Author: David Hearst
Affiliation: Middle East Eye
Organization/Publisher: Middle East Eye
Date/Place: December 21, 2020/UK
Type of Literature: Opinion
Word Count: 2118
Link: https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/emmanuel-macrons-cynical-crusade
Keywords: Terrorism, Crusade, Laicite, Republican Values
Brief:
French persecution has embraced the conspiracy theories of Islam taking over France. As shown by recent trails of terror attacks, the persecution failed to prove knowledge of any plot or foreign based, large scale coordination. The defence showed contempt and attacked the dependence on guesswork, that sacrifices justice in the process of succumbing to fear and superstition. A wiser look at recent terror attacks show that the perpetrators were aimless, Islam did not radicalize them, but it was they who radicalized Islam. Macron fails to address social issues in his country; instead he went on a crusade in the name of Laïcité (secularism) to save his political career. Laïcité is used to shatter tolerance and coexistence in the name of preserving republican values against “Muslim separatism.” Following in the steps of George Bush and Tony Blair will only increase terrorist threats, as more people are alienated by increasing inequality that is not addressed. Now Austria mirrors French attitudes towards Muslims, followed by observable glee of repressive Gulf states. Just as the Saudis and Emirates are abusing religious authorities in order to maintain control, Macron’s rhetoric falls within the same category. He officially joined their club when he gave Abdel Fattah el Sisi the Grand Croix of the Legion d’honneur, proving that he wants to maintain political power and not pursue real solutions to issues at hand.
By: Omar Fili, CIGA Research Assistant
