TEHRAN While Jack Straw is arriving in Tehran in the first visit by a British Foreign Secretary since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, there is great concern over the increasing anti-Islam sentiments in the United States and Europe, and Britain in particular.

Although Iran has always welcomed expansion of diplomatic ties with all officially recognized states based on mutual respect and noninterference in each others internal affaires, yet it cannot remain indifferent to the suffering and anguish of fellow Muslims or any other human being to that matter.

As a multi-ethical and multi-racial nation, Iranians have always been renowned for their tolerance and hospitality towards minorities. Iran currently houses the greatest number of Jews and Christians in the entire region and there are numerous churches and synagogues scattered across the country. Never in any crisis have these minorities been victimized because of domestic or international events. They are respected and honored as any other Iranians in the society.

Iranians' hospitality is not limited to minorities, rather it is extended towards all tourists and visitors as well. In fact according to our national and Islamic culture, all guests are considered "Friends of God", hence deserving utmost attention and care.

But can we say the same for the West? Unfortunately not.

A second mosque was set on fire in the U.K as anti-Islamic sentiments grew in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the United States.

Officers appealed for calm among Muslim communities after the incident at Al Hazar Mosque in South Shields, northeast England, AFP reported late Sunday.

The British police said that "revenge attacks" in the wake of the Sept. 11 assault on the United States are sporadic and they believed one man was responsible for the latest attack.

The incident follows several brutal assaults on Muslims across the country and an arson attack on a mosque in Bolton, northwest England.

Several mosques have been daubed with graffiti and one Afghan taxi driver was left paralyzed from the neck down after he was beaten up in London.

More regrettably still, these horrific acts of blind violence are not limited to Britain. Two mosques have been set ablaze in the Australian city of Brisbane with more than 350 cases of harassment of Muslims reported across the United States.

Three Asian, including an Indian Sikh, were reported killed in the very first days following the attacks to United States. A great deal of Muslim students have returned to their homes from American and Western cities in fear of being a victim of hate crimes.

In the latest developments, some companies in the Europe are firing their Muslim employees.

According to the reports a U.S. company in Frankfurt, has fired two Turkish-national Muslims. They are accused of being supporters of terrorism and that is while they have deemed terrorist attacks, horrendous acts and said that Muslims should not be considered responsible for the attacks to the U.S.

It is hoped that our officials use this opportunity to voice their concern over such tragic events and demand effective measures by the British government to prevent further terrorization and harassment of minorities living in Britain.

If the world is to stand united in face of terrorism, surely no form of ethnic or racial victimization can be tolerated in any society.