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Posted by
Sparky007 
From a letter I wrote to our regional newspaper, in response to readers' letters that Switzerland's ban on the minarets was not different from what 'Muslim' countries were doing to their non-Muslim citizens.
To the Editor,
Although Switzerland's recent decision to ban minarets was uncalled for, some of the letters from readers published in today's paper were even more disconcerting. Granted, many Middle Eastern countries are rather one-sided when it comes to religious integration. However, these countries do not tout themselves as neutral, harmonious, or diverse lands. They call themselves Arab 'Muslim' countries. Then why do we expect them to treat non-Muslims and foreigners alike? This is where the Switzerland episode differs. For a country that has long been known for it's neutrality and diversity, the banning of minarets was not a wise move. From this we can clearly note that contrary to what is being said, foreigners, minorities, and people of religions other than the dominant one are not welcome.
Why does a country preach global harmony and peace, when its 'values' are quite like those of the same countries we criticize i.e, the Middle East? This is where the difference lies, and as has been
rightly pointed out, it is bigotry and double standards at it's best.
To the Editor,
Although Switzerland's recent decision to ban minarets was uncalled for, some of the letters from readers published in today's paper were even more disconcerting. Granted, many Middle Eastern countries are rather one-sided when it comes to religious integration. However, these countries do not tout themselves as neutral, harmonious, or diverse lands. They call themselves Arab 'Muslim' countries. Then why do we expect them to treat non-Muslims and foreigners alike? This is where the Switzerland episode differs. For a country that has long been known for it's neutrality and diversity, the banning of minarets was not a wise move. From this we can clearly note that contrary to what is being said, foreigners, minorities, and people of religions other than the dominant one are not welcome.
Why does a country preach global harmony and peace, when its 'values' are quite like those of the same countries we criticize i.e, the Middle East? This is where the difference lies, and as has been
rightly pointed out, it is bigotry and double standards at it's best.
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