ABSTRACT
The 'Islamic connection' assumed from the outset resonated strongly in the UK, with its historical connections with the Islamic world, now accentuated by the presence of a large resident British Muslim community, mostly from the Indian sub-continent. In the narrower field of engagement with the Islamic world, historical links with the Middle East, in particular, are reflected by the expertise on this region within the British Diplomatic Service. Since 9/11 public interest in the UK has focused on the 'war against terrorism'. The US'.s rapid removal of the Taliban regime from Afghanistan with negligible loss of American lives was a remarkable achievement. A significant casualty of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent US response was what then remained of the Middle East peace process (MEPP). There must be serious concerns about the security of a regime where many of citizens are thought to be active supporters of the al Qaeda network, including twelve of the nineteen hijackers on 11 September.
