Dutch Make a Distinction between Muslims and Extremists

From Tuesdays Metro (this is the free magazine on public transport - the translation is mine).

Research: Dutch have a more subtle opinion of Muslims than might be expected from much of the current research. If subjects get the chance to explain their views it seems that they systematically make a distinction between their view of extreme Muslims and their view of regular followers of Islam.

This is the result of the dissertation "Taking Too Much for Granted?", the graduation thesis of Christine Carabain. She did her research in the months directly after the murder of Theo van Gogh on 2 November 2004. The subjects did not see the perpetrator, the fundamentalist Mohammed B., as representative of Muslims in the Netherlands, but has a spokesman of a small group of radicals.

It seems obvious that fundamentalists don't represent the more than 1 billion people who identify themselves as Muslim, but from previously published research and the rhetoric of some MPs, it was difficult to see that Dutch did make this distinction. It's the best news I've seen in Dutch papers this week.

To the European Union

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag * Gelukkige verjaardag * Честит рожден ден * Χρόνια πολλά * Všechno nejlepší k narozeninám! * Tillykke med fødselsdagen * Palju õnne sünnipäevaks * Hyvää syntymäpäivää * Bon anniversaire * Boldog születésnapot * Breithlá Sona Duit * Buon compleanno * Apsveicu dzimšanas dienā * Sveikinu gimtadienio proga * E schéine Gebuertsdag * Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzin * Parabéns * La mulţi ani * Všetko najlepšie k narodeninám * Vse najboljše za rojstni dan * ¡feliz cumpleaños! * Grattis på födelsedagen * Happy Birthday *

The Treaty of Rome was signed on 25 March 1957, so Europe is celebrating.

Two Passports? Eet Smakelijk!

There's a Jamie Oliver style "Fifteen" Restaurant in Amsterdam. They pride themselves on being part of society, taking trainees from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tonight they have a special offer, if you have two passports you eat for free.

It's no co-incidence that this offer follows hard on the heels of the discussions in parliament instigated by Mr. Wilders. The workers in the restaurant come from various backgrounds - Mauritius, Morocco, Turkey, Antilles and Somalia are listed on the website, and they have naturally been affected by these discussions.

They've come up with this idea because they see food, and a passion for good food, as something that brings people together, no matter what their background or how many passports they hold.

Congratulations to the team for making something positive out of this, and to the diners, "Eet Smakelijk" (enjoy your meal).

Art Thieves Working for the Government?

Apparently around 5 million euros worth of Art, including one painting by Karel Appel has been stolen from Government offices.

I know it's evil of me, but one of the questions in one of the proposed inburgerings tests including the stereotype that Dutch people are honest. Perhaps they're not any more honest than other nationalities.

Split Loyalty Still an Issue

Geert Wilders seems to have nothing better to do than attack Muslim MPs. This week it was the turn of Khadija Arib, who has been a member of the Dutch parliament since May 1998, and acts as a paid advisor to the Moroccan government on human rights issues, particularly those relating to Moroccan migrants.

Mr Wilders demanded that she either give up the paid position for a foreign government or give up her position of MP.

If Mr. Wilders is really interesting in a healthy integrated Dutch society he should applaud Ms Arib's work, if he's really worried about split loyalty because an MP has a paid function with another government he should be condemning Mr. Van Baalen, who has a paid consultant position with the Taiwan government, with the same energy that he condemns Khadija Arib.

A fuller report on the debate was published by the Dutchnews website, and it seems clear that other Dutch MPs are frustrated by Mr. Wilders attacks.

I suppose in a way it's better to have the debate, but it is funded by my taxes, and I resent paying for Mr. Wilders to promote his own Islamophobic views.

In any case, since I can't vote I have written a letter of support to Ms Arib. I want her to know that someone far removed from the situation values both roles she plays.

No Burqa Ban

The new minister of integration, Ella Vogelaar, stated on radio that there will be no burqa ban implemented in the Netherlandss. This comes in the face of Geert Wilders ranting that it should be banned.

Ms Vogelaar clearly states that she is no fan of the Burqa, but points to difficulties in implementing a ban. No kidding - there is a constitutional right to freedom of religious expression guaranteed in the Dutch constitution. And then imagine enforcing it, scenes of a policeman trying to arrest a burqa wearer come to mind - not a good look for a so called tolerant nation.

This discussion has been going on for years, first with the former Minister of Integration, Rita Verdonk, and now with Geert Wilders.

So who would have been directly affected by this rule? Apparently just 150 women, yet it's warranted two resolutions and endless discussions in parliament.

I hope this is the end of the discussion, it seems an enormous waste of tax dollars to discuss something that will contravene the constitution, affect barely 150 people, who may react not by throwing of the burqa and adopting Dutch dress - but by staying home. However I suspect the Islamophobes won't be able to let it lie.