“The release of today’s video statement from Shehzad Tanweer appears to confirm the widespread view that the four 7/7 bombers had indeed been radicalised by aspects of our country’s foreign policy and participation in the wars against Afghanistan and Iraq. One hopes that this will serve to lift the sense of denial in parts of the government about the link between the 7/7 bombings and its policies overseas. Just two months ago, the home secretary, John Reid, rejected suggestions that Mohammad Sidique Khan – believed to be the bombers’ ringleader – blamed his actions on the Iraq war. At the same time, one can only hope that the video also serves to answer those elements among British Muslims who continue to believe in various perverse 7/7 conspiracy theories, refusing to accept that Muslims could be capable of such murderous actions.”

Inayat Bunlawala at Comment is Free, 6 July 2006