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Switzerland's Gift to Osama
Jerry Lampen, Reuters / Landov
The shameful vote to ban mosque minarets will not only damage the country’s reputation, it could inspire a new wave of terrorism.
As Sunday’s Swiss vote to ban the construction of mosque minarets continues to reverberate, the winners are becoming abundantly clear. Yes, the xenophobic far-right Swiss People’s Party that propelled the initiative forward will reap the short-term political benefits of an overwhelming 57.5 percent victory. And yes, sizable populist parties around Europe—especially in Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, and France—are already gleefully calling for their own similar referendums to stave off “Islamization.” But the big winner may well be Osama bin Laden. (More on this in a moment.)
The losers? There are so many. They include Switzerland’s various luxury, tourism, and banking industries—all of which benefit enormously from wealthy Muslim tourists and vacationers (especially from the Middle East) who are likely to feel, and rightly so, that their religion was targeted. A peripheral loser is Europe, which struggles to remain true to its hard-earned freedom of religious values, and to accommodate its vast Muslim population, even as populist politicians see an easy electoral payoff.
Swiss Red Cross workers in Central Asia, northern and eastern Africa, and the Middle East can’t be happy about the target that their compatriots have just painted on them.
But the biggest loser is the legendarily neutral Switzerland itself, as the minaret referendum invites unprecedented security threats, both within the alpine nation and to its many humanitarian workers in remote outposts. (Swiss Red Cross workers in Central Asia, northern and eastern Africa, and the Middle East can’t be happy about the target that their compatriots have just painted on them.) As the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs Micheline Calmy-Rey warned during the campaign, a ban on minarets risked making her country into “a target for Islamic terrorism.”
There is little doubt about the potentially explosive impact of this vote. Remember those illustrated Danish comics—including one of the prophet Muhammad wearing a turban-bomb? They led to the torching of several Scandinavian embassies in the Middle East, a boycott of Danish products, threats to numerous European Union workers in the region, and broad protests across the Muslim world that reportedly sparked the killing of around 170 people (mostly from police firing into crowds). And when the French government banned Muslim headscarves from public schools, it brought recordings of death threats from al Qaeda and its allies abroad.
Well, this is worse.
Al Qaeda has long paid careful attention to Western elections—even timing the 2004 Madrid bombings to shake up the Spanish vote—but rarely have they received such a distinctive electoral gift.
So how did it happen? The Swiss vote came after a cartoonishly cynical and barely coherent campaign that tapped into primitive fears of Muslims, as well as a complete misunderstanding of radical Islam. The anti-minaret side blurred talk and images of the worst stereotypes about Islam—forced marriage, dark forces, genital mutilation, and the burqa. Minarets, meanwhile, are little more than an aesthetic symbol in Europe, where they are rarely permitted their traditional role of broadcasting the call to prayer. The campaign portrayed them as literal weapons of Islam.
One high-profile campaign poster showed an array of missile-minarets rising from a Swiss flag next to a woman covered by her jet-black burqa (never mind that the only fully veiled women most Swiss people encounter tend to be big-franc shoppers from the Persian Gulf). The campaign gave the impression that Switzerland would soon be inundated with hundreds of minarets, which Ulrich Schlüer, a mastermind of the anti-minaret campaign absurdly asserted, is “a symbol of political power, a prelude to the introduction of Sharia law.”
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Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
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Eric Pape has reported on Europe and the Mediterranean region for Newsweek Magazine since 2003. He is co-author of the graphic novel Shake Girl, which was inspired by one of his articles. He has written for the Los Angeles Times magazine, Spin, Reader's Digest, Vibe, Courrier International, Salon, and Los Angeles from five continents. He is based in Paris. Follow him at twitter.com/ericpape
cbeenthere
Muslim countries grant freedom of religion to others with the exception of Saudi Arabia, you are correct this was a big mistake on the part of the Swiss.
candid
MId-Eastern Muslim countries grant little or no real religious freedom either de facto, or de jure. Individual fundamentalist fanatics acting at the behest or consent of clerics can be as or more effective than government bureaucrats. Egypt, and what is now Turkey were onetime strongly Christian countries with only small Christian minorities remaining. In Iraq churches are burned, and church leaders are slain. What Mid-Eastern Muslim country has even a significant minority Jewish population? Saudi Arabia is only more overt in its outrages. People that riot over a perceived offensive cartoon, and issue fatwahs over perceived offensive writings are primitive, infantile, savage, and frightening. When a significant minority blatantly states that it wants to impose its narrow-minded, female-repressive, theocracy on all, all free-thinking peoples should be wary.
External
The adviser of father of the King of Morocco is a Jew and thus there are still Jews in Morocco. There are still Jewish families in Iran. Christian Churches don't pay taxes In Syria and they get free electricity. Don't mix the Wahhabis from Saudi Arabia with other ME countries.
Atugabiig
Thank you my friend. Muslims want to hold the whole world at ransom. They think they can call all non-Muslims infidels and attack the foundational beliefs of other religions and yet will cry foul when others want them to simply live according to the norms of such societies. I wonder what Muslims would have resulted to if Dan Brown's DaVinci Code was about Mohammed. Muslims want to live in Paris, London, Brooklyn like these cities are part of Saudi Arabia. How? Let the Swiss do what they think is good for their country and damn what any Muslim thinks.
DevilsLawyer
Oh, that's right! Muslim countries are repressive against religion! That's a blanket statement riddled with holes, but let's assume for the sake of argument that it's 100% true. That makes it a bright idea to try to rival their repression, right? Equality? Liberal democracy? Pffftt. Everyone KNOWS the way to go is try to out-repress and out-discriminate each other.
(And I did say I'd try to refrain from parody after the incident where I was mistaken for a rabid Sarah Palin supporter, but this is more sarcasm than parody, right?)
diamondgirl
I wonder how that vote would come out if it was taken in the US?
I would also like to mention that this country has banned any mention of God or Christian Symbols in the US, so why does anyone find that so unbelievable because it's Muslim?
maddymappo
Not only are they restrictive of other religions, proselytizing is a high crime, and to convert to another religion from Islam (apostasy) is also a high crime. The Sharia, Islamic Law which is written in Quran also calls for higher taxes and even permits slavery of non Moslems. So how many Moslem countries would welcome a giant crucifix added to their skyline?
zizanie
A minaret tower is not a giant cross and in Switzerland, the minarets that exist aren't giant.
Your missing the point when you ask how tyrannical Muslim countries would react. How about the non-tyrannical ones? You can find the architecture of all manner of faiths in democratic Lebanon, for example.
But the real point is this, as the article points out, Europe is built on tolerance of faith that came after hundreds of years of religious wars. Those are principals they'd do well to remember if they want to enjoy more peace. The Muslims in Switzerland aren't pushing for Islamic Law, higher taxes or slavery. Go see. You'll find that most people are holiday Muslims who live, more or less like Passover Jews or Holiday Catholics. The two latter groups do get to visit synagogues and churches with all of their decorations in Switzerland, as in most of Europe, even if terrible things have been done in the names of those religions in the past.
sophia5
( " The shameful vote to ban mosque minarets will not only damage the country's reputation, it could inspire a new wave of terrorism. " )
" INSPIRE a new wave of terrorism. "
It is NOT up to the rest of the World to
bow to the wishes of Extremists, or we risk being blown up.
People have the right to make decisions
in a FREE society, without considering
possible violent repercussions.
That's not the FREE World's responsibility.
It's the responsibility of Extremists who might
do us harm to . . . BECOME " Civilized " . . . To respectfully disagree without resorting to mass murder.
handsomedevil82
Have you ever been to a muslim country? I have.
They have christian churches in every country but Saudi. I went to Mass in Syria where there are sooo many churches. Some of the oldest ever. Egypt. Many beautiful churches. Dubai.I went to church there too. Qatar is building a very big church. So please tell me, what the hell are you talking about?
Are you aware that in Islam you MUST accept christians and jews as believers in the same God? Muslim men can marry jewish and christian women?
