http://www.zaman.com/?bl=commentary&alt=&trh=20060607&hn=33777
Graham Watson, MEP
"A phobia, the dictionary tells us, is an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object. Tellingly, it is also one that is entirely out of proportion with the reality of the threat.
Such is the case with Islamophobia, a term first used in the 1990s in the wake of the Salman Rushdie affair and which has become increasingly widespread. Particularly since terrorist attacks and the likes of the Danish Cartoons controversy have forced Muslims into the media spotlight. It has many definitions but, according to Ambassador Omur Orhun, OSCE Personal Representative on Combating Islamophobia, should be interpreted as the "fear or suspicion of Islam, Muslims and matters pertaining to them".
