Paul Schnabel: The Dutch experience with Islam
AMONG members of the European Union, France and The Netherlands have the highest proportion of Muslims. In France, it is about 10 per cent of the population; in The Netherlands, about 5 per cent. In both countries, but particularly in France, a substantial part of the Muslim population is of Moroccan origin or - in France only - has its roots in Algeria or Tunisia.
In France, immigrants from former colonies are considered to be French. In many ways they are, but during the past month rebellious Muslim youth made it clear that their position in French society is problematic: high unemployment rates, bad housing conditions, geographical and social exclusion.
The situation in The Netherlands is quite different. Unemployment among the second generation is high, but not nearly as high as in France. Living conditions are generally much better and although there are tendencies towards segregation (mainly voluntary), most of the immigrants live in or near the centre of the main Dutch cities.
During the past five years there has been a fierce debate in The Netherlands on the feasibility of a peaceful multicultural society. Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali refugee and now a member of parliament, is outspoken in her warnings against the aggressive nature of Islam and has urged the Government to demand from Dutch Muslims unequivocal acceptance of the Dutch constitution and Western norms and values.
No comments:
Post a Comment