And by the way christianity and judaism both allow slavery. Not one word against it. And if you recall the Europeans and Americans that traded african slaves were.... christians. So please, get a clue.
radiofreeeurope
We're talking about minarets, not mosques. Minarets blast out a call to prayer 5 times a day starting at dawn. This is not a prerequisite to worship, nor is it relevant or necessary to impose on the whole of society. Or is the argument that everyone should live in fear of how militant Islamists anywhere in the world might react? Tolerance is one thing, but citizens have the right to determine their own culture. How vigilantly do the countries of the Middle East guard their own cultures? This a decision for the Swiss - why should anyone be offended?
shortcourse
how about blasting it out their ass....
handsomedevil82
There are only four moaques with minarets in Switzwerlans now. None of them sound the call to prayer.
cbeenthere
candid-
You are incorrect in your statements. Although this author did not address the issue of religious freedom, Juan Cole, who has studied the ME extensively has a recent article on this, and it is his information I pass on here, that you refute. What are your credentials bigot? You need an education on this, check out someone who knows, Juan Cole, and learn something before exposing your ignorance.
bobbiewick
Juan Cole -- and his ridiculous acolytes -- need to take a flying leap.
Trilby16
Really??? When did muslim counties start doing that?
I must say I would not want to look at minerets where I live. Xenophobia? Maybe. It's a visceral reaction. I competely understand where the Swiss are coming from.
cbeenthere
I believe where religion is concerned it would be bigotry.
Natural-Selection
This is brilliant, actually. Finally, some of our most leftist countries are standing up to this CANCER. This will with any luck, mobilize the world against this non-sense radical view. Hell, in our own country, we are afraid to say something "bad" about Islam because the nuts will hit the town and start burning away. Let them...we're not putting up with this multi-cultural crap anymore!!!
dontBugMe
Here we go a Euro Dhimmi perspective of comply with the Jijadist or suffer. How come there are no terrorist attack against Saudi Arabia which neither allows a Church, Temple or a Synagogue. But they build and fund the biggest mosque around the world. Even religious books of other faiths are seized and destroyed, forget about even visiting Mecca. It is about self esteem and self hate. You have issues with both DHIMMA.
Natural-Selection
Because there, punishment is swift, certain and non-descriminatory. You play you pay....usually by losing your head!
snerpglerp
I do believe they sentence you to death in afghanistan for converting to any religion other than islam. why don't we ask osama if they allow churches in afghanistan? yes, most major religions preach peace while often having contradictory messages that can be twisted by fanatics but jesus never advocated chopping the heads or hands off of non-believers like mohammed. Talk about control. I love how even seemingly reasonable people can justify insanity: Cat stevens on the rushdie fatwah: " well, it's written that if you defame the prophet, death to you'" (sorry not the exact quote but essence the same) Well, that makes sense they would say that because they want to threaten and control people through their religion(?) oh, and of course, mohammed also declares as a last resort, you're allowed to beat your wife for defiance. how divine
BullMoose
Muslim countries kill Christians and ban Christian bibles. Not all, but many do.
What Switzerland did is fine with me. Who wants to hear those annoying calls to prayer? Are Muslims too ignorant to look at their watch, then go to their Mosque?
OrCan001
Well Mr "Ha-Ha" BullMoose (yes, you very funny) - let's ask ourselves this: What sort of country is Switzerland? Is it based on religion? Is it based on some other notion of culture or ethinicity?
Don't be a jerk. If you're all about "clash of civilizations" and all that shit then why don't you just declare it openly.
BullMoose
OrCan You must be a typical PC name calling limousine liberal or a Muslim terrorist sympathizer.
The Swiss Guard protects the Pope, a leftover from the Holy Roman Empire era. Which is odd, since the Papal states where not under the tutelage of the Catholic dominated areas of Italy or elsewhere. So there is a historical connection there. and the Swiss flag has a Christian cross, as many western European countries do. so i quess that answers your based on what inquiry.
I would tell you not to be a jerk, but your perjorative attack already indicts you to a great Waldo Emerson quote, "what you are speaks so loudly, i can't hear a word you are saying".
