Wilders's great ordeal - by Mark Bogaers
This Dutch MP deserves some credit for challenging social democracy and multiculturalism in the Netherlands. I have been pretty critical of Geert Wilders lately. I have dismissed his plans to ban Muslims from obtaining permanent residence in the Netherlands, and I never liked his call for banning the Qur'an either. If Wilders's soon-to-be-published film on the Qur'an consists of nothing more than him shockingly calling the book "fascist" and burning its pages on the fireplace, the Dutch will be better off without it. On the other hand, it might just turn out that this film, entitled "Fitna" (Arabic for "ordeal"), will actually teach us something about the Qur'an and the way it is currently being adopted by radical Muslims all over the world.
One particular development has raised my hopes in this respect: just after I had in a Dutch blog mourned the fact that Wilders hardly ever explains his views in extensive interviews (but, indeed, usually limits his parliamentary contribution to mere oneliners), he was interviewed by Fox News. Even though Fox's anchor was clearly anxious about religious sensitivities on the part of his Muslim audience, Wilders brought his message across in a polite, calm and thorough manner, speaking with a clear accent but in otherwise excellent English.
Asked about his upcoming movie, Wilders answered: "Qur'an is Islam, unfortunately. The movie is about both. The main issue is the book, the fascist book, the Qur'an. And what I want to show with this movie ... is to show to people that many verses from many surahs are very bad indeed, and still, even today -- and I'm not talking about centuries ago -- are inspiring people to do the worst. Often implemented in laws in many countries in the Middle East, but, once again, also in Europe and the United States, it's inspiring people to do the worst things. And this is what I want to show, why we should get rid of this terrible book."
Despite his pessimism on this matter, he made one thing crystal clear when he said: "But I do believe in people. Which means that if Muslims try, really want, to assimilate in the Dutch society, they will have to get rid of the tough and intolerant and fascist parts of the Qur'an. But if they want to assimilate, and take our values to their values, of course, I have nothing against them. They are worth, and have chances, as much as you and me or any other." How radical is it, really, to expect Dutch residents to live up to the standards of this country?
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