Mosques Among the Alps, a Blackmail the Swiss Could not Refuse……......
“Therefore it is extremely strange and unusual to discover that the Swiss People's Party [SVP] – which is known for its extremist nature – and the Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland, have launched a bizarre initiative to amend the Swiss constitution to include an article prohibiting the construction of mosque minarets. This measure is scheduled to be voted on in two weeks…….…… I know that the giant Nestle Corporation is cautiously observing the situation and preparing to issue a comment. Nestle has over 50 factories operating in Muslim countries and is therefore aware of the significance and impact of the situation. The same goes for other Swiss companies that have operations and interests in the region. It is sad and ridiculous that this provocative and racist Swiss initiative is being put to a vote in this day and age. This is a depressing representation of how the promising inter-cultural and inter-civilizational dialogue has been turned into something trivial that harms and infects everybody.” Asharq Alawsat (Saudi)
Interesting talk about “prohibitions” “right-wing extremists”, “tolerance”,” inter-civilizational dialogue” etc…….. He is right about the right-wing extremists and their intolerance. But unelected versions of the extremist Swiss People’s Party rule in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East as well. You’d think they have churches all over the kingdom. You’d think Christmas decorations and menorahs can be seen in the windows in Riyadh during the Holidays…… ..
And the “blackmail” part about Nestle and other Swiss companies losing business was cute. He was making them an offer they couldn’t refuse. They have been using that blackmail for years: that is why many corruption investigations in the West were quashed, including the famous al-Yamama in Great (formerly) Britain.
But I agree with him that the Swiss should allow mosques and minarets. A true democracy cannot ban any faith. The Swiss, weird as they are, will vote the right way, no doubt. But what about “over there”?
Cheers
mhg
Mon Email
Comments