The French: Pride or Fear? What can France do?

It is clear that the “modèle d’intégration républicaine” would still not be a viable option, as Arab and African citizens of France are proud of their heritage. Therefore, the proposed first option would be the most successful attempt at integrating immigrants. If all habitants of France, white or colored, are willing to compromise, share, debate calmly, and submit to equal political representation, the immigrants will feel more included, and they will feel more welcomed. In 2005, immigrant families mourned the deaths of two colored boys who are “Dead for Nothing,” because neither the police nor the state cared about the lives of two immigrants. If France is going to overcome its current race war, the country will need to focus on addressing the needs, concerns, and hopes of all citizens; if the immigrants from Africa and the Middle East are recognized as more than “nothing,” they will have a great deal to contribute to France.

Switzerland and the Muslim Minaret Referendum

The Swiss minaret controversy began in a small municipality in the northern part of Switzerland in 2005. The contention involved the Turkish cultural association in Wangen bei Olten, which applied for a construction permit to erect a 6-metre-high minaret on the roof of its Islamic community centre. The project faced opposition from surrounding residents, who had formed a group to prevent the tower's erection. The Turkish association claimed that the building authorities improperly and arbitrarily delayed its building application. They also believed that the members of the local opposition group were motivated by religious bias. The Communal Building and Planning Commission rejected the association's application. The applicants appealed to the Building and Justice Department, which reverted the decision and remanded. As a consequence of that decision, local residents (who were members of the group mentioned) and the commune of Wangen brought the case before the Administrative Court of the Canton of Solothurn, but failed with their claims. On appeal the Federal Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the lower court. The 6-metre (20 ft)-high minaret was eventually erected in July 2009.

Many immigrants are crying "foul" against the minaret debate in Switzerland, and they are linking the debate to religious debate in France as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minaret_controversy_in_Switzerland