.... Overall, there are real grounds for optimism. One of the most impressive aspects of David Cameron's premiership is its self-confidence. When it comes to extremism, he believes in the capacity of the British state to reshape and reduce the Islamist public space.
The Prime Minister has many levers at his disposal, including soft power. Paradoxically, for all their grievance culture and loudly advertised antipathy to Britain, many political Islamists also crave recognition from officialdom.
They fight for invitations to No 10 Eid receptions, for OBEs, for ministers to appear on their platforms, as well as for Government hand-outs. Because of Munich, and the Prevent Review that has flowed from it, the British state will finally be able to assert in a way that is consistent with national self respect. [Dean Godson, ConservativeHome] Read more
