Schroeder calls on Muslims to better integrate in Germany

Schroeder calls on Muslims to better integrate in Germany

Schroeder calls on Muslims to better integrate in Germany
AFP: 11/19/2004

BERLIN, Nov 19 (AFP) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder called on Muslims to better integrate themselves in German society, in extracts of a speech he will deliver on Saturday released early to two major newspapers here.

Schroeder warned of a 'conflict of cultures' and says Muslims 'must clearly and without misunderstanding demonstrate that they accept our legal order and democratic rules.'

He said that the state had to insist on the fact that 'our willingness to integrate corresponds to a willingness to be integrated on the part of those who come here.'

There as they say is the rub. Wanting them to integrate is only half of the equation. If Muslims aren't interested in integrating, not all the power of the State can make it happen. There are millions of Muslims in Europe that might have integrated if solid, forceful integration policy had been in place to start with, but since it wasn't, there are now tens of millions of people who must be integrated.

I suppose it's possible, but I'm pessimistic. With European economies on the rocks where is the money going to come from to accomplish such a massive project? Yet, it MUST be accomplished, or many of these disaffected Muslims are likely to go the jihad route as they have in other places in the world.



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