Dutch Reject Liberalism in Response to Islamic Immigration: Lessons for Europe?

February 27, 2005

Source: The Sunday Times Magazine

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2099-1488514,00.html

On February 27, 2005 The Sunday Times Magazine reported, "The Dutch have rejected liberalism in response to Islamic immigration. Some say they are now too hardline. So what can the rest of Europe learn from their crisis? Not long ago, Holland prided itself as being the most tolerant and welcoming country in Europe for immigrants and asylum seekers... [Now,] Multiculturalism is damned. A recent poll found 80% in favour of stronger measures to get immigrants to integrate � and 40% said they 'hoped' Muslims 'no longer feel at home here.' How did this happen? The first open shift came in 2001, with 9/11."