In every personal, national, political, or corporate negotiation, there is a bottom line beyond which communication or the opportunity to successfully interact becomes impossible. That point may be one of morality, ideology, self-interest, or philosophy. Finding and understanding that point can be difficult and often clouded by one’s own prejudices, mood, etc. I believe, however, that Europe has reached a great divide in one especially important matter: immigration.
There is an ongoing struggle across much of the world caused by waves of Muslim immigrants and their impact on the European nations to which they flock. Some are drawn by the opportunity for a better life financially and educationally, others are drawn by the generous welfare programs which were set up after World War II. There can be no doubt that there are others who see the European nations as targets for their long-term goal of conquering through the cradle. In this, they emulate the cry from Quebec decades ago when the French-Canadians envisioned change through a demographic war known as the revenge of the cradle. It sought to overturn the English power in the province and replace with a French culture orientation. Finally, there are others who see the European nations with their lack luster leaders as weak reeds who cannot stand up to Muslim power using the cradle, refusal to integrate and by sapping the financial strength of their hosts. The great question can the West reach an accommodation with the immigrants whose basic core beliefs, whose moral outlook are clearly opposed to those of the West? In fact, the question is really will Muslim immigrants accept and integrate Western values. In short, the answer is a strong no!
Why do I say there is no manner to reconcile the majority of Muslim immigrants and the natives of those European nations? There are two very simple reasons, and they serve as a great divide which cannot be bridged.
The first is fundamental and obvious: how women are viewed and treated in many of the most conservative Muslim countries, specifically the thirty-one where female genital mutilation is practiced and is practiced in those communities in Western nations. I recently read an article in the Daily Mail by Dr. Renee Hoenderkamp (12/16/2025, pp.15) in which she describes the real horrors of FMG going on even today, in Great Britain. She worked in a London hospital in a largely Muslim community, and she describes the time as “the most harrowing medical experiences of my career….” Women regularly entered the hospital victims of FGM, unable to “urinate properly and crushed each month by period pains so excruciating they were bent double.” And childbirth brought with it even greater pains as well as a greater chance of death. How can any culture or religion mandate such horrors on women who are fifty percent of that population? Certainly not in the name of protecting them. For those women living in those populations where FGM is the norm, Islam truly does mean submission.
We also see the outward manifestations of outlandish religious laws on women when we see women walking around totally covered with only their eyes showing. The human form must be covered so as not to inflame impure thoughts and actions. The males of that same religion are not subject to the same tyranny as they wear any clothing they wish. We should not object, for least that woman was outside; she had her father, uncle, or brother to chaperone her. Those who are without a male family member are not allowed to go shopping on their own, go for a walk, drive, take a bus, etc. Must they be “protected” because the average Muslim man is unable to control himself unless a woman is in a burka. And of course, women do not need to have an education as they have a limited role in life. Thank goodness those women did not receive an education past the age of ten or they might ask why they are subjected to such a course, degrading life. No, not all women in Islam are treated in this manner, but for too many they are denied the option to be free and to create their own lives.
Secondly, conservative Islam, in particular the Shia version of Islam, is at its heart a totalitarian system. The religious leaders are divinely guided and not politically chosen. Additionally, the mullahs or religious leaders have the sole authority to interpret the rules and laws of the religion. The Sunni version sees its leaders as political figures chosen through consensus. This divide is huge and has been a matter of wars between the two camps. But the divide between the Shia vision of Islam and the basic ideals of the West are even greater. It is a fundamental chasm.
The Shia version is closer to communism than to a religion, for every action is guided by the “party line” as interpreted by a divinely chosen leader. This has been devastating to the followers of Islam; an example is the Ottoman Empire. Since the end of the seventeenth-century, Islam has been retreating. Even the Sultans in Istanbul could not change the decay of the Empire. Attempts at reforms such as with the military which was the power foundation holding up the edifice of the Ottomans were defeated time and again. The religious conservatives went so far as to massacre any troops trying to emulate the West. When you are divinely chosen and have the authority to interpret the very laws under which all must obey, what are the chances of smoothly integrating into societies which believe in ideals that are totally anathema to your own personal whims?
Is there hope that the conservative Muslim population can be integrated into Western values? Many Muslims want our conveniences, our fancy gym shoes, computers, clean water, abundant food and all the rest the West has to offer. They do not realize their very mindset blocks them from creating those items themselves. Instead, they must be like beggars, waiting for the West to give them what they desire.
All the while, our “leaders” continue to appease the worse of the immigrants in order to avoid the violence that is a very real danger and which is spreading through our lands. No, it is better to keep quiet as churches are burned, no go zones created, gang wars over drugs explore in our cities, women raped and the assailants released because “they just don’t understand our culture.” Do not worry, the citizens are docile so they will continue to work and pay for the “freebies” given to the immigrants. Why can’t the West just admit that the gap between those who prefer a mindset from the Middle Ages and the modern West is too great to bridge? They will take what is given to them with no string and live off the generosity of those who act like fools. It appears our “leaders” will continue to appease the immigrants in the clearly mistaken belief that the majority will turn into useful citizens. How long do we wait, how long before we see any indication that there is even a bit of interest in assimilation?
The basic tenants of a religion will provide the guidelines of a society and how fifty percent of the population is treated will determine if a society will be successful or fail. The prime function of an immigration policy is that it must benefit the receiving nation. No sane immigration policy welcomes individuals who are inherently hostile to the core values of the admitting state. Dare anyone point to any of the Western nations that are better, more productive, or safer after a period of unrestricted illegal immigration?
If you feel that all societies are equal, that we just have to “understand” them, that their values are equal to ours, then go live in that society and see how long you hold onto your illusions. Experience it, embrace it. Especially if you are a woman. But remember, it is much easier to get into that society than out.
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