The Malian drama does not only pose difficulties for Europe and uncertainty about action on the ground (see this column in EUROPE yesterday), it also poses delicate questions about the EU's relations with Maghreb countries and about the presence of millions of Muslims in the EU - Muslims who are for the most part Arab.
In search of Maghrebi unity. The links between the two shores of the Mediterranean were initially planned on the rhetorical and fanciful basis of the Euro-Mediterranean Union - the EU is a reality which speaks with a single voice on behalf of all the member states, while on the southern shore each country is attached to its autonomy and some quite considerable conflicts persist there. A few common approaches exist - at least in theory - like that for the protection of the Mediterranean; other progress is in the pipeline. A few days ago, reporting on a meeting between the president of the European Commission and the president of the AMU (Arab Maghreb Union), European Commissioner Stefan Füle observed that the Magrhebi area remains “the least integrated region in the world”, that the borders between some countries (Morocco and Algeria) are closed, and that trade remains very weak - only 3% of the external trade of the five AMU countries.
A sacrosanct principle. It is true that Maghrebi unity is making progress in a few areas, but it is still in a very random way. What is more, in some states the elections have consolidated extremist groups which do not act as a political force that respects the freedom of others, but which aspire to impose their ideas through violence, especially with regard to women. Even in the country where in principle freedom exists - Tunisia - the Euro-Mediterranean human rights network has criticised the judicial procedures which in its opinion raise concern that justice - civil and military - may be used for political ends that limit freedom. There is a risk that the Salafists may take advantage of the events in Mali to pursue an anti-European agenda. It is their right, but Europe must remain firm on one principle - the countries that want to conclude agreements with the EU must accept reciprocity, especially when it comes to religion and freedom of the press (this latter being an area where Tunisia is for the moment in the vanguard).
Trust in Muslims who live in Europe. As for the presence of millions of Muslims in the EU, I don't believe on the whole that this is of concern. The great majority, Arab or not, want to live in Europe in peaceful conditions. Muslims in Europe are simply looking for work and respect. A growing number avoid religious quarrels or consider that this is a personal affair that does not concern others. Those who remain attached to their religion also respect that of others. There are publications, written by immigrant Muslims from many different countries, which are remarkable for their quality and balance.
Of course, from the European side, vigilance is needed - especially in France. European authorities must multiply their security measures and control illegal immigrants. Yet I don't believe in a break-up of relations between local populations and immigrants as a consequence of the events in Mali.
A useful skim through. A skim through the history of the Maghreb would perhaps help us to better understand and assess the situation. Roland Courtinat, the author of the book “Chroniques pour servir et remettre à l'endroit l'histoire du Maghreb” (Chronicles to help place the history of the Maghreb) recalls that this region has been successively occupied by Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Vandals, Arabs and the Ottoman Empire. I could add Carthage and a few others. One might ask who the original inhabitants were.
Those who currently live in this region have as much right to be there as those who preceded them. If only they would stop fighting among themselves or with others through religious fanaticism, their future would be brighter.
War between Muslims. Let me add a few remarks on the parallel drama in Syria. This is a cruel and ferocious Muslim war among themselves. Complaining to the EU about what is happening in Syria is absurd. Europe can't give lessons because it has known similar conflicts itself - between Catholics and Protestants. It has known how to put an end to them. In Syria and surrounding area, they are conflicts through the desire for power, for the defence of privilege and wealth, indeed partly racial hatred. The EU can strive to help women and children but it has absolutely no reason to take a position or to waste its resources there.
(FR/transl.fl)