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A Debate That's Way Too Loud
Marci Moberg , ICAR M.S. Student
Posted: 03/11/08

[Published, Washington Times, March 11, 2008] Danish efforts to discourage the screening of Geert Wilders' film ("TV stations refuse anti-Muslim film," World, Friday) may diminish the risk for violence but miss the greater risk of growing intolerance.

In recent months, Mr. Wilders has called for Dutch Muslims to renounce their religion or leave the country and has labeled the Koran a fascist book. Though the Netherlands has remained mainly tolerant, Mr. Wilders and his supporters threaten to shift attitudes toward a perception of mismatching values and identities between Muslim immigrants and the country's citizens.

Dutch officials should initiate community dialogue efforts to reduce tensions and bolster a diminishing middle in this heated debate. Otherwise the country faces a dangerous situation as the volume of extreme voices on both sides rapidly increases.

MARCI MOBERG

Analyst
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
George Mason University
Arlington

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ICAR News Network A Debate That's Way Too Loud Marci Moberg , ICAR M.S. Student Posted: 03/11/08 [Published, Washington Times, March 11, 2008] Danish efforts to discourage the screening of Geert Wilders' film ("TV stations refuse anti-Muslim film," World, Friday) may diminish the risk for violence but miss the greater risk of growing intolerance. In recent months, Mr. Wilders has called for Dutch Muslims to renounce their religion or leave the country and has labeled the Koran a fascist book. Though the Netherlands has remained mainly tolerant, Mr. Wilders and his supporters threaten to shift attitudes toward a perception of mismatching values and identities between Muslim immigrants and the country's citizens. Dutch officials should initiate community dialogue efforts to reduce tensions and bolster a diminishing middle in this heated debate. Otherwise the country faces a dangerous situation as the volume of extreme voices on both sides rapidly increases. MARCI MOBERG Analyst Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution George Mason University Arlington News Network Homepage / Armenia / 2008 Elections / Afghanistan / Diplomacy/ Egypt / Environment / Global Peace Index / Health / Immigration / Iraq / Iran / Islam / Kosovo / Nuclear Proliferation / Pakistan / Palestine-Israel / Russia / Somalia / South America / Turkey /		About ICAR Student Information Prospective Students Faculty and Staff Alumni Career Services Academic Programs Library ICAR In The News Events Technology Resources ICAR Publications Point Of View Center Center for World Religions, Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution