Extremism a threat to Muslim world too

The imam leading plans for an Islamic centre near the Manhattan site of the 11 September attacks said yesterday that extremism poses a security threat in both the West and the Muslim world.

The comments by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf came during the first leg of a 15-day Middle East tour to discuss Muslim life in America and religious tolerance.

"Extremism is something that has been a national security issue - not only for the United States but also for many countries and nations in the Muslim world," he said. "All countries are facing this...major security challenge."