maybe some but not all.. i think it's important to get that straight!

My girlfriend's muslim, (she's from Indonesia) and she doesn't run round in a hijab (spelling?) detests the terrorist acts that have taken place here and in other places in the name of islam and is a general all round nice person... in fact probably more warm hearted, caring and hard working than most English people I know.

But at the same time I do agree that (particularly) the muslim community can be quite insular and that many more extreme/radical muslims may well have a private agenda which may not be good for the rest of the country.

as far as Jack Straw's comments go, from what I've heard/read he is only asking them to consider showing their face.. it's by no means being forced upon the ladies in question, and so is up to them. I find the hijab somewhat unnerving personally, but I can respect the beliefs of the people who feel they want to wear them too.