After US Breakthrough, Europe Looks in Mirror

Minorities all over Europe look to Barack Obama’s election as US president, with hope of one day achieving similar success, but most are skeptical of such change taking place in their respective countries. Nations such as France, Germany, the UK and Italy struggle to handle growing minority populations and their integration into society. There is small, if any, minority representation in Europe’s political institutions. Some countries, like France, recognize the need for reform and see Obama’s victory as “a lesson.” Meanwhile, others blame minorities for the challenges because they “have chosen their exile.” Most agree on one point: An Obama-like victory in Europe is many years away. – YaleGlobal