Niklas Ekdal on Islam's negative image

The predominantly negative image of Islam that prevails in Western media leads to aggressive behaviour on both sides, writes political editor Niklas Ekdal. "Stereotypes of Islam that frighten Muslims and become self-fulfilling prophecies are rampant in the West. Their injured feelings are less the product of a hostile attitude and more the result of their impression that the West rejects them. ... Education and freedom are attractive to all, but not if you're being caricatured or bombarded in their name. The spread of Islamism is more an effect than a cause, the result of a lack of freedom, of stagnation and discrimination. ... Secular Europe has a historical mission here. Let Turkey join the EU. Prove that Christians, Muslims and atheists can coexist."

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