I have seen many western leaders taking great pains to convince Muslims all over the world that the present international coalition is not against them. However, there are disturbing signs that Muslims are being targetted by other people.

In Brisbane, three mosques have been razed; in England some schools have been closed due to threats; many Arab students, harassed by others, are coming home from the US. The one that takes the cake is of course Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi who went all out to criticise Muslims in general. US President George W Bush's gaffe also did not help, by calling the operation a "crusade".

The fact that there were reactions from as far away as Australia, one can assume that many in the western world (although Australia is not that 'western') have grouped all Muslims under a single banner.

If the leaders cannot convince their own people, then meeting Muslim organisations and offering sympathy will do very little to stop the harassment and threats.