Group plays politics of fantasy

Although HT's goal is the re-establishment of the caliphate, they have no clear plan of action. At this stage, HT does little more than distribute pamphlets and hold conferences.

Locally and internationally, one would expect HT efforts to receive support from other militant groups. Yet it seems even Osama bin Laden isn't prepared to offer HT more than limited lip service. The vast majority of militant groups find their inspiration in the Salafi-Wahhabi sect. Wahhabi authorities are agreed in rejecting HT beliefs and methodology as grossly heterodox.

HT's core membership in Australia is limited to a few extended families, and they have little presence outside western Sydney. Their events are lucky to attract significant numbers. The Sydney Morning Herald reported in November 2002 that one HT event attracted barely 350 people to the Auburn Town Hall, despite being advertised for at least four weeks. In the same suburb each Friday, about 5,000 people attend the Friday prayer service at the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque without the event being advertised. The smallest Friday congregation in any of Auburn's five or so mosques would be at least double that of the HT conference.

We can be relieved that security and law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the activities of groups such as HT. Banning the group might lead to HT gaining more attention and sympathy than it deserves. The Government needs to be alert. At this stage, there's no need for ordinary Australians to be alarmed.