Letter: Pandering to the Crusader mentality

Sir: S. El-Said's defence of Islam is quite proper (letter, 8 August). However, an inclination to understand this faith, as with any other, might be furthered by a degree of restraint among its more fanatical adherents.

Religious tolerance, on both sides, should be encouraged but with, in this case, an element proposing the overthrow of other states, the hijacking of aircraft and the condemnation of major international organisations as 'tools', the more moderate majority opinion will struggle to convince people of its genuine integrity.

Yours faithfully,

M. DAWSON

London, E17

8 August