Zahar: Should we view the Oslo attack as an arbitrary act or as a reflection of wider political and religious extremism?

By: /
2 August, 2011
By: Marie-Joëlle Zahar
Professor of political science, Université de Montréal

Although the act itself seems to be the work of a single individual, it would be dangerous to deny that it does not reflect wider political and religious intolerance of Muslims in Europe. The perpetrator’s manifesto says as much. Recent controversy over Islamic symbols in European countries historically perceived as respectful of diversity also highlights the point; let us remember that three mosques were perceived to be sufficiently threatening to provoke a successful referendum to ban mosques altogether in Switzerland. Muslims have often claimed that Western powers implement a policy of “two weights and two measures” when it comes to matters related to Islam. They stand to be proven right if we accept to call the horrendous Oslo attacks an arbitrary act committed by a rogue killer rather than admit that this is the unfortunate expression of broader extremism that needs to be tackled. Let us not commit the error of calling Muslims who shoot others terrorists whilst calling non-Muslims who do the same rogue killers. The taking of innocent lives to make a political point, what Anders Behring Breivik did, is an act of terrorism that reflects an intolerant ideology. We owe his young victims the intellectual honesty of saying that much.

Before you click away, we’d like to ask you for a favour … 

 

Open Canada is published by the Canadian International Council, but that’s only the beginning of what the CIC does. Through its research and live events hosted by its 18 branches across the country, the CIC is dedicated to engaging Canadians from all walks of life in an ongoing conversation about Canada’s place in the world.

By becoming a member, you’ll be joining a community of Canadians who seek to shape Canada’s role in the world, and you’ll help Open Canada continue to publish thoughtful and provocative reporting and analysis.

Join us