Slamlander
It would be nice if either of you had a clue. Se my article at http://slamlander.caselle-vpn.net/?p=1192
Natural-Selection
Bowing to every crybaby has gotten this country into the mess it's in over the years.
People need to stand up and be accountable!
zizanie
bomb first, learn what's going on later?
above you also wrote: "some of our most leftist countries are standing up to this CANCER" - does being in europe make a country leftist in your mind? switzerland's largest political party is on the FAR-right.
but as the article makes clear, this measure is probably a violation of switzerland's own constitution. or are constitution's meaningless?
Slamlander
If you think the US is bad, go and visit the UK.
What does that have to do with the fact that Eric Pape is a clueless wonder?
DevilsLawyer
I went and read it, and still failed to see the magical minaret-Sharia law connection.
Israel - Lots of minarets, no Sharia law.
Turkey - Lots of minarets, no Sharia law.
Malaysia - Lots of minarets, no... need I go on?
Slamlander
Actually, I never made a minaret=Sharia Law connection in my article. That was on purpose. It does not yet exist in Suiss Romand. The calls for Sharia Law are separate from the minaret issue, even if they are concurrent. I am sorry that I wasn't clear on that.
The minaret issue is one of planning permission.
winston1
What is with these PC crap? It's your country take hold of it.
DevilsLawyer
That PC crap, little grasshopper, is known as the idea of liberal democracy, otherwise known as constitutionally restricted majority rule that places important safeguards on the rights of the minority. Because, youngling, pure majority rule doth not a just society make (see e.g. U.S. Jim Crow laws), modern democracies have learned the lesson that the democracy must have constitutional checks on it lest it deteriorate into simple mob rule and repression of the minority by the majority.
Meditate on that, and in the meantime also learn the proper usage of the singular and plural forms. Exemplis gratis: "That PC crap" or "these pieces of PC crap" would be grammatically correct, although I deem the former superior in terms of composition, economy of writing, and impact. Now run along and play.
Dorothea
Actually, little grasshopper had it right. His analysis was succinct. Yours? Well, full of self.
diamondgirl
Is this the class for the day? I didn't get the memo!
cbeenthere
Sorry dorethea-
DevilsLawyer is correct. Yours?full of sh**.
Dorothea
cbeenthere - You reply with such class.
cbeenthere
Glad to oblige, Dorothea, anytime.
diamondgirl
Dorthea, cb is always, and I do mean always takes the far left option. She is not polite at all and will give you shot after shot to try to intimidate you. Don't be fooled by her blathering, is abrupt and never substantial.
DevilsLawyer
Gotta love American anti-intellectualism. So entertaining.
Dorothea
Thanks diamondgirl. DevilsLawyer and cb are insecure about their IQ's.
Slamlander
The counter example is the oldest true democracy on the planet, Switzerland. They have the Pact, research it. Oh and it would probably help if you know, French, German, Italian, or Romantsch because the official dox are not in English.
We do not have a majority tyranny poblem in Switzerland. Then again, we also have an efficiant and effective judiciary to protect individual rights..
bobj72
"winston1"; You are aware "connie 47" did Formally Charge you on 11.26.09 with PLAGIARISM specific to "76 CONSECUTIVE WORDS" you did "cut and paste" from an online National Review article. You are advised that the activity in question is Legally Actionable. Do you intend to Formally Respond to "connie47's" Charge? If yes, then you must publicly in writing; admit you Knowingly with Pre-meditation and Intent; Published and Sought Recognition for an "ORIGINAL THOUGHT" created by Someone Other Than Yourself.
THE LAME EXCUSE YOU HAVE THUS FAR OFFERED has been; "Joe Biden did it too" is greatly insufficient for such a Gross Violation of Literary Responsibility & Ethics. You may be interested in knowing that your Violation of Literary Responsibility & Ethics is PLAGIARISM which has Civil and possibly Criminal implications.
