Caroline Hammargren: The Swiss voted for a ban on the construction of minarets, which, under their system of direct democracy, is binding. The result of this referendum is an infringement on the freedom of religion and it is contrary to the liberal idea of protecting cultural plurality.
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Daniel Möckli: Switzerland pursues an ambitious Middle East policy that differs from US and EU polices in major ways. This has given rise to controversies lately. There are good reasons for the Swiss to pursue a conflict resolution strategy based on mediation and dialog with Iran and militant Islamist organization
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While it is not a member, Switzerland’s “Minaret Moment” could have happened anywhere within the EU, as several member states are moving in a similar direction. ++ If the Lisbon Treaty is the greatest success, then the non-integration of the Muslim minority is the greatest failure of the political elite. ++ Perhaps if voters had more of a say in the immigration policies of the Union in the
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