Germany's Islamism problem is real
What's also evident, if one follows the level of discourse on the social media in Germany, is that Muslims and Islamists are hardly differentiated.
Whether it's the disturbing visuals of people distributing sweets on the streets to celebrate Hamas' terrorist attack against Israeli civilians on the October 7th, Islamists marching in Hessen demanding establishment of Califate, attacks on Synagogues, or appearance of Taliban official as a guest speaker at a Cologne mosque, Germany is having a rude awakening of how serious its Islamism problem is.
Beyond rhetoric and beyond the ping-pong between Germany's far-right and the far-left blaming each other to be the real threat for Germany, a real discussion is being ignored: exactly how real is Germany's Islamism problem? The short answer; very real.
The reaction
The events have resulted into fiery discussions across the political spectrum. We've had the far-right "Alternative for Germany" and supporters with the primitive and knee-jerk racist, anti-refugee, and Islamophobic responses such as "Muslims are not compatible with Europe and European values". We've had the centre-right "Christian Democratic Union", the party of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, also stoking anti-immigrant sentiment, and demanding legislation to tighten citizenship laws and to strip anti-Semitic citizens of their citizenship. But, of course, only for the naturalised German citizens. If you're a white German, your citizenship is safe even if you're a neo-Nazi.
The ruling party coalition wasn't free of knee-jerk reactions either. We've had the liberal "Free Democrats" party demanding similar restrictions – with many going even further with suggestions such as the immigration quotas; only a certain number of immigrants can live in a neighbourhood or get admitted into a school or kindergarten. The Greens had their charismatic Robert Habeck, also the Vice Chancellor of the country, demanding Muslims to distance themselves from anti-Semitism. The third coalition partner, the Social Democrats, have also had carefully crafted responses which had mostly to do with Israel's right to defend itself and rejecting calls for a ceasefire. (Disclosure: the author and editor of this blog is a member of the social democratic party of Germany, the SPD).
The crackdown
Beyond condemnation, the government has also banned pro-Hamas Samidoun organisation, raided Islamic Centre Hamburg's facilities, and restricted pro-Palestine demonstrations including banning certain placards and slogans. The Islamic Centre Hamburg has long been under suspicion of being a Hezbollah-arm in Europe and conducting anti-democratic activities whilst serving Iranian regime's interests.
Where do we go from here?
Don't throw Muslims and BIPOC under the bus
What's also evident, if one follows the level of discourse on the social media in Germany, is that Muslims and Islamists are hardly differentiated. You'd also see many automatically assuming BIPOC people to either be Islamists or Islamist-sympathisers. Sadly, it’s not just the far-right fringe voices. On social media, you’d see people across the political spectrum spewing worst form of anti-Muslim bigotry and when called out, would go on to pose as well-meaning people fighting anti-Semitism. As though your bigotry somehow automatically becomes justified if did it “to fight anti-Semitism”. Germany has a population of over 5 million Muslims. Not all of them have immigration background and not all of them are BIPOC. And most certainly, not all of them are Islamists. It is sometimes excruciatingly difficult to see this distinction not being made, especially when German politicians themselves throw Muslims under the bus. What do I have in common with Hamas? Why must I condemn Hamas more than a white guy for example? But many Germans would have a hard time realising that and would still ask me to regularly condemn Hamas just because I have "Muhammad" in my name. If this wasn't clear enough for you, I do of course condemn Hamas. One should also not forget that it's been BIPOC and Muslims themselves who've been warning the German authorities of the dangers of the Islamic Centre of Hamburg or Taliban official trying to enter Europe.
Integration and participation has to be on the forefront
While it is important to crackdown against the Islamist elements, organisations and associations that conduct anti-democratic and anti-constitution activities, the long-term fight against Islamist extremism can only be won by making young people less susceptible to its propaganda. One way to do that is to enhance integration measures by offering more education and career prospects, making young people with Muslim background an integral part of the society. Lack of prospects, constant rejections and failed integration would only lead angry and disgruntled youngsters more susceptible to the Islamist propaganda.