At minimum, you need to;
1. Publicly make an Admission Of Guilt - Knowingly with Pre-meditation, and
2. Make a concerted effort to contact the Original National Review Author of the "76 CONSECUTIVE WORDS" you Illegally Presented as your own, and
3. Formally Request Forgiveness (in writing) from the Original Author.
After you have completed these steps, you should again make contact with us here at TDB informing us of the outcome. As you know we are the Victims of the embarrassing ruse you imposed, as well as is TDB.
POLITICAL OPPOSITION is Fine... so long as it's Expressed In "Original Thought!!!" Issue a PUBLIC APOLOGY to "connie47" - and you will be Forgiven. (And I will Cease & Desist my pursuit.)
maddymappo
Such bullying. An ordinance and or restrictions on buildings that make an impact on the skyline is not uncommon. And since minarets would change the aesthetic of the Swiss skyline it is perfectly reasonable to understand why the vast majority would not want it. What makes for problems is the western guilt trip that would make the natural and unharmful desire to maintain cultural continuity as being bigotted and dangerous and far right etc. It is not. It is dangerous when the far left paints everyone with a broad stroke of bigotry in issues like this.
QueenCeleste
Well said.
DevilsLawyer
*sigh* Do I even have to explain this? It's not a ban on buildings that change the skyline. It's a ban targeted on a religious group. Not a radical or criminal group, mind you, but a religious group.
If that fact, that this is an act of religious discrimination, doesn't ring serious bells for you, it should. It's not on the same level of the Nuremberg or Jim Crow laws, but it's the same line of thought and the first step on the same path--that the majority can do whatever it likes to the rights of the minority.
If aesthetics were really the problem, there are much better ways to handle the issue, such as consultations about the design of all towers (not just Muslim ones), etc. All the FUD-ridden rhetoric leading up to this abominable law show that this was a specific act of discrimination against a specific religious group.
All that history, all that tragedy and somehow humanity never learns. Reading and reflection are your friends, you know.
Dorothea
"sigh" how can we be so stupid? If Switzerland wants it to be about the buildings, let it be. Read and reflect on that.
diamondgirl
It happens all the time to Christians, please crymeariver will ya. They will survive or fight back, just like the Christians do.
cbeenthere
Dorothea-
Sigh-You don't run Switzerland. Thank goodness.
Dorothea
See? You are glad the Swiss run the country.
cbeenthere
Dorothea-
No I am sorry that people are intolerant, and that includes your flippant attitude.
BullMoose
I would love to blast DD with that annoying, loud, pompous call to prayer at 3 AM. No one wants to hear those Mooolim's wailing 5 times a day. Tell them to get a watch, then schedule the time to get to the Mosque, and leave the rest of the neighborhood without that rude, noise making amplifier.
DevilsLawyer
Dorothea - It's problematic because it's not about the buildings. The campaign was clearly about religion, not building codes.
Diamondgirl - Wow, whatever happened to separation of church and state? Is Switzerland now trying to rival some Middle Eastern states in the race to a theocracy?
BullMoose - Get the facts. Minarets and church bell towers and other buildings are subject to noise regulations, so the preexisting minarets can't broadcast the call for prayer either. See, there are actually sane, non-discriminatory ways to deal with things like noise, and this certainly wasn't one of them.
Dorothea
We know it's not about the buildings. But that's the face they have to put on it. And it's all right with me.
And cbeenthere - intolerance is something you seem to feel comfortable with as long as it's your intolerance. The Swiss made a decision they feel is best for their country at this time. I applaud them. I hope they are ready for the downside.
BullMoose
The truth is the Muslims just want to push their apostate religion down everyones throat, and cut their throats if they don't swallow their Muhammed's delusional utterings.
After the so called "prophets" wife died, her family ran that phony out of town into the mountains. Like the song say's, to paraphrase, he was just a gigolo.
