When a 'Muslim' minister was elected in France, Muslims went in rapture over the supposed rise/acceptance of Muslims in France. Yet we know what this minister said about Islamic law/Shariah when the ridiculous virginity case was made public - the ministers views could be straight out of an European Christians mouth.
Why do we not assume that this minister from Morocco will also share an Euro-Christian centric perspective rather an Islamic-centric view. It seems that if Muslims want to rise in the West politically that they have to make a choice (by West, I am including US - no different here).
What are your thoughts on this matter ?
Answer
I we take a look at the his recent comments on problems with ethnic minorities, I would probably say that there is no Islamic or Christian influence. Within the labor party (PVDA)he is to be considered rightwing. Popular on Dutch voters and not on minority voters.
Name
Jusfin-Belgium
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Profession
Question
Selam Alikum,
How do you define the media coverage to the victory of Mr. Taleb? Is it over-highlighting the victory or he does deserve ?
Answer
There was no victory because he was appointed because of the support of his own party (PVDA). The largest right wing party LPF was very upset because their candidate fail to become the mayor. A lot of people feel that Aboutaleb has a very difficult challenging ahead. The coverage was sometimes over-highlighted because in was in the same time as Obama was elected.
Name
Tammam
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Profession
Question
Tell us more on how do the Muslims' reactions to electing a Muslim Mayor, Is he a well-representing character?
Answer
Mister Abouttaleb has not been elected by the inhabitants of Rotterdam. He has been appointed by the city council. His party (PVDA) has al most 45 % of the voters in Rotterdam. Aboutaleb is not very popular with the Moroccans because he has always been very strict when he was deputy mayor for 2 years in Amsterdam.
Name
ameen Jenno
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Profession
Question
Mr. Farid..I could notice that Abu Taleb is the first mayor of a municipality in Netherlands, is that true? And how would his installation effect the Muslims presence in Netherlands?
Answer
Aboutaleb is indeed the first mayor of a municipality with a Muslim Moroccan background. In the years ahead we will see the effect on the Muslims presence. Everybody is watching him, so he plans his actions carefully trying to avoid all criticism.
I hope that if he earns some trust in Rotterdam he can contribute to the dialogue between Dutch people and Muslims because they are still very hostile towards each other.
Name
Cerebrosus
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Profession
Question
Mr. Abu Taleb thanks for your being here answering our questions. I think the regular question over here is "what can you do for the Muslim's community?" but i think it's better to start from the hierarchy's base (the community and people) so I wonder if you can tell us about What Muslims can do for you either in Netherlands or around the work?
Thanks
Answer
Just to be correct. I am not Mr. Aboutaleb. But I will try to answer your question from his perspective.
I think he would like the muslims to be more involved with the dutch society in general, and that the problems with the youngsters would be stopped.
Name
Muhammed
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Profession
Question
To what extend do a Muslim mayor could achieve more progress in the "integration" among Muslims and non-Muslims in Rotterdam, and Netherlands generally?
Answer
I think he can be able to see the `challenges` from both perspectives en therefore he should be able to get the people together. At the moment he is very busy trying to get more trust form the inhabitants in Rotterdam on both sides.
In Rotterdam there is a strong right wing party LPF which behaves very hostile to anything that even looks like a member of the ethnic minorities, especially, Muslims. He is being closely watched by the LPF. He can't afford being to friendly with the Muslims at the moment.
Name
Selma-UK
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Profession
Question
Salam alykum Dr. Farid,
Is the installation of Abutaled considered a real step forward in the Dutch-Muslims' life, and is this step could be a glimmer of hope for Dutch of different cultural background to be like Muslims in UK?
Answer
Alykum Salem,
A lot of steps have to be taken before we have the same situation as is in the UK. There is still a lot of hostility towards Muslims. Geert Wilders of the PVV has a lot of voters because he against Muslims. Maybe after few years people will consider him a good mayor despite being a Muslim. So let's be hopeful.
Name
sameer mahdi
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Profession
Question
Mr. Azarkan..
What is the Muslim community reactions on the electing of Mr.abutaleb?
Answer
The Muslims and especially the Moroccans are very proud that Aboutaleb has been appointed, (not elected, he would have had no chance if there had been an election) The Muslims are a bit skeptical because he has always been very strict and inflexible towards the Moroccans in Amsterdam.
Name
Amir - Holland
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Profession
Question
Salams
could you tell us , Who was the main supporter of Mr. Abotaleb's winning, and do u expect more success for Muslims in Netherlands after the elections?
Answer
The main supporter of Aboutaleb was, I believe minister of finance (Wouter Bos). I expect more Muslims to be appointed / elected as mayor because of two reasons.
1. The government has a adopted a policy regarding appointing more mayors from ethnic minorities
2. A lot of talented Muslims are getting politically involved.
I think within 4 years we will see 2 or 3 more mayors with a Muslim background.
