An Explosive Relationship

The devastating bombings of March 11th left Spain – and Europe as a whole – feeling newly vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Now, in an effort to crack down on what is seen as a widespread threat, governments across the continent are seeking increased police power to stop another attack. The suicides of suspected organizers of the Madrid bombings on April 3rd were the dramatic consequences of this new effort. Across Europe, publics are worried about the growing anger felt by Muslim communities against the larger nations whom they see as 'anti-Muslim'. Animosity between the rising numbers of immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East and their host nations seems to be growing. Conservative politicians are gaining control of many of Europe's governments, often riding on an anti-immigrant platform. To truly quell terrorism, suggests this article, measures need to be taken not only to address the security threat but also to bridge the apparently widening divide between Muslim immigrants and their European hosts. – YaleGlobal