The Independent: Switzerland, Europe's Heart of Darkness?

[Greeby]

http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2938940.ece

Switzerland: Europe's heart of darkness?
Switzerland is known as a haven of peace and neutrality. But today it is home to a new extremism that has alarmed the United Nations. Proposals for draconian new laws that target the country's immigrants have been condemned as unjust and racist. A poster campaign, the work of its leading political party, is decried as xenophobic. Has Switzerland become Europe's heart of darkness? By Paul Vallely

[KamaAina]

1. Meanwhile, Ireland (yes, Ireland!) is showing the way

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0905/p06s02-woeu.html

Dublin, Ireland - As Europe wrestles with its relatively new status as an immigrant continent, an unlikely leader is emerging: Ireland.

Historically known for its high emigration rates, the island nation has exploded with newcomers from 150 different countries in the past decade – and taken some innovative steps to help its new residents settle in....

A combination of low and highly skilled workers, the newcomers have fueled the Celtic Tiger economic boom – as well as social upheaval. But while Ireland has struggled with racism and other tensions, it's experienced nothing like the Paris riots of 2005 or the homegrown-terrorist attacks that rocked London in 2006 and Madrid in 2004. Some newcomers credit the proactive stance of the government, which has allowed noncitizens to participate in local politics and join the police force.

"By allowing immigrants to participate in society, Ireland has accepted the first generation of immigrants," says Rotimi Adebari, a Nigerian who in June became Ireland's first immigrant mayor. "I think my election is a model that can be showcased throughout the world. What Ireland has done is very unique."

Ireland's first immigrant mayor:



Erin go bragh!

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. On the other hand ...

Black children left out of Irish schools

Source: Yahoo

DUBLIN, Ireland - Almost all the children who could not find elementary school places in a Dublin suburb this year were black, the government said Monday, highlighting Ireland's problems integrating its increasingly diverse population.

...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2976445