A Clash of Civilizations in Europe?

Secular Europe and some of its Muslims citizens continue to clash – not in direct battle but over cartoons, operas, newspaper essays and school customs. The clashes are a product of a globalized media system, according to French journalist Patrick Sabatier, with instant information about any perceived slight to faith over satellite television or internet obscuring complex issues and provoking anger.

Globalization of the media allows instantaneous dissemination of the extremists’ point of view, both jihadists and far-right extremists who advocate violence, intolerance and segregation. European leaders are uncertain about how to handle the rising tension – whether to refrain from any criticism of Islam to defuse tension or to allow a free and robust exchange of ideas.

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