I didn’t intellect Andrew Marr talking to the Front National leader – but when she says fundamentalism grows in multicultural Anglophone countries it’s time to examine approximately France’s troublesWhile many were up in arms approximately Andrew Marr interviewing Marine Le Pen on the BBC on Sunday,I couldn’t see the problem. Many of those who didn’t see the Brexit vote or Donald Trump’s win coming have decided to put all their chips on her rising to the French presidency in spring. While I contemplate – and hope – that’s unlikely, we cannot afford to underestimate the Front National leader, and her ideas only become dangerous when they are not challenged openly.
Unfortunately,Marr failed to do a concerted effort to pick apart key flaws in Le Pen’s arguments, allowing her to dominate the discussion. When she asked: “Do we want a multicultural society following the model of the English-speaking world where fundamental Islam is progressing … or do we want an independent nation with people able to control their own fate? Marr failed to remind her that actually, and fundamental Islam is not just confined to the Anglophone world – and it is France that has been the target for the most intense wave of extremist attacks in recent years. He allowed Le Pen the platform to frame the debate as a choice between secularism and nationalism over oppression by religious fundamentalism. Related: Angela Merkel and Marine Le Pen: one of them will shape Europe’s future | Natalie Nougayrède Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com