Peaceful coexistence ! Editors View The day before yesterdays huge rally in Paris in support of free speech and non-violence, another took place in the German city of Dresden – that one protesting against anti-Islamic, anti-foreigner sentiment. Such is the ferment on the Continent over Islam, European identity, and western values. Some facts: Muslims constitute 7.5 percent of Frances population and 5 percent of Germanys. The birth rate among Muslim immigrants is converging with those of native Europeans. A 2013 survey by the Pew Research Center indicates the vast majority of Muslims in Europe support freedom and democracy. This is especially true among second generation immigrants. As in the United States, the engine of integration works, but it works slowly and not always peacefully. In the short term, fringe elements such as the jihadists who launched violent attacks in Paris and anti-immigration nationalists can seize the media spotlight. The long-run trend, though, is toward tolerance and multiculturalism. The weekend rallies in Paris and Dresden reaffirm the size, strength, and inevitability of peaceful coexistence. John Yemma, Editor at Large yemma@csmonitor
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 20:26:31 +0000
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