The debate “Europe is failing its Muslims” took place on February 23rd at Cadogan Hall in London. Arguing in favour of the motion were Tariq Ramadan and Petra Stienen; against the motion were Douglas Murray and Flemming Rose.
You can listening the full introductory speech below :
The motion was so badly formulated, who did it? Very few people agree with D.Murray (who sounds like a very vulgar philosopher, btw), and yet his motion won, giving perhaps the idea his arguments were convincing somehow.
Frankly, the motion as formulated couldn’t get any worse, what a waste of energy…
Tariq Ramadan chose also very badly his side, since “EUROPE(sic) is FAILING(sic) its muslims” goes against his very important ideas against the victimization mentality.
Congrats to Mrs. Petra and Dr. Ramadan, what a disturbing arrogant character Dr. Murray, you can sense his hostility to musliams, It’s tragic he occupies a position with so much potential to do good.
Obviously still long way for muslims to be respect and accepted as equal, I lived in Canada for the last 20 years and I still see prejudice against girls wearing the scarf.
The Dutch lady is right: there are many non-muslims who don’t want this polarization. I hope more people will understand (on both sides), because this can’t be good for anybody.
The title of the debate was confusing. European societies
did not accept the Muslims as a part of its population at all. So the title is not appropriate. You do not hear about
their contribution and building Europe especially after the
world war II. They will remain aliens what ever good they do. But I must say one thing, there will be always people of good will and justice among non-muslims who will try to defend the truth as the Dutch lady. But many Europeans cannot hear their voices unfortunately. I live in Central Europe in Czech Republic and I will always remain for Czech people a foreigner even if I know their language, history and culture better then them and I teach their children at school. Last comment or better said an advice is to the British man of “social cohesion”- please, read the Quran well and have a commentary from a responsible and reliable muslim, you will never regret it!
This is the first time I watch a british debate, and I love it. I wish I saw such debating in French television.