DakLak
If you live within earshot of a mosque when they call the faithful to prayer, over a public address system, you will discover it is way, way different to a melodious church bell, and 5 times daily!
cbeenthere
I am quite sure there are laws regarding these issues, and what on earth makes you believe that an ancient, recognized religion would disrespect this?
manticore1223
I would argue calling it ancient is a stretch. Not even Christianity gets to pull the "ancient" card.
gameon
Who would of thought the Swiss had a pair.Good for them.perhaps the Muslim community should look whithin themselves and try to figure out why the Swiss would feel the need to do something like this.Muslims refusal to assimilate into the Western culture of their adopted countries breeds disharmony and distrust .They brought it upon themselves through hatefilled, anti-western speech.
The fact that this author is so scared that the Islamic terrorist's might get angry at Switzerland shows that Islam is not a religion of peace,but one of violence and fanaticism.
QueenCeleste
Amen.
tumbleweed
Well said! For the life of me I can't figure out why Muslim's go to European countries or even the United States then spend their time getting upset over lax morals and refusing to accept western ways. I would think that would be the first thing they would learn to accept before they ever left home it isn't going to be the same as your home country. If you don't like it then stay in a Muslim country. If you want my honest opinion I think all religion is evil. Regardless of whose it is. It makes some people violent.
gameon
Yeah,whatever happened to"when in Rome ,do as the Romans do"?If you don't like Roman culture ,don't go to Rome.Problem solved.
snerpglerp
well effing said!
BullMoose
And the day those whining, smooth talking "Inmans" try and push that Sharia garbage in the United States, we might as well tear up the Constitution.
CAIR, Con Artist Inciting Revolution.
QueenCeleste
This is not about tourism--it is about preserving the character and culture of Switzerland! How many church spires might we see in Muslim countries? Damn few, I suspect.
Bravo to the courageous Swiss! It must feel good to take back one's country.
DevilsLawyer
Bravo to Swiss cowardice and xenophobia! Because everyone knows, it's really the race to repression and discrimination that matters and not the one to high-mindedness or ideals, or even good sense.
ThinkAgain
The article actually suggests rightfully so that they're inviting violence with this vote so it's hardly cowardice.
cibikay
You can say that again !!!
External
So how many Muslim countries have you visited? How about Cordoba or Banja Luka where you can see minarets amongst church spires? Do you know how much "freebies" are allocated to Christian churches by the govt of Syria and UAE? Guess not - your next rebuttal will be about synagogues or Buddhist temples right? How did the colonists imposed their religions from China (Portugal) to Indonesia (Dutch) to South Asia (England to Africa (UK/French) to the indigenous people?
gameon
Can you tell me what modern day country is based on militant christianity?Islam is a political ideology that pushes its faith on others through fear and violence,the Swiss have every right to fight fanaticism within their borders.
DakLak
Right on! (The Swiss never let go of their country. Smart people.)
MildMannered
It's not relevant whether Saudi Arabia or any other Muslim nation denies its citizens freedom of religion. What matters is that democratic countries should uphold their democratic principles and not just when it's convenient. Switzerland should stick to its constitution and not monkey with it because the latest group of immigrants -- many of whom are war refugees no less -- doesn't suit them as well as the previous group. As for Muslim assimilation? Take a look at one Muslim's point of view:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2 009120255923
DevilsLawyer
So, was the German stereotype of the Swiss as racist dicks actually based on fact? Interesting.
diamondgirl
Devil, When you have this much passion towards Christians and the discrimination towards them you will have a winning argument, until then you have nothing!
cbeenthere
dg should talk devislawyer.
diamondgirl
.
cb- Let not forget Fort Hood Terrorist Attack, and how/why it happened. Because a Radical Muslim decided to kill his fellow troops and no one who knew of his radical beliefs had the balls to deal with him. It's called being politically correct oh and let's not forget the dead, 13 of them 14 including the baby the women was carrying.
I think the Christians are discriminated against; the Muslims are getting a free pass, that's unacceptable
cbeenthere
I have no respect for you, diamondgirl.
diamondgirl
cb- the fact you have no respect for me, somehow makes my day...
cbeenthere
Well, la te dah, diamond girl.
DakLak
There are no Red Cross outfits in Mozzie countries, they have Red CRESCENT affiliates.
This is simply a planning decision. Mosques make noise, attract numbers of cars and look out of place within Western architecture.
