The Netherlands are a bellwether for Europe - by Keith Knutson:

The Netherlands is a small corner of the European continent, but it has made big contributions to developments in the modern world.

In the 17th century Dutch strength in trade and finance, shipping and technology, made the small republic a major power. This was based upon the population's remarkable innovative capacities. I was reminded of this society's ingenuity in the Rijks (state) museum, viewing the works of their greatest artists - and Europe's as well? - Rembrandt, Reubens and Vermeer. Artists may not be fundamental to achieving political and economic greatness, but great societies inevitably produce them. The Dutch were the first in Europe to legalize egalitarianism, even before the French Revolution. Their lack of deference to either monarchy or aristocracy led to an absence of the social hierarchy in other great powers of the time. And the weakness of ecclesiastical authority led to societal curiosity and openness that others envied.

Whereas political life in Holland was once a model of stability, in the 21st century the country has been convulsed. In 2002 the anti-immigration politician Pim Fortuyn was assassinated. Then in 2004, Theo Van Gogh, descendent of the renowned artist, and producer of a documentary critical of Islam, was viciously murdered. Afterward, the mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, a secular Jew, engaged in an outreach effort to the Muslim community that was very similar to that of "Three Cups of Tea" author Greg Mortenson, who visited Viterbo University this past school year. Cohen focused the city government's integration policy on lending a sympathetic ear to the Muslim community, even the most insular and orthodox. And when Dutch elections were called this spring, Cohen led the Labor Party ticket, with number two Nebehat Albayrak, who is Turkish.

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