Lack of action to tackle extremism

■ In times of multiplying tragedies and utter despair, the only thing one can do is to hold on to hope.

We are filled with immense sadness and anguish, and want to convey our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of those whose lives were cut short in this despicable atrocity and our resolve remains unshakeable.

However, we have endured multiple tragedies in the past and present and we did nothing or little to tackle extremism, the underlying roots of disgruntlement and disillusionment, and root out the lingering injustices that offer fertile grounds for terrorists to blossom and thrive, or address global contentious flashpoints such as the Arab-Israeli conf lict.

Why is there no mention of white supremacy, racism, neo-Nazism – or worse Christian terrorism – this time, while blaming Islam and all Muslims when a Muslim lunatic perpetrates an atrocious crime?

Let us hope that President Donald Trump and other world leaders will extend compassion to refugees, the impoverished and others like the Rohingya Muslim community, which endures humiliation and tremendous human suffering, and take meaningful actions to prevent such challenging adversities from happening and confront such non-traditional enemies in our midst.

Dr Munjed Farid al Qutob London, England