A fraught search for common political ground:
Muslim communities & alliance-building in post-9/11 Australia

Shakira Hussein & Alia Imtoual
Australian National University and Flinders University

Abstract

This paper discusses the complex political engagements undertaken by Muslims in Australia in the years since 9/11. In particular, it discusses the political alliances and tensions that have arisen during encounters with progressive social movements, as well as with other ‘out groups’ such as Indigenous and Gay, Lesbian, Transvestite, Transsexual and Bisexual organisations and individuals. We argue that both Muslim and non-Muslim participants in such encounters must engage in a process of critical self-reflexivity, in order to avoid the hazard of reproducing the processes of marginalisation and appropriation that are so apparent in ‘mainstream’ society.

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© borderlands ejournal 2009