dw.com
Germany Rejects 20-Year Islam Strategy, Focusing on Combating Political Islam
German State Secretary Christoph de Vries declared the failure of the German Islam Conference (DIK) after 20 years, advocating for a new approach focusing on combating political Islam and its societal influence, moving away from previous engagement with potentially problematic organizations.
- What is the primary reason for the declared failure of Germany's 20-year approach to Islam, and what specific changes are proposed?
- Germany's approach to Islam over the past two decades has failed," stated Christoph de Vries, a CDU member of the Bundestag and state secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior. He criticized the German Islam Conference (DIK), highlighting the need for a new approach to combating political Islam. This follows a workshop by the 'Working Group on Political Islam' (Polis), which aims to expose threats from political Islam, including societal influence, homophobia, and antisemitism.
- How does the newly proposed approach to combating political Islam differ from the German Islam Conference (DIK), and what are its specific goals?
- The failure of the German Islam Conference (DIK) is attributed to its inability to address effectively the growing concerns about political Islam in Germany. The DIK, established in 2006, failed to prevent the spread of ideologies that undermine democratic values. The new approach focuses on combating political Islam and its influence on German society.
- What are the potential long-term societal and political consequences of abandoning the German Islam Conference (DIK) and adopting a more targeted approach to combating political Islam?
- Germany's shift towards a more direct approach to combating political Islam signals a significant change in policy. This involves abandoning the DIK model in favor of direct engagement with Muslim representatives who do not pose security threats or have foreign ties. The long-term impact will be determined by the success in identifying and working with suitable representatives of the Muslim community, and in effectively countering the influence of extremist groups.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the discussion around the perceived failure of the DIK and the urgent need for a new approach to address political Islam. The headline (if any) and introductory paragraphs likely emphasize the criticisms of the DIK and the threat of political Islam, setting a negative and alarmist tone that shapes the reader's interpretation. This framing prioritizes security concerns over other aspects of Muslim life in Germany, potentially influencing public perception towards a more negative view.
Language Bias
The article employs strong language, such as "failed," "urgent," "threat," and "serious danger" when referring to the DIK and political Islam. These emotionally charged terms contribute to a negative and alarmist tone. While accurately reflecting some participants' opinions, the repeated use of such language might unduly influence the reader's perception of the situation. More neutral alternatives could be used to present the information objectively.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the criticisms of the German Islam Conference (DIK) and the concerns regarding political Islam, potentially omitting positive aspects or successful initiatives related to Muslim integration in Germany over the past 20 years. The lack of detailed information about the DIK's activities and achievements beyond criticisms might create a biased representation. Additionally, the article doesn't explore alternative approaches to engaging with Muslim communities beyond the proposed focus on combating political Islam. While acknowledging space constraints, these omissions could limit a balanced understanding of the complex issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between the DIK's perceived failure and the new approach focused on combating political Islam. It implies that these are mutually exclusive options, overlooking the possibility of reforming or improving the DIK or integrating aspects of its past work into a new framework. The framing suggests a choice between the old system and a complete overhaul, neglecting the possibility of incremental improvements or alternative strategies.
Gender Bias
While the article mentions concerns about the pressure on women and girls related to the wearing of the headscarf, it does not delve deeply into the complexities of this issue or explore diverse female perspectives. The focus remains largely on security and extremism, neglecting other gender-related aspects of integration or the nuanced experiences of Muslim women in Germany. Further analysis is needed to determine if gender is used to support a particular narrative or omitted in ways that might affect understanding.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the German government's shift away from the German Islam Conference (DIK) due to its perceived failure in addressing issues of political Islam and extremism. This shift reflects a focus on strengthening institutions and combating threats to democratic values, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The new approach emphasizes combating extremism, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society. The rejection of cooperation with organizations linked to foreign interference and extremism further supports this alignment.