Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

Let's add to the fun
the latest explosion in Turkey was according to this morning press reports;
done by a suicide bomber who was a recent Syrian refugee :)

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

Certainly it would be a positive change if western countries did start to assert their cultural values but this looks extremely unlikely. The official advice to German women seems to be to keep at arms length, look down and don't smile and hopefully they won't be assaulted by the migrants. It seems the host is to adapt to the incomer.

I spent a fair amount of my childhood in predominantly muslim countries in the far east and in those days in those places there didn't seem to be much of a problem. the religion seemed to be less central to the culture there. We used to go through the poorest part of the kampong quite freely without any issue.

In terms of the middle east though in general pretty much all males regard western women as hookers and easy fair game. After all if they don't cover their heads and arms and go out unescorted by a male they must be sluts right.

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

Those are Trump-worthy views. In Germany that wasn't the "official advice" it was the mayor of Cologne making an off the cuff reaction. I think even she has retracted it or qualified it.

"All males regard Western women..." come on, that's absolute nonsense. Some portion may think that way, it's certainly a problem Western countries are going to have to contend with, but thinking in those terms, and repeating those terms is, what can I say, Trumpish.

The problem we're having is an increase in political/radical Islam. It's important for us to recognise that, and to take action against it. Rotheram in the UK is a prime example. Too many people (liberals) have gone the other extreme and denied there is any problem in Islam or downplayed it. There is a problem along the lines of what you and Trump suggest, but it accounts for, say 20% of Muslims rather than 100% or 0.1%.

This is an excellent video on the subject:

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

I suppose there is something of a Godwin's Law on this subject where the most moderate objective off message opinion is liable to be erroneously described as Trumpism.

Islam is still rooted in the values of the dark ages – and until we accept that, we will never get rid of radicalism - Telegraph

In your selective extract of what I said you omitted "in general pretty much". I didn't just say "all". What I said might reasonably be interpreted as the majority, a significant majority or overwhelming majority, it's difficult to say how bad it really is. Which muslim countries have you lived or worked in?

The comment from the major of Cologne, even if retracted or amended, is revealing in that it indicates the first instinct of the elite to blame the host and make allowances for the migrant. In the same way the first reaction of the press and police was to stay on message.

Reactions:

Airgun sales in Cologne rise sharply after New Year's Eve sex attacks - Telegraph

Cologne migrant attacks: German press reaction - Telegraph

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

You're drawing a distinction between "in general pretty much all males" and "all males"? That's splitting hairs at best. The problem with that kind of language is that it is seized upon by extreme elements of our society and shapes their perceptions and actions. My guess is that the majority of Muslim men do not regard "Western women hookers and easy fair game" and that's a vastly different perception from "pretty much all males".

Haven't worked in any Muslim countries, but spent a year of my childhood in Iran, and have travelled in some Muslim countries. I'm no fan of Islam, but as that medieval monolithic religion brushes against Western liberalism, I believe it's important differentiate between principles and people.

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

However I think its not unfair for many(read most from these migrant locations) Muslim men and even some women to consider uncovered women of lower virtue and of lower morality
which in turn allow Muslim men of lower integrity to treat them badly
This is a big issue in many of the countries these people (migrants) come from and an issue they are not doing well at solving ... Pakistan is a great example !!!
and will be a significant issue as they try to integrate (or not in some cases) lets factor in we have recently made laws in the UK to curb some of these cultural practises that treat women as 2nd class by cultures that are made up of mutigenerational Brits, not recent migrants

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

Agreed 100%!

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

This article from a Pakistani journalist working for Deutsche Welle (Germany’s international broadcaster) living in Germany agrees with you about Pakistan.

Quote " What happened in Cologne happens regularly in my homeland, Pakistan. The men are never ashamed, never feel guilty, never show remorse about the way they treat women in that part of the world."

Opinion: Cologne attacks on Muslims show incompatibility of cultures | Opinion | DW.COM | 11.01.2016

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

Just been reading the weekend German newspapers and I was surprised to find that rather than things settling down a little, if anything the push-back against Chancellor Merkel's refugee policy was gathering momentum, with virtually everyone now distancing themselves from her refugee policy (rats and sinking ships come to mind). Even the SPD are making restrictive noises and talking about withholding development aid if countries refuse to take back failed asylum seekers.

With so many senior German politicians giving time limits and ultimatums to Merkel there appears very little doubt that before spring arrives the German border will be virtually closed.

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

BBC radio "The World Tonight" did a Special report on people smuggling from Turkey into Europe. First 8 minutes of the programme; was an interesting listen.

BBC Radio 4 - The World Tonight, Special report on people smuggling from Turkey into Europe

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

Care to summarise it...?

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

It was more of a general interest story. How people contacted the smugglers, the Turkish police looking the other way, cost of a trip across the water (600 Euros if I remember correctly (a lot more competition between smugglers)), how Turkey hasn't received the promised funds yet (Italy wants Dublin regulations scrapped before agreeing to release money), refugee numbers 3 times last years figures, plus a few interviews.

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

This is interesting
Deportations in Germany doubled in 2015, but still huge backlog
Deportations double in Germany in 2015 !!!

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

The Austrian government has announced a hard cap on the number of refugees it will accept.

In 2015 Austria had 90,000 applications for refugee status.

37,500 refugees will be accepted in 2016 by Austria with the numbers being reduced in following years; 35,000 in 2017, then 30,000 in 2018 and 25,000 in 2019. These numbers include family reunification. They are trying to limit the total number of refugees to 1.5% of the population.

Österreich will Flüchtlingszahlen "drastisch senken" - SPIEGEL ONLINE In German so please accept my apologies for translation errors.

Really bad timing for Merkel who is fighting against hard German limits.

Re: Syrian refugee crisis.
 

55 failed asylum seekers deported on average every day in 2015. With 3,000-10,000 refugees/migrants arriving a day and an approximate 55% acceptance rate I think a building backlog of deportations is a bit of an issue!