Let the Muslim worshippers use a traditional style building.
tarryh
I agree. Next should be the damn Catholic churches with their loud bells that make enough noise to wake the dead. They too crowd the streets with worshippers blocking normal people. And talk about out of place architecture. The enormous steeples and great stained class windows are totally out of place in a conservative protestant country. Let Catholic worshippers meet in shopping malls or better yet just move to Rome.
I always used to think the Swiss were an example to the world of tolerance and understanding. Boy, oh boy, has the mask ever slipped. Not only have they protected Nazi money for 50 years, but now they want to discriminate against their own Moslem citizens.
diamondgirl
And Tarryh has just proved my point...There seems to be enough hate in this world for everyone.
diamondgirl
tarryh, i am sorry to inform you but most of this country are Christians, so if anyone needs to move the hell out ,its people like you who are not.
Slamlander
Actually, in Switzerland, most of the bells are muzzeled.
http://slamlander.caselle-vpn.net/?p=1192
External
May be had you done your homework before spewing myths you will know that all the the traditional building in Hamburg, Leeds and Madrid were well served (sarcasm)
sillylemur
This was not a planning decision! It was aimed at this religion. "Buildings that make noise and look out of place" weren't banned - minarets were.
I live in Switzerland, and even the people here aren't pretending it was about architecture. It was about fear of Muslims, their religion and culture. Period. I love this country, but they are fairly famous for their xenophobia, and for good reason.
DakLak
A minaret is part of a building and therefore is covered by the term architecture.
DakLak
Let the Muslim worshippers use a traditional WESTERN style building.
It's not the building that matters it's the fact that the faithful gather together in union and worship their god. An open field would suffice as well as an ornate edifice.
cbeenthere
What would this world be like if it were all stripmalls, like here in the US, how interesting.
sandyej
If the Swiss want to preserve their architectural history and building-style, then they are within their rights. Most cities and towns in the West have some sort of planning commission who can yea or nay any building project it feels is not in keeping with the existing structures in an area.
grbesq
:.. it could inspire a new wave of terrorism." That says it all, doesn't it? If Jews, Christians or adherents of the other mature faiths were disrespected, they would protest, of course, but no one would warn of or anticipate violent revenge. With Islam, a culture of revenge, it is only a matter of time before a terror attacks hits Switzerland or some unarmed Swiss tourists somewhere. Don't oppose anything the Religion of Peace wants, or else!
diamondgirl
Christians are disrespected all the time, and when is the last time a bunch of Christians blew up the twin towers? There is no excuse for terrorism ever!
No matter what religion or what discrimination takes place.
cbeenthere
Doesn't OK City count for Christian terrorism, yes, it does.
diamondgirl
cb- No it doesnt! What are you smoking?
dailywackos
Surprise, it's their country. Your objections is heard only in echo chamber.
hockeydog
Interesting, having read through all of the comments posted so far, the truth is spoken on both sides of this decision. Very, sorta complexing.
I think though, the bottom line (and not withstanding the great beauty inherent in the minarets themselves), is that they could, in the immortal words of Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, " be used to disquise rockets which are capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction.
cibikay
Yale University has been forced to leave out the Muhamed cartoons from one of its publications.Now,the Swiss foreign minister says the minaret ban threatens the country's security.The intimidation of the West by the Islamists thus seems to be almost complete.
rnrsoul
When the Muslim population takes back it's religion from the fringe elements that induce fear and spread terror around the world, people and countries will begin to lean back toward tolerance of religion.
We never see Muslim rallies and protests when people of their own faith bomb, repress and kill, yet political cartoons incite rallies and threats of death.
Where are the leaders of the peaceful religion that is mentioned? Where are the examples of Muslim tolerance that people in the West can see and cite? When that begins to happen, attitudes will change. Until then, it will, and rightfully so, be viewed in fear.
MaliciousDisorder
Finally, someone has balls
ICHINGtoGO
Mr Pape you miss the point. Muslims are being deliberately targeted, pointed out, persecuted, denounced for a reason. Members of this hateful cult should be put down like the dogs they are.
Thank you.
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