Islam, Europe's Second Religion

"The new Europe faces two major challenges as it reshapes itself in this new century: the external challenge of enlargement and the internal challenge of immigration and assimilation of minorities. Islam, Europe's Second Religion goes to the heart of the second of these while having implications for the first as well. It deals with all the key issues: demographic change, the political and cultural identity of Europe, its ability to remain competitive in a global economy, the extent and limits of its tolerance for minorities, and its vulnerability to political extremism. Anyone who wishes to understand the emerging new Europe needs to read this excellent study." Stephen F. Szabo, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University; "This volume offers an expert, balanced view of the complex situation of European Muslims. It brings together a number of penetrating studies that document the challenges to Europe as it is simultaneously pulled in the direction of greater integration from above and pushed by profound demographic and social transformations from below. The impressive breadth of coverage and the consistently sensible analysis give this work both immediacy and gravity: it is compelling on the dilemmas and opportunities of Muslim integration, and sharply observant on the implications of mutual accommodation for the future of two world forces--European social democracy and Islam itself." James Piscatori, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies; "This excellent survey of Europe's growing Islamic communities presents a comprehensive picture of their diversity and complexity. It provides valuable insights into the often difficult process of mutual adaptation and accommodation between European societies and burgeoning Muslim populations. Without minimizing the continuing challenges and difficulties in integrating Islam into Europe's social, cultural and political landscape, this book underscores some encouraging trends that should be nurtured." Ambassador Hugo Paemen, former Head, Delegation of the European Commission, United States