A hallmark book on the relation between the Arab World and Europe, best compared as a dysfunctional marriage where one (the Arab World) imposes its will on the other (Europe).
After the Oil Crisis of 1973, Europe embarked on a grand series of Dialogues that would result in economic, political and cultural cooperation with the Arab World. Cooperation is somewhat of a misnomer though, since in every area, the imposition was forced by the Arab World, as becomes clear from this document.
Under a muslim regime, any non-muslim is by rule of Sharia subjected to a Dhimmi role. This means the non-muslim must pay considerable taxes to its overlord and is subjected to a range of degrading and imposing rules. The author, Bat Ye'or, describes how the Dialogues resulted in Europe as an entity taking on the Dhimmi role by voluntarily subjecting to Dhimmi regulations; following the political lead of the Arab World (hate of America, Israel and Jews), paying considerable sums of money (subsidies in EU-speak, Jizya under islam), erasing its own culture and history (elevating Islam).
No area of public life seems to be untouched; education curriculums are rewritten to cater for the positive contributions of Islam to European civilization. The discourse leaves no room for dissenters claiming there is no such influence. Andalusia was no enlightened Islam, on the contrary. It was hardcore Maliki islam, with full dhimmitude impositions on non-muslims. Ostracism is certain for those who dare to challenge the common wisdom, though. The media continues to propagandize; Israel is the new Nazi Germany, whereas the 'freedom fighters' of 'Palestine' are just that. Terrorist are never traced back to their islamic roots; they are deranged, lone wolves, acting on their own. The relativism is sickening and unreal, yet happening all the same. Entire generations of Europeans are spoon-fed with this cultural poison.
The spotlight is also turned on the Interfaith Dialogue, as part of the bigger picture. The Arab World uses the subjected Christian Dhimmis under its rule to force its views on the Christians. The Christian religion is being negated and subjected to Islam, which turns out to be its creator and inspiration. Truth be damned! Who cares for truth, when you can just make up your own reality?
On the reason why Europe does this, the author is quite clear; Europe wishes to wield power over the Arab World, is afraid of the Muslim temperament, preferring to offer its share of Danegeld, a large degree of cultural relativism (aka progressivism) and it truly believes that an enlightened Islam can exist in Europe.
The end result is a large group of people -- EU leaders, media personalities, politicians, churchmen, artists, writers -- who protect Islam in all its jihadic vigour and so conceal further expansion of this religion, by sword and by stealth. None of the Dialogues has resulted in the Arab World reciprocating the good intentions of Europe. On the contrary, islamism is on the rise. With a vengeance.
The book is meticulous in following the various Dialogue forums, committees and institutions and builds on a huge body of work before coming to these conclusions.
The final thoughts of the author are bleak. As far as Bat Ye'or is concerned, Europe has been lost to Islam already. Over 40 years of 'Dialogue', a vast influx of muslim migrants and a dysfunctional master-slave relation with the Arab World has set Europe on an inevitable course to full Dhimmitude, adding it to the already vast realm of Dar al Islam.
The book was written 13 years ago. What is apparent now is that non-state actors (ISIS, Al Qaeda) play an even larger role then they did before. Whereas before the Arab states could lean on 'their terrorists' to refrain or expand operations anywhere, today's non-state actors are more out of control, striking everywhere for Islam. What effects this will have on the Dialogues is uncertain, but it appears to disrupt the process. Take, for example, the recent Charlie Hebdo, Bataclan, Brussels, Nice attacks. For normal, non-progressive, people it is clear that Islam is on a warpath. Only those with rosy-colored glasses, plain blinders or surrenderist intentions cannot (or will not) see the enemy for what it is. How will the disconnection between the rulers and the ruled play out? One can only hope for sanity and courage to once more regain control over Europe.
- Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
