Since the revelation that the 7/7 bombers were "homegrown" terrorists, commentators have been debating whether or not America may be vulnerable to such attacks by American-Muslims.

Salam Al-Marayati, executive director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, adds to the discussion by addressing the conditions that explain why homegrown terrorism is more likely in Europe, and the factors that, if left unattended, may exacerbate the possibility that Muslims in the United States will carry out a terrorist plot in their own backyard.

Al-Marayati explains that Muslims in Europe are more isolated, "partly because of the socioeconomic status of Muslim communities throughout Europe and partly because of self-imposed isolation," whereas American Muslims "are typically far more interested in integrating into mainstream society."

The author points out, however, that "many [American Muslims] live in a psychological ghetto caused by the lack of acceptance they feel from their neighbors and colleagues, especially in the post-Sept. 11 era." It may very well be true that this "psychological ghetto may prove the largest challenge in the war on terrorism."

To prevent American Muslims from becoming isolated, alientated, and vulnerable to radical clerics, Al-Marayati argues that the Muslim community must no longer be stigmatized and that the cooperative relationships between Muslims and the American government, particularly law enforcement, needs to be publicized.