I WRITE in response to Jack Straw's column of January 24.I agree with Jack that sensationalist Muslim extremist headlines create a bigger divide between people.

The indigenous community feels even more threatened and suspicious as these headlines amplify extremism.

The extremist feels there's a Muslim witch hunt and Muslims are being persecuted and feels justified in their cause and are able to recruit more individuals.

The moderate Muslim feels insecure every time he sees a negative Muslim headline. It's like we are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I'm a middle aged professional, born and brought up in this country, fully integrated and paying my taxes, yet even I feel vulnerable when I see these headlines.

It's a vicious circle that people need to be getting out of.

A HUSSAIN, Langham Road, Blackburn.