en cross-cultural hostility.

A fundamental hypocrisy lies at the root of the problematic European experiment with multiculturalism, and it is the view that multiculturalism is a sort of creche for immigrants. The host societies have never viewed themselves as equal partners in the multicultural mosaic.The old blood-and-soil view of culture still reigns supr

A backlash against multiculturalism has been building in Europe over the last few years.

The high profile murder of the Dutch film maker Theo van Gogh at the hands of the Islamist, Mohammad Bouyeri, was a wake up call for many. The bombings in London and Madrid drove home the message that the multicultural status quo far from being a successful model for harmonious co-existence, is in fact creating a gulf of separation between communities and providing sanctuary for those whose primary objective is to attack the host societies from within.

The backlash in Europe has led to greater support for parties on the far right. For example in Holland the Freedom Party has emerged as a major contender in Dutch politics. In the UK the government is tightening up citizenship requirements, and just recently issued guidelines that will enable school authorities to ban forms of religious dress such as the niqab. In France there is a growing chorus calling for tougher immigration laws and a crack down on immigrant crime. Presidential hopeful, Nicolas Sarkozy, has been reading the tea leaves and is now playing to a constituency that far right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen might consider a preferred audience.

These reactions are entirely predictable. However the problem with this backlash and the rules and regs being introduced is that it doesn't address the root of the problem. These are cosmetic measures at best. At worse they may even deepen cross-cultural hostility.

A fundamental hypocrisy lies at the root of the problematic European experiment with multiculturalism, and it is the view that multiculturalism is a sort of creche for immigrants. The host societies have never viewed themselves as equal partners in the multicultural mosaic.The old blood-and-soil view of culture still reigns supre

rmonious co-existence, is in fact creating a gulf of separation between communities and providing sanctuary for those whose primary objective is to attack the host societies from within.

The backlash in Europe has led to greater support for parties on the far right. For example in Holland the Freedom Party has emerged as a major contender in Dutch politics. In the UK the government is tightening up citizenship requirements, and just recently issued guidelines that will enable school authorities to ban forms of religious dress such as the niqab. In France there is a growing chorus calling for tougher immigration laws and a crack down on immigrant crime. Presidential hopeful, Nicolas Sarkozy, has been reading the tea leaves and is now playing to a constituency that far right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen might consider a preferred audience.

These reactions are entirely predictable. However the problem with this backlash and the rules and regs being introduced is that it doesn't address the root of the problem. These are cosmetic measures at best. At worse they may even deepen cross-cultural hostility.

A fundamental hypocrisy lies at the root of the problematic European experiment with multiculturalism, and it is the view that multiculturalism is a sort of creche for immigrants. The host societies have never viewed themselves as equal partners in the multicultural mosaic.The old blood-and-soil view of culture still reigns supr

In the UK the government is tightening up citizenship requirements, and just recently issued guidelines that will enable school authorities to ban forms of religious dress such as the niqab. In France there is a growing chorus calling for tougher immigration laws and a crack down on immigrant crime. Presidential hopeful, Nicolas Sarkozy, has been reading the tea leaves and is now playing to a constituency that far right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen might consider a preferred audience.

These reactions are entirely predictable. However the problem with this backlash and the rules and regs being introduced is that it doesn't address the root of the problem. These are cosmetic measures at best. At worse they may even deepen cross-cultural hostility.

A fundamental hypocrisy lies at the root of the problematic European experiment with multiculturalism, and it is the view that multiculturalism is a sort of creche for immigrants. The host societies have never viewed themselves as equal partners in the multicultural mosaic.The old blood-and-soil view of culture still reigns supr

leaves and is now playing to a constituency that far right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen might consider a preferred audience.

These reactions are entirely predictable. However the problem with this backlash and the rules and regs being introduced is that it doesn't address the root of the problem. These are cosmetic measures at best. At worse they may even deepen cross-cultural hostility.

A fundamental hypocrisy lies at the root of the problematic European experiment with multiculturalism, and it is the view that multiculturalism is a sort of creche for immigrants. The host societies have never viewed themselves as equal partners in the multicultural mosaic.The old blood-and-soil view of culture still reigns supr

en cross-cultural hostility.

A fundamental hypocrisy lies at the root of the problematic European experiment with multiculturalism, and it is the view that multiculturalism is a sort of creche for immigrants. The host societies have never viewed themselves as equal partners in the multicultural mosaic.The old blood-and-soil view of culture still reigns supreme in Europe, as does the covert racism and elitism that is inherent in that sort of cultural ascendancy.

In contrast to the US where assimilation is the overriding priority, the host societies in Europe have traditionally preferred to play the role of benevolent parent. So naturally they are horrified that the children they invited into their home and placed in the creche have turned out to be unruly. Some subversive brats are even fond of placing stink bombs and booby traps around the house. This late hour attempt to toughen up the rules will simply have the effect of hardening attitudes on both sides. Perhaps even making a bad situation worse.

France is a good example of a European double standard that masquerades as equality. The public line that advocates of French multiculturalism like to promote is that the French are egalitarians with an inclusive, laissez-faire approach. Nothing could be further from the truth. The recent rioting by Muslim youths in France, was really an explosion of rage coming from people who have been marginalized by racism and systemic discrimination. The notorious sink estates that are home to immigrants bear witness to a type of unofficial segregation. A "French first" mentality on the part of the host culture pretty much ensures that if you are a young second or third generation Frenchman, but happen to be named Ali or Hassan, your chances of getting a decent job are slim to zero.

A hos