In 2008 the Australian government gave an official apology to its Aboriginal communities.

BBC: The Sapphires shines light on Aboriginal Australia

"In the medium term, we need to look at ensuring the north has adequate funds for development so the communities there can build real livelihoods, " the official added.

BBC: Mali conflict: Chad army 'enters Kidal'

Those recommendations came from the Communities Committee's report on the initial stage of the Assembly's Official Languages Bill.

BBC: Mugshots and making headlines

But the very fact that Mr Gomaa and similar worthies from other Muslim countries were asked to London (formally by Cambridge University, but with keen official encouragement) reflects a long-term dilemma for all Western states with growing Muslim communities.

ECONOMIST: Laying down religious law

Educating communities about how to react to signs of a threat like a tsunami -- with or without an official warning -- is what they see as a key challenge.

CNN: Asian tsunami warning system: A last-mile challenge

Many a development official will argue for some grand program with objectives, experts, consultants and administrators to deliver PCs to less privileged communities and help them figure IT out and use it to the best advantage.

CNN: Just do it