News and Analysis on Islam in Europe and North America
On Tuesday, the French Counsel of the Muslims (CFCM) congratulated Nicolas Sarkozy on his election to the presidency and declared him the leader who knew to rally the interests of French Muslims through his national image. The CFCM, created in 2003 by Mr. Sarkozy, then Minister of the Interior, now has a membership estimated at
Waitress Venessa and her partner Hussein, a florist, recently learned that their application for marriage has been rejected by French authorities Since July 24, 2006, foreigners who marry to a French national were no longer guaranteed a residential permit. For Venessa and Hussein, they have had the misfortune that the agent reviewing their case was
Tariq Ramadan, professor at Oxford and the University of Rotterdam, participated in a conversation on state regulation of mosques in Switzerland. He acknowledged the growing fears of Swiss society of Muslims in their midst, yet urged thoughtful policy. In an effort to clarify the situation and appease tensions, Ramadan cites the work of sociologist Jocelyn
Dalil Boubakeur, leader of the Paris Mosque, expressed his pleasure at the victory of Nicolas Sarkozy in a press release. “French Muslims, he said, appreciate the work [of Sarkozy] as Minister of the Interior and respect his efforts to represent Muslims within the Republic alongside other faiths.
The European Commission is soon to publish an updated version of the “2004 European Guide to Integration,” listing improved practices and lessons garnered over the past few years. The Guide will be presented to European ministers during a conference in Potsdam, Germany about pathways for immigrant integration, how to deal with newly arrived refugees, and