Epigraph:
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
The Lady of the Hour, who will be remembered in history like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington
Merkel the bold
Source: Economist
ANGELA MERKEL may be the most powerful politician in Europe, but she has rarely shown much inclination for bold leadership. Both in domestic politics and, especially, during the euro crisis, the German chancellor’s style has been one of cautious incrementalism. She has eschewed sweeping visions, put off decisions whenever possible and usually reflected, rather than shaped, public opinion. The European Union has paid a heavy price for her small-bore instincts, not least because they made the euro-zone crisis deeper and more protracted than it needed to be.
Against that background, Mrs Merkel’s approach to Europe’s migrant crisis is remarkable. As throngs of Africans and Arabs turn Italian and Greek islands, and eastern European railway stations, into refugee camps (and are found dead in Austrian lorries), the chancellor has taken a brave stand. She has denounced xenophobes, signalled Germany’s readiness to take more Syrian refugees and set out a European solution to a politically explosive problem.
On August 31st Mrs Merkel issued a dramatic call to arms, warning that today’s refugee misery will have graver consequences for the future of the EU than the euro mess. “If Europe fails on the question of refugees,” she said, “it won’t be the Europe we wished for.” She is right. The EU was born after a devastating war, on a promise of solidarity with the persecuted and downtrodden. The biggest displacement of people since 1945 is a test of European values, and of the ability of member states to work together. The refugees from civil wars in Syria and Iraq clearly need help; and European countries can provide it only if they share the task.
…
Few other European politicians have had the courage to make such a clear link between Europe’s values, its collective self-interest and bold action on refugees. David Cameron, Britain’s prime minister, nonchalantly cites an opt-out agreement with the EU as an excuse to restrict the number of refugees. Many eastern European politicians have resorted to xenophobia, refusing to welcome refugees for resettlement even as their citizens enjoy the benefits of borderless travel (see article). No doubt Mrs Merkel is driven, in part, by domestic concerns. Germany expects to register up to 800,000 asylum-seekers this year, far more than any other country in the EU, and voter disquiet is growing. But a desire to share the burden should not be mistaken for selfishness. In a crisis where Europe has little to be proud of, Mrs Merkel’s leadership is a shining exception.
Read the whole story in Economist
Categories: Europe and Australia, Germany, The Muslim Times
I want to express my heartily gratitude what is being done for the asylum-seekers in Germany. Germans majority is worried about the roots of migration but we find in cities and villages “welcome teams” the volunteer members of whom with love and respect help the asylum-seekers. I can say that the Injunction of the Holy Quran;
“Indeed, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and wrongful transgression. He admonished you that you may take heed. (Al Quran 16:91) “
is being practiced by Christians on the other hand we are looking sorrowfully that the Muslim Governments are engaged in destabilizing each other. Mrs. Merkel deserves the greatest honour.
Germany is taking on the burden of what has been caused, scattered and abandoned by its powerful allies.
Very sad state of Affairs. Chancellor Merkel will surely be remembered with honor in history.
Lets not forget that America bombs Iraq & Syria from the air, de-estabise these countries and then walk away.
Then these poor refugees migrate to Europe.
Likewise it is high time that the European Union dictates to Pakistan what it can and cannot do before the potential crisis of non-sunni Pakistanis become another nightmare for them.
Very sad state of Affairs. Chancellor Merkel will surely be remembered with honor in history.
Lets not forget that America bombs Iraq & Syria from the air, de-estabilise these countries and then walk away.
Then these poor refugees migrate to Europe.
Likewise it is high time that the European Union dictates to Pakistan what it can and cannot do before the potential crisis of non-sunni Pakistanis become another nightmare for them.