England will be 'able to talk to the Muslim community and confront this evil ideology, take it on and defeat it by the force of reason.'
