A new project to tackle Islamic extremism is to be launched in Birmingham. But as Post news editor Mohammed Ilyas argues, it runs its own risks.

I have a confession. I'm Muslim. Something to be embarrassed about. Unable to integrate into society, driven by violent intentions, incapable of bringing my children up to be good citizens. Or that's what this latest initiative to tackle Islamic extremism is already making me feel.

Only a blind mute would not realise there is a problem - and that is probably the most mild of nouns that could be used in this situation - that needs some resolution of sorts.

And contrary to the impression that some sections of the media may give and some sections of the populace may believe, the vast majority - don't ask, no one could realistically provide any percentage figure - of Muslims are against violence. They're against violence as much as the next man, whatever his creed.

How do we know? Just look around you. First of all, spot the Muslim. Unless he's got a beard - following the example of the Prophet Muhammad - or she's wearing a hijab or allenveloping burka, it's unlikely they'll stand out in the crowd (and don't automatically equate darker skin with faith - that's more to do with genetics and geographical origins).

And if you do come up trumps in this impromptu game, what's the net result? Does the man in the white skull cap and flowing beard or the woman in all-black frighten? Amuse? Mystify? Experience any or all of these, or any other reactions, and ask why?

Does there lurk the mind of a multiple killer beneath those robes? Does the lack of knowledge about or familiarity with that person and their religion fuel a fear of the unknown?

Take away the visual paraphernalia and imagine a man, neatly dressed, clean shaven, dusky complexion, working in your office. No problems there then. Even if he does happen to start praying during his break or fasts for a month.

And that's the situation with the vast majority of Muslims in Birmingham. Ordinary, decent, hard-working, tax-paying citizens whose ambitions in life are nothing more than seeking peace, prosperity, security and stability. Common ambitions and aspirations that don't differentiate on the grounds of gender, race, religion, creed.

Being a Muslim is a matter of personal faith. Let's say Islam is a title of that faith. In its codified form, it provides the rules, laws, guidance to put that faith into practice. Ultimately, it's an individual's choice. Obeying or disobeying the rules and laws laid down in religious scriptures is a matter of conscience and willingness to bear the consequences.

Issue number one with the "Reclaiming Islam" initiative. To reclaim - to ask for the return of. Reclaim Islam? From who? A faith can't be reclaimed. It's personal. It's also a code by which to live.

If we're talking about tackling extremism, let's be precise. It's about tackling extremist Muslims. More specifically, Muslims who hold extremist views. Call it 'Tackling extremism in Islam' and perhaps some of us wouldn't be so annoyed. Does anyone talk of reclaiming Christianity from the Klu Klux Klan? Does being a Christian equate to being a member of the KKK? Of course not. Same principle - being a Muslim doesn't equate to being an al Qaida sympathiser.

Talk of reclamation carries with it that undercurrent of Crusader-ism. 'You've got it, we'll take it back.' Actually, no, you won't. It's mine. It's ours. And you can't have it back because it's not there to take back.

Second issue - 'the kids'. Believe it or not, Muslim children are like any others. They'll obey and disobey their parents. They'll learn and sometimes act on what they've learned.

So, in a 'good' Muslim household, they'll be taught about their religion, the prayers, etc, as well as respect for others, duty to their parents, their neighbours, friends, the elderly, and even strangers.

And as in any 'ordinary' household, they'll be taught it's wrong to steal, answer back, swear, abuse others. It's what you might call teaching them citizenship. And that particular subject is supposedly being taught in all schools.

One objective of the new programme is to encourage Islamic schools to liaise and interact with mainstream schools. On the face of it, highly laudable and positive.

Those very few State-recognised Ofsted-approved Islamic schools that exist should already be doing that. As well as providing an Islamic education, they are following the national curriculum and have obligations to provide an all-round education.

However, Madrassahs - mainly privately run and many of them out of school hours facilities - are an altogether different matter. Their obligations are limited to religious teaching and attempts to 'force' them to interact run the risk of alienating tutors, parents and pupils.

So there's that poser - how to regulate them in some form or ensure they are part of the planned process.

Another is the proposal to get young people "engaged in a process exploring their identity" and help them question their role in society as a Muslim.

If there's anything that risks raising the hackles of the targeted group, this could be it. It may well be intended to bring people into the general 'fold' of society but has the danger of being seen as patronising. Ultimately, it will depend on who is part of the process of delivery and what form it takes.

Local, familiar, respected figures will be listened to. 'Outsiders', establishment figures, 'elitists', probably not.

There is a vacuum of role models that needs to be filled if worthwhile direction is to be given. It doesn't necessarily have to be anyone famous, just someone who can show that being a Muslim doesn't make you any less of a Briton.

An 'ordinary Joe' if you like, an aspiring professional, a scientist, a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer. People who can inspire through being, well, 'ordinary'. And if he or she (because yes, believe it or not, many Muslim women do work for a living without compromising their faith) turns out to be your neighbour, your colleague or your acquaintance, all the better.

The organisers of this particular anti-extremism programme do seem to have missed one very important aspect of the whole debate - impressionable young minds that extremists prey on are not at primary school but more likely in colleges and universities, on the dole queue or struggling in poor housing in poor areas.

That's where the effort needs to be concentrated, on the 16 to mid-20s age group, the teenage student looking - as every teenager does - for identity and purpose; the university student whose mind is seeking new knowledge and direction; the unemployed young man who's drifting or has drifted into drugs and crime in the absence of something more fulfilling.

It is these groups rather than primary school age youngsters who perhaps need most attention if we are to curb the radicals.

As for "community-led study circles", let's not concentrate just on "mainstream" imams. They and the areas they serve should and will benefit from any help going in countering extremism. But there are many others imams in many other mosques who need to be encouraged to participate. In other words, don't be too selective in picking and choosing who takes part.

As for those in charge of the mosques, there is already recognition - albeit perhaps still not enough - that the congregations are not the first generation of immigrants from the Asian sub-continent but their descendants, the third, fourth and five generation who don't speak Urdu, Punjabi or Bengali, but English. So if imams are to have standards laid down, the first should be the requirement to speak and understand English if they don't already do so.

It's a familiar argument but worth repeating. Many mosques are beginning to employ young, British-born imams but still too many recruit from abroad. And if they do so, then they should not object to this particular group of immigrants being asked to ensure they meet certain requirements. After all, if these overseas employees speak one language and a large part of their audience speaks another, little wonder the latter find direction from others whose objectives are very different.

Those involved in the pathfinder project being launched today are no doubt well-intentioned and will probably - let's hope - find a degree of success in what they set out to do. But they also need to be aware of the myriad risks of treating Muslims as a 'special' group, the reactions and feelings not just from within the Muslim community but others in this city.

No one wants to be treated as a special case. We'd rather be treated as equals who are given equal opportunity. If extremism is to be eradicated, then everyone has a role to play, a fact acknowledged by the wider Muslim community - not that you will often see it portrayed that way - who will willingly participate.

After all, they have as much to gain as anyone. But it ain't gonna happen by patronising them or suggesting 'we' know best.

And as for Iraq and Afghanistan - let's just not mention the war.