Sultan Al-Qalam ::

Burkas not welcome in France: Sarkozy

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g_phm1JZbLyevTNRV2EwVwvChbtA

 

But he stressed that France "must not fight the wrong battle", saying that "the Muslim religion must be respected as much as other religions" in the country.

 

Condemning the head-to-toe cover for women as a symbol of subjugation rather than faith, Sarkozy was emphasising his divergent views from US President Barack Obama.

 

On a visit to Paris earlier this month, Obama urged Western countries to avoid "dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear."

 

"We cannot accept to have in our country women who are prisoners behind netting, cut off from all social life, deprived of identity," Sarkozy said

 

"That is not the idea that the French republic has of women's dignity.

Actions

Although President Sarkozy's rhetoric was not extreme, this will inevitably invite discussion in the media over the next 48 hours and Islam will be open for criticism in comments & blogs.

 

While Iran remains the main news item, the Daily Express and the BBC have covered this story:

 

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/109524/Sarkozy-s-burka-comments-criticised

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8112821.stm

 

Please remain aware of any further discussion in the media over the next 48 hours; so we can identify and respond as appropriate to any negativity of Islam, or make a positive contribution to a debate.

 

Please keep us updated at sultanalqalam@khuddam